Certintell

November “Industry Insights”— FQHC and Care Management News Feed

FQHC news

Certintell’s newest blog series, “Industry Insights,” takes a look at what topics are buzzing with popularity in the mHealth and care management arena for Community Health Centers (CHCs), FQHCs and other community-based organizations. Here, you can explore how legislation might affect your workflows, what statistics might be preventing better patient outcomes and tips for pushing past your biggest care barriers. Stay on top of what FQHC news you should know below! This month, industry leaders discuss and take measures to prepare a new era of care for 2023 and beyond:

 

CMS Releases Final Rule for 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

This month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee. Here are some of the key updates clinicians and other health care professionals should keep in mind for the next year:

 

November Was National Diabetes Month

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, with more 37 million Americans having been diagnosed. Patients living with diabetes accrue twice as much in medical costs than patients without, which often leaves patients with the condition in heavy financial burden.

November was National Diabetes Month, with this year focusing on empowering patients with the right tools and right information to help them stand up to diabetes. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging patients to gather and maintain a team of healthcare staff and personal supporters that can keep them on track to manage their condition. Many organizations think this can be done through putting knowledge and information directly in the patient’s hand. Download and share resources to spread the word to your patients living with diabetes: 

 

Public Health Emergency Extended Again

HHS did not alert stakeholders of any intent to lift the COVID-19 public health emergency, which means the PHE will remain in place until January 11, 2023. The PHE, first declared in January 2020 and renewed every 90 days, has had a huge impact on the healthcare system. Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP have seen a 26 percent increase in enrollment, but it is estimated that as many as 15 million Americans may lose their health coverage once the PHE has ended. Additionally, the PHE has granted additional flexibility in how health organizations operate.

HHS will give stakeholders a 60-day notice in January if they intend to let the PHE end.

 

Most Adults in Medicaid-Enrolled Families are Unaware of Renewals Resuming in the Future

In other important FQHC news: At the beginning of the pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act prohibited states from disenrolling members from Medicaid during the PHE. When the PHE ends, millions of Americans could lose their insurance due to eligibility requirements or a lack of knowledge around the renewal process. The Urban Institute recently conducted a study and found that most adults were unaware of the return of Medicaid renewals once the PHE ends. They also found that:

It’s recommended that state agencies, FQHCs and other health organizations increase communication efforts to prevent unnecessary coverage losses and lessen the information gap among Medicaid enrollees. 

 

White House Announces $4.5 Billion to Lower Heating Costs for Families This Winter

The Department of Health and Human Services announced it will provide $4.5 billion to help lower heating costs for American families. HHS will allocate these funds, under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, to states, territories, and tribes. In addition to subsidizing heating costs and covering unpaid utility bills, the federal program will help families make cost-effective home energy repairs to lower their utility bills. 

Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327.

 

Check back here for more FQHC news at the end of every month! 


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