Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services’ Post

In a recently published Health Affairs blog, Peter Shin and Caitlin Murphy, from GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, explore how Medicaid managed care is adapting to address social drivers of health for beneficiaries. The blog, based on findings from seven Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-supported studies managed by AcademyHealth, reveals a notable cultural shift in managed care organization accountability and innovation in addressing SDOH. It discusses recent Medicaid changes and new payment approaches and concludes with three key policy recommendations to support states interested in addressing social drivers of health. Read about the insights here: https://lnkd.in/gAwrijVF

Making health information accessible and clear can be key to connecting with those living in rural communities. The Targeted Rural Health Education project’s Dr. Kay Miller Temple and Dr. Dave Schmitz share how rural newspapers and avoiding medical jargon can help address health disparities in this short video at https://lnkd.in/gxjKEvzV. To view other videos that highlight Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services OMH Partners’ Health Equity work, visit https://lnkd.in/guwJV2Su. #RuralHealth #HealthEquity

A recent report highlights a rural healthcare crisis across the US, in particular states like Oklahoma. There are 39 rural hospitals in Oklahoma, or 50% of the state's total, at risk of closure. Even more alarming, 26 of these hospitals face immediate risk within the next 2-3 years. The closures threaten to drastically reduce healthcare access in rural communities, exacerbating existing health disparities. To address this, we must advocate for better reimbursement rates, supportive policies, and strengthen community partnerships to ensure these essential services remain available. Full report available here https://lnkd.in/gdsfc9KS

Mental health conditions remain the top telehealth diagnosis since the onset of the pandemic, rising from 34% to 67% of diagnoses. Starting in 2025, Medicare will require that beneficiaries have an in-person visit within the last 6 months to access telemental health care. This requirement only applies to telemental health care, thereby perpetuating inequities in accessing these desperately needed services. Contact your Congress representatives today! #NASW #advocacyforchange

Call to Action: Achieving Universal Health Coverage As we conclude our campaign on Universal Health Coverage, it is essential to remember that every individual has a role in ensuring #HealthForAll. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. Our mission has been to highlight the importance of UHC and to mobilize communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers to take action. Join Us in Making a Difference We need collective effort and commitment to make Universal Health Coverage a reality. Here's how you can get involved: Raise Awareness: Share this message and spread the word about UHC. Advocate: Engage in discussions and advocate for policies that promote equitable healthcare access. Support Initiatives: Contribute to and support organizations working towards achieving UHC. Together, we can ensure that health is a right, not a privilege. Let's work towards a future where everyone has the healthcare they need without facing financial hardship. Join us in the journey towards #HealthForAll and #LeaveNoOneBehind. Remember, your involvement can make a significant impact. Health for all is achievable, but it requires action from each one of us. Let’s make it happen! #VIP #WAIPH #APH #PublicHealth #UHC #leavenoonebehind

Underinvestment in #PrimaryCare contributes to major crises in our health care system. If we invest more, we can see expanded access to care, improved health outcomes and slower cost growth for patients, and more. Learn more in our recent issue brief: https://lnkd.in/equA_Mcz

Under the CMS IQR program, hospitals must screen for social drivers of health starting in 2024. Learn about the impact of these measures in our blog: https://loom.ly/WpDXbtQ #HealthEquity #SDOH #HealthcareAnalytics #MedicalResearch #HealthcareReform #IQR #HealthPolicy

Providers and healthcare organizations are working to mitigate downstream health effects by screening patients and coordinating care with local organizations. Despite high rates of screening for issues like food and housing insecurity, there's a disconnect between the needs patients worry about most and what they're screened for. As payers and policymakers push for more screenings through data reporting and quality measures, there's an opportunity to better align screenings with patients' needs. Via Commonwealth Fund: How U.S. Health Care Providers Are Addressing the Drivers of Health ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q02y-VTb0

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is essential for ensuring healthcare access for everyone, especially in communities with limited transit options. In Washtenaw County, NEMT services bridge critical gaps, helping patients access routine care, prevent complications, and reduce costly hospital visits. This report explores how local agencies, Medicaid models, and community-driven innovations are making a difference. Learn more about how NEMT supports health equity and better outcomes. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gwi7zBQp #HealthForAll #NEMT #WashtenawCounty #HealthcareAccess Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Washtenaw County Health Department

Hiding in Plain Sight: Investing in Primary Care Can Heal Our Dysfunctional Health Care System A new issue brief from the Primary Care Collaborative outlines how strengthening primary care can help slow the rise of chronic conditions, restore trust in the health system and curb rising costs. https://lnkd.in/g_9eYDtW #primarycare