MACHC
Weekly E-Blast:  
Voicing the latest news on Communities in Need
In This Issue

Next Enrollment Period starts
 November 15, 2014!!!
Have news to share with us? Want to be featured on our next E-Digest? Want to read about something in particular? Please email us at aneeqa@machc.com. 

Let's Stay Connected
    
May 5, 2014 
Reminder: Calendar Year (CY) 2015 Requirements for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Medical Malpractice Coverage for Health Centers Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2014-03 - HRSA has issued PAL 2014-03 to describe the process for Health Center Program grantees to submit FTCA deeming applications for CY 2015.
Applications are due by Friday, May 23, 2014, 11:59 pm, ET.
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations Richard Larison, CEO of Chase Brexton Health Services on his Baltimore Sun Feature!
Five questions... for Richard Larison, chief executive officer of Mount Vernon-based Chase Brexton Health Care
Richard L. Larison, CEO of Chase Brexton Health Services Inc.
May 02, 2014|By Kevin Rector, The Baltimore Sun

A few years ago, Richard Larison was leading efforts for Johns Hopkins Medicine International to expand health care access at a local hospital in Panama City, Panama, when a thought popped into his head.

"You know, there are still people in my own country that still don't have access to good health care," Larison remembered thinking.

Fast-forward to July 2012, when Larison stepped into a new role as CEO of Chase Brexton Health Care, a Baltimore-based nonprofit clinic embarking on an ambitious expansion in multiple suburban locations and a newly renovated headquarters in Mount Vernon.

Started in 1978 as a small volunteer operation serving gay men affected by the emerging AIDS epidemic, Chase Brexton now has a primary care practice, a pharmacy, dental services and mental health and substance abuse programs. The clinic serves about 25,000 people a year.

While it still considers the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community one of its core constituencies - gay men with HIV account for about 16 percent of its clientele, and it recently opened a LGBT Health Resource Center - Chase Brexton also sees its demographic shifting, Larison said, in part because of an influx of undocumented immigrant and younger patients.

"More people came under our umbrella, and we never really ask people to leave," he said.

The Baltimore Sun checked in with Larison to take the pulse of his tenure so far.

To read the answer to the FIVE questions Richard was asked, please click here.

MACHC Website Under Construction..... 

New Updates coming this SUMMER 

Technical Assistance Request Form 
---to be submitted prior to receiving any TA from MACHC---
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Access is the Answer Campaign Continues with Local Elected Official and Community Partner Support Letters

Health Center Advocates are already in full gear on the next phase of the Access is the Answer campaign: collecting letters of support from local elected officials and community partners. We are asking Health Centers to collect 5 letters of support from local elected officials and 10 letters of support from community partners by the end of May. Advocates need to show an outpouring of support from back home to make the case for Health Centers and to force Congress and the Administration to act to fix the cliff. Take action today and collect letters of support for your Health Center to help further the Health Center Movement. You can learn more about the Access is the Answer campaign by visiting the Campaign for America's Health Centers website and by watching this video featuring NACHC President and CEO, Tom Van Coverden, as he stresses the importance of the Access is the Answer campaign in protecting and strengthening the Health Centers Program.
 

In Case You Missed the Call: NACHC TeleForum Recording and Transcript Available

With Congress back in session and the Access is the Answer campaign continuing at full force, Health Center Advocates came together last week with NACHC policy and advocacy staff including President and CEO, Tom Van Coverden, for an important TeleForum reiterating the Health Center policy and advocacy strategy for the year ahead. Advocates also had the opportunity to ask their policy and advocacy questions directly to the experts. If you missed the TeleForum, you can still access the important information provided during the call. Visit the Campaign for America's Health Centers website here to access the call recording and transcript. 

Join the Access is the Answer Campaign and advocate for CHC Funding!

Health Centers are facing an unprecedented threat and a unique opportunity in 2014. Like every year, Health Centers will have to fight to secure annual funding from Washington. But unlike any year in Health Center history, this year we face a looming Health Center funding cliff - a potential 70% reduction in Health Center program funding scheduled to take effect in 2016. As Health Center Advocates we will also have to make sure that programs, like Medicaid, that are essential to our survival remain intact and strong in the face of efforts to save money.

These are threats to Health Centers AND to the more than 22 million patients Health Centers currently serve and the millions more that Health Centers will need to grow to serve in our communities. Your advocacy through the Access is the Answer campaign is essential if we are to ensure that Health Centers will be there for everyone who needs access to health care.

What can YOU do?

To make the Access is the Answer campaign a success, commit to taking 3 easy action steps:

Number 1: Sign the Access is the Answer petition. 

Number 2: Work with your Health Center leadership to collect Access is the Answer support letters from local elected officials. 

Number 3:  Work with your Health Center leadership to collect community support letters. 

The value of advocacy:

All politics is local. Congress and the President do really pay attention to the voices of those back home in the community. That means the most effective advocacy has to come from YOU back home.

The Access is the Answer Campaign will be asking Advocates to weigh in on many issues as the campaign goes forward, but if YOU and tens of thousands of Advocates take the 3 steps, we will be laying the foundation for success in a fight neither Health Centers nor our patients can afford to lose. Thanks for joining the Access is the Answer campaign and building the power of Health Center Advocacy.  
MACHC Happenings
MACHC EVENTS & WEBINARS
OTHER EVENTS & WEBINARS
(1) Cultural Competency 

Where: Dover Downs Conference Center, Dover, DE

When: May 8th - May 9th (attend 1 of the two 1/2 day sessions for the conference)

 

The training will consist of didactic training and panel discussion and will offer:

*   Discussions on cultural competency techniques

*   Importance of utilizing culturally sensitive language and behavior

*   Strategies for health entities to foster greater engagement with clients and co-workers 

*   Excellent networking opportunity   

*   Continuing Education Credits for Nurses have been applied for 

Register HERE  

 

 

 

(2) Recent Hypertension Guidelines

May 7th   I   12:30 - 1:30

Target Audience:  Physicians, Nurse Practitioners & Nurses

This webinar will provide an overview of new guidelines including the 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: Report from the Panel Members Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8).  Featuring Dr. Lawrence Fine, Eighth Joint National Committee Panel Member, the webinar will also offer considerations for health care providers and public health practitioners when selecting and supporting implementation of hypertension guidelines.
Presenter: Lawrence J. Fine, MD, DrPH, FAHA, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Member of Panel Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee 

Register HERE

  

 

(3) SAVE THE DATE
MACHC's Annual Conference
When: Thursday, September 18th - Friday, September 19th, 2014 
Where: Dover Downs Conference Center, Dover, DE
  • (1) Webcast: Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes Comparative Effectiveness Study (GRADE):
    • Utilizing Novel Approaches for Recruitment and PCP Engagement in a Comparative Effectiveness Study
    Friday May 9, 2014 2:00-3:00 PM EDT 

    This webcast is pending for up to 1.0 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). 

    Click here to register.

    (2) 2014 NATIONAL FARMWORKER HEALTH CONFERENCE

    DELRAY BEACH MARRIOTT, DELRAY BEACH FL
    MAY 14 - 16, 2014

    Migrant Health Centers are the early pioneers of the Health Center Movement. The Migrant Health Program that was written into the Public Health Service Act of 1962 set forth new thinking in this country that health care is a basic human right. It was the precursor of major social change in a decade of the 60's when the nation awakened to the poverty and hardship of a population for outside the mainstream. Migrant Health Centers became the model for community health centers nationwide with their core components of outreach, patient education, bilingual services, culturally-sensitive care, and community action and empowerment.

    To register, click here.

      

    (3) National Conference on Tobacco and Behavior Health

    When: May 19 - 20th 

    Location: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

    5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, MD 20852

    ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

    Individuals with a behavioral health condition are nicotine dependent at a rate of 2 to 3 times higher than the general population and consume more than 34% of all cigarettes smoked in the United States.

    The goal of this conference is to provide a platform for attendees to share their perspectives on how the health system working collaboratively can decrease these statistics. Focusing on integration, interventions, and the impact of the ACA (insurance), participants will have the opportunity to hear from and exchange ideas with national leaders, public health cessation experts, policy makers, researchers, and behavioral health prevention and treatment experts on current cessation activities.

    Click HERE to register. 

      

      

    (4) Stage 2 Meaningful Use Requirements Focus of May 29 Call

    One of the upcoming MLN Connects™ National Provider Calls will cover Stage 2 Meaningful Use requirements, reporting options, and the data submission processes for Eligible Professionals (EPs).  Register online for this Thursday, May 29, 1:30 pm - 3 pm, ET call that will cover:

     

    • the differences between Stage 1 and Stage 2 criteria
    • reporting quality measures once to meet multiple reporting requirements
    • the processes for submitting data

    EPs who have completed at least two program years under Stage 1 of Meaningful Use in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs are required to meet Stage 2 criteria starting in 2014, the first year of Stage 2 implementation. You can email questions in advance to e-measures@mathematica-mpr.com  no later than May 21 to be considered for inclusion in the presentation. 

     


    (5) Maryland Rural Health Association

    Call for Proposals The Call for Proposals is now open. The conference will gather rural health leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to discuss the major issues facing rural Maryland. Past conference attendees have pointed toward the value of illustrating best public health and community level practices as most useful to participants. Additionally, the conference planning committee is hoping to illustrate how recent statewide programs and policies have been implemented or are impacting rural Maryland both in terms of health and the economy. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: behavioral health, CMS Waiver implementation, Community Transformation Grant, the Affordable Care Act, oral health. Every proposal will be given consideration by the Rural Health Conference Planning Committee and presenters will be notified by June 13, 2014. 

    Please submit proposals online at Call For Proposals Due Date May 23, 2014.

    Outline of Information Asked on Online Submittal: Link

     

    (6) Office of Women's Health Quick Health Data Online

    The Office of Women's Health has announced the availability of telephone trainings on their new online information system - Quick Health Data Online.  The system contains data on demographics, mortality, reproductive and maternal health, disease incidence, and access to care at the county level for all states and territories.  It also includes data on prevention, violence, and mental health at the state level.  Where possible the data provided includes race, ethnicity and gender and, if able, age.  It incorporates graphing and mapping features so that the data of interest can be used directly as tables, graphs/chart and maps.  There will be two one-hour trainings per month: a basic training of an overview of the system and mapping and a second training that will provide emphasis on mapping techniques.  To access the calls, use the toll-free number:  1-877-925-6129; passcode, 410171 and go to the Quick Health Data Online website.  

    Quick Health Data Online 101 Trainings:

    • Monday, May 19, 2-3 pm, ET (Basic)
    • Wednesday, May 21, 11-12 pm, ET (Focus on Mapping)
    • Tuesday, June 17, 3-4 pm, ET (Basic)
    • Thursday, June 19, 1-2 pm, ET (Focus on Mapping)

    (7) Community Guide for Community Health Centers Webinar

    The Public Health Foundation, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) are offering a webinar on May 12 at 1:00 pm highlighting The Guide to Community Preventive Services, or "The Community Guide."  Hear from a health center that used the Community Guide to improve their patient's cancer screening rates.  The web-based resource was developed to complement evidence-based recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force.  It can be used by health centers to develop evidence-based systems of population management, support care planning and coordination, and build partnerships with public health agencies and community resources.  Registration is required.

     

    (8) Enroll America's State of Enrollment Conference

    When: June 16th-18th

    Enroll America will be convening their first national conference in Washington DC . This conference will offer trainings, workshops, keynotes, and events to learn and exchange best practices and prepare for the next open enrollment period. Early-bird registration rates expire on Friday, April 11th. Click here for more information.

      

    (9) SAVE - THE - DATE 

    2014 COMMUNITY HEALTH INSTITUTE (CHI) & EXPO at MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT

    AUGUST 23-27, 2014

    REGISTRATION IS NOT YET OPEN!

    Community Health Institute (CHI) & EXPO is THE largest and most important annual gathering of 2000 community health center  managers, clinicians, employees, board members and leaders. Every aspect of the community health center movement is represented and  fully-vested at CHI, making it an excellent networking opportunity. CHI provides essential up-to-date information, training and technical  assistance on the latest community health center challenges, providing professionals in the industry with cutting-edge strategies for community health center success                                       

    Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
    National News
    Reminder: Maintain an Up-to-date Scope of Project - 
    Health centers must maintain an up-to-date and accurate scope of project, including service area, in their health center scope file. An accurate recording of scope is essential because, among other benefits, it is often used to determine eligibility for funding including under the Service Area Competition (SAC) funding process. The following resources can help with maintaining an accurate service area in Form 5B: Service Sites in the Electronic Handbook (EHB): 
    o  Policy Information Notice (PIN) 2008-01: Defining Scope of Project and Policy for Requesting Change describes health centers' responsibilities for establishing, approving, and changing the scope of project.

    o The Uniform Data System (UDS) report can inform a health center's service area and serve as a resource for determining if updates are needed to the listing of ZIP codes in Form 5B: Services Sites.

    Don't Forget...Revalidation of ALL Providers Required

    All providers and service locations are required to complete a revalidation process by March 24, 2016, and are encouraged to do so sooner rather than later to avoid processing delays. The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) asks that you review the following recent Quick Tips (QTs) and pass them along to friends and colleagues to help prepare and increase awareness for the ACA Provider Enrollment and Screening Mandatory Revalidation/Re-enrollment.

     

    QT 173: Reminds providers to revalidate whether they are fee-for-service or managed care providers 

    QT 172: Helps you find the revalidation date for each service location on the electronic provider portal

    QT 92: Helps providers register and create a portal account

    CMS Releases Final Rule on Medicare FQHC PPS

    On April 29th, 2014, CMS released its final rule with comment on the development of the Medicare PPS. While we are still reviewing the rule, we wanted to let you know that it establishes a single PPS rate, with a geographic and other adjustments, and will go into effect October 1st, 2014. The final rule also addresses two of the major issues NACHC raised in its comments on the proposed rule last year. CMS will allow Medicare reimbursement for multiple visits on the same day and creates "G codes" which allow for a more "apples to apples" comparison on the provision that calls for Medicare to reimburse at 80 percent of the lesser of the PPS amount or actual charge. NACHC will be following up with more detail.
    Thanks to a new reimbursement system ordered by President Obama, community health centers across the country are set to see Medicare reimbursements increase by as much as $1.3 billion over the next five years.
    On Tuesday, April 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized its prospective payment system for Federally Qualified Health Centers, which is set to increase reimbursements by nearly 32%.  According to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, "The new payment system helps increase the ability and capacity of federally qualified health centers to provide essential and affordable services for even more patients who need care.  These FQHCs are essential to countless patients in local communities who depend on them for getting their primary and preventive care."
    Houses passes bipartisan fix to health law

     Working to restore the competitive edge of U.S. insurance companies selling coverage to expatriates, the House has passed a fix to the health care law that exempts plans sold to this group from meeting coverage requirements outlined by the Affordable Care Act

    World Health Organization: No, Seriously, Stop Abusing Antibiotics

    "The problem is so serious that it threatens the achievements of modern medicine. A post-antibiotic era-in which common infections and minor injuries can kill-far from being an apocalyptic fantasy, is instead a very real possibility for the twenty-first century."

    That's according to a 257-page warning today from the World Health Organization (WHO) about increasingly unbeatable, pervasive infectious agents. The analysis of 114 countries is the most comprehensive global look at antimicrobial-drug resistance to date, and it found "very high" rates of resistant infections across all regions, including "alarming" rates in many parts of the world.

    Telemedicine Policy Draws Opposition From Patient Advocates, Health Care Providers  New guidelines issued by the Federation of State Medical Boards could have a chilling effect on the growth of telemedicine - especially in rural areas and among low-income patients, say some patient advocates, health care providers and health care companies. But the federation says the updated guidance will safeguard patients' privacy and ensure high-quality care in the current fast-changing health care delivery environment
    A Late Rush To Sign Up For Insurance
    The number of people signing up for health insurance through the federal marketplace soared in March, exceeding the number who signed up in the previous five months, the Obama administration said Thursday in its final report on enrollment under the new health care law. The report, for the first time, provided information about the racial and ethnic backgrounds of those signing up. Of the 3.8 million people in the federal exchange who voluntarily disclosed such information, 63 percent were white, 17 percent were black, 11 percent were Hispanic and 8 percent were Asian, officials said 
    Obama Administration Says 28% Of Health-Law Enrollees Are 18 To 34 Years Old
    The data, released Thursday by the Obama administration, painted a more complete picture of enrollment in the plans. They show that about 28% of people picking plans on the state and federal insurance exchanges by April 19-after most states' enrollment deadlines passed-were 18 to 34 years old, a generally healthy group. The proportion is higher than previous counts. But it is significantly below the 40% level that some analysts consider important for holding down rates by balancing the greater medical spending generated by older enrollees
    State News
    DELAWARE

    A late surge in activity boosted Delaware's health insurance enrollment numbers to 18,614 since sign-ups started last October. The enrollment period is now closed, except for those who have certain qualifying life events. Enrollment for 2015 opens Nov. 15. For more information, visit  http://bit.ly/1mlOqc1

    MARYLAND

    Just under 30 percent of Maryland adults who enrolled in the state's health exchange are under age 35.

    Young adults were the most sought-after enrollees for the state and federal online insurance marketplaces as a way to balance out the large number of older residents expected to flock to the exchanges. In Maryland, 29 percent of the people who signed up for health insurance through Maryland Health Connection, roughly 19,600 of 67,757 total enrollees, were between age 18 and 34, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Maryland had been looking to enroll a total of about 70,000 people for the first enrollment period.
    Finance & Business

    Who really pays for health care might surprise you

    With an additional eight million Americans now enrolled in health insurance, there are many misconceptions regarding who pays for what.

      

    As millions of Americans obtained insurance during the first part of the year, health care spending increased by 9.9%, offering a much needed boost to the economy.   
     
    Millions of dollars in debt to various agencies, the Specialty Hospital of Washington may be forced into bankruptcy this year unless administrators are able to get the facility's finances in order.  

     According to a new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, state-run insurance exchanges spent an average of $17.15 per uninsured individual during this open enrollment period, which is more than double the per enrollee costs associated with the federal exchange. 

     
    The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has scheduled a variety of financial and operational trainings for health centers, including: 
     
    April 30-May 1, 2014 - Miami Beach, FL   
     
    May 7-8, 2014 - Philadelphia, PA
     
    May 21-22, 2014 - Memphis, TN
     
    June 4-6, 2014 - San Diego, CA
     
    June 10-13, 2014 - Portland, OR
     
    June 25-26, 2014 - New Orleans, LA
     
    July 9-10, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV
     
    July 16-17, 2014 - San Diego, CA
     
    The
    Latest News on ACA

    OUR WORK IS NOT OVER

     

     

     

    HRSA ACA Webcast

    Plan to join the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on Wednesday, May 7 at 1:00 pm, ET for a webcast, Affordable Care Act (ACA) Accomplishments to Date and Opportunities Moving Forward. This session will discuss the impact of the ACA and enrollment numbers to date, HRSA Marketplace outreach and enrollment accomplishments, special enrollment periods and how consumers can qualify and enroll, and the role of assisters moving forward.  There will also be time allotted for questions and answers. Questions can be submitted during the webcast, or in advance to HRSAGranteeACA@hrsa.gov.  Click here to join the webcast
     

     

    To read the Marketplace Enrollment report visit:

    http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2014/MarketPlaceEnrollment/Apr2014/ib_2014Apr_enrollment.pdf

     

    For state-level tables highlighting enrollment-related information for the Marketplace visit: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2014/MarketPlaceEnrollment/Apr2014/Marketplace_StateSum.cfm

     

    To read the Medicaid Enrollment report visit: 

     

      

    "Exemptions and Special Enrollment" Webinar Offered

    On May 7, at 1:00 pm, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), due to numerous requests, has decided to present an updated version of their "Exemptions and Special Enrollment Periods" webinar.  If you have any questions based on your experiences since the close of open enrollment that you would like to see addressed in this webinar, please email them to: cloud@cbpp.org.   Click here to register for the webinar.

    In the fourteenth in the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' "Beyond the Basics" series of webinars titled "Beyond the Basics of Exemptions, Penalties and Special Enrollment Periods," we focus on triggers and timing for special enrollment periods, how people can qualify for exemptions from the individual responsibility requirement, and how the penalties for not having coverage are calculated.  We review information from past webinars as well as address new developments and updates.

     

    Friday Assister Webinar Series Slide Decks

    Updated slides on Limited Circumstance or "Complex Case" SEPs and the Change in Circumstance HealthCare.gov functionality are now posted on the Assister page on Marketplace.CMS.gov reflecting the  latest content from the April 18, 2014 assister webinar. The recently posted resources can be found here:

     

    Enroll America Resources:

     

    For other helpful outreach and enrollment resources, please click here. 

    For General FAQs on HRSA Health Center Outreach and Enrollment Assistance Supplemental Funding, click here. 

    Transformational Team Talk & Outreach Upates

    MACHC's ACA- Moving Forward Webinar

    To access the webinar slides, click here 
    For the webinar recording, please email Aneeqa Chowdhury at aneeqa@machc.com 

     

     

    The MHBE Call Center Hours of Operation & Holiday Closings for the period of May 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014 will be as follows:

     

    Hours of Operation

    Mon - Fri - 8am-6pm

    Sat - 8am - 2pm

    Sun - CLOSED

     

    Holiday Closings

    Memorial Day - May 26

    Independence Day - July 4

    Labor Day - September 1

     

    Exchange Updates for ACSE (CACs):

    For those application counselors that could not complete the previously scheduled Webinars, they will need to get in touch with mhc.trainingsupport@maryland.gov to un-enroll in order to be notified of future Webinar training.

     

    Application Counselor Sponsoring Entity (ACSE) Phone Call Notes from Monday, April 28, 2014:

    For webinar slides (which was later emailed by the Exchange), please CLICK HERE

    For Maryland Health Benefit Exchange's, click on the image below.

     

    Debbie Ruppert, Office of Eligibility Services, DHMH

    + Difficulty getting cases through MD Health Connection. Applications going through CARES. Meeting with CMS this week and talking about long term systems of use until Exchange moves towards the Connecticut system as the primary system. Going through system, business changes and design changes. 
    + PAC re-determinations will start in June.
    When faxing in applications, be sure to utilize the following cover page.

     

    Leslie Lyles Smith, Director of Operations, Exchange

    + MHC phasing out MD Health Connection system and transitioning into Connecticut system. For right now, the system only able to do determine Medicaid and QHP eligibility. Choosing health plan has been disabled. *Only eligibility can be determined at this time. Online, after eligibility is determined, prompt gives directions on follow-up steps to call MD Call Center. 
    + Open enrollment ended. Medicaid enrollment year around and on going. Anyone who wants to enroll into QHP - ended. IF there are triggering life events including birth, marriage, loss of coverage, change in income, citizenship changes...then that considered qualifying life event and qualifies them for special enrollment. Due to system limitations at this time, all life events like the ab must be reported to the call center. 

    + There are consumers eligible for Medicaid. Process to handle triage (determine whether consumer is Medicaid or QHP eligible). Hand off to the call center is very important during this time frame.

    + CAC will use MD Marketplace system differently in the coming months with the new system. The new system will require business process changes

    + User Assessment Testing will take place post system change and then a training for system changes for CACs in October.

    + During this time, Exchange MAY ask for feedback.

    + Right now working out gaps

    + What is the new database called? Maryland Health Connection

     

    Jody Hartzell - CAC Program Manager, Exchange
    Analysis of those trained:

    If anyone is in need of training, reach out to Jody at jody.hartzell@maryland.gov asap . As shifting to new system, if you have not let know Jody know training needs then you will miss out. New CACs, then may not be able to accommodate them until new group since trainings are not conducive for implementing for one or two people.

     

    Tia Witherspoon - CAC Training/ Exam Manager, Exchange

    One more additional three day webinar, and then last three hour webinar. One of each. Looking to do this, end of May. Hasn't been finalized but everyone should receive an email notification from the Exchange when enrollment for training is open. Looking for additional testing sites in Timonium, MD - May 8th, with a second session on May 9th for those needed to retest (not open to everyone). Those sessions have not been open yet; everyone will be notified by email when those sessions are open.

    Exam pass breaks. 1st pass rate: 66%, 2nd time exam takers:
    Tips for success:

    -       use participant guide; content comes from this.

    -       In addition to training, dedicate extra time to studying (participant guide)

    -       Three day webinar is an overview

    -       Be prepared for testing: arrive on time

    -       Issue a buddy system. Buddy up with other CACs to study

    -       Exam policy: CACs can take exam up to three times. Passing score 70% or better. After three attempts, you have to retake trainings but have to wait ONE year prior to taking the training.

     

    MHC Call Center Etiquette 

    + Introduce yourself by name and certification (CIS id on your letter) calling on behalf of consumer and give consumer's name.

     

    Questions asked on Medicaid:

    How is retro eligibility currently being processed?

    + If you have submitted the app through MHC, system cannot accomodate retro.

    There has to be a clean up project for those who requested retro on system. File those with local health dept or social services henceforth, system no longer has those capabilities. Through CARE system. Use paper applications.

    + NO MCO, enrollment broker system still survives. Enrollment broker will follow-up with applicant to do an MCO enrollment at a later time.

    + Connecticut system regarding the retro enrollment. There will be some way to do this whether via online or paper application.

    When submitting re-verification documents to the call center? How long before we anticipate before eligibility to be completed? If document submitted not acceptable, will call center notify enrollee or CAC?

    + Right now, turnaround time is 24 hours. However, the standard is no more than 3 business days. If document comes through and is not acceptable document, then consumer will receive phone call indicating this.

    If the consumer points CAC as authorized person to receive information. Will the appointed receive this information?

    Yes, appointed rep can be contacted via phone. However system is not receiving anything at this time so hard copy mailing may not go out.

    + There is a standard cover sheet being used where you check off what type of document it is for sending in verification form.
    Grants & Funding Opportunities

    HRSA:
    Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health:Improving Maternal Health and Safety (HRSA-14-134)
    Apply By: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 

    Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program States/Territories Part B Supplemental Grant Program (HRSA-14-048)
    Apply By: Wed, 28 May 2014 
     
    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Funding for hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, healthcare, and education to those who are underserved. Pennsylvania is one of the eligible states.
     
    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Provides seed funding to emerging nonprofits, or to new projects of established organizations in the areas of education; environment; health and human services; and hunger and nutrition. Pennsylvania is one of 13 eligible states.
     
    Application Deadline:  Applications Accepted on an Ongoing Basis
    The Community Response Fund supports organizations, activities, and events that address access to needed oral health care and community resources that improve oral health. Programs that address an immediate response to an urgent issue that impacts access to clinical care, provide short-term access to needed care for the underserved, or sustain organizations experiencing short-term challenges are the focus. A limited number of program concepts that provide longer term solutions or essential services for particularly underserved populations will also be considered. The program will also support Missions of Mercy clinics.
    Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Corner 
    • The AAFP has joined five other family medicine organizations in publishing the article "Joint Principles: Integrating Behavioral Health Care Into the Patient-Centered Medical Home" in the March/April 2014 Annals of Family Medicine. 
    • The behavioral health joint principles are intended to supplement, not replace, the original Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) that were released in February 2007. 
    • The new document builds on the seven principles laid out in the PCMH joint principles, integrating elements of behavioral health care into each.
    Clinical Quality 
    ECRI Offers Free Webinar on Effective Triage Systems
    The ECRI Institute, on behalf of the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), will be presenting a free webinar, Building and Maintaining an Effective Triage System, on May 13 and again on May 14.  Safely and effectively triaging patients is a critical patient safety process, and health centers face significant risks if patient triage is not done in a consistent and effective manner.  The webinar will cover the basic principles of triage and address the following questions:
    What are the credentials for a triage person?
    Register for the webinar by clicking on the date and time below.
     
    Get ready for FTCA Redeeming CY15: Greater Board Involvement, Increased Documentation
     The HRSA Electronic Handbook (EHB) began accepting FTCA redeeming applications for Calendar Year 2015 on April 16th. What's new this year?  The requirements under PAL 2014-03 include Board approval of more policies and procedures, a new emphasis on documentation and additional questions. The PAL made changes to the following application sections: review of risk management systems, quality improvement/ quality assurance plan, review of professional liability history and additional information. Health centers must submit their redeeming applications on or before May 23, 2014.
     

    FTCA Office Hours Webcast Series

    The HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC), Office of Quality and Data is hosting two additional technical assistance webcasts for health centers that will be submitting redeeming or initial deeming FTCA applications.

     
    "Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns for Healthcare Organizations" from ECRI Institute PSO and the Healthcare Risk Control System.
     
    Click on the links below or copy and paste the URL into your web browser to download each item:
    For additional information about our patient safety, quality, and risk management resources, please visit www.ecri.org/pso, or contact us at pso@ecri.org or +1 (610) 825-6000, ext 5558.
     
    Registration is required, if you want to link to these resources, please use:


    Cultural Competency Program for Oral Health Professionals (CCPOHP) -
     HHS has released the CCPOHP, a free e-learning program that offers information about cultural and linguistic competency for oral health professionals and the opportunity to gain up to six continuing education credits. Learn more about the CCPOHP.

    Toolkit for Linkage to Obesity Resources in Your Community

    The Agency for Health Research & Quality (AHRQ) has launched a new toolkit that was prepared by the State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and partners to help primary practices link to resources in their communities and improve the care of patients struggling with obesity.  The toolkit can help practices understand what resources are available and guide the establishment of productive partnership with community organizations.  It also provides guidance on improving patient flow, developing a bidirectional referral process, and increasing patient engagement.  

     

    Health Observances This Week

    Remember......

     

    April is Mental Health Awareness Month!

     

    Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May by reaching millions of people in the United States through the media, local events, and screenings.

    Mental Health Awareness Month also comes to The United States via the Mental Health America organization. During this month, National Health America runs a number of activities which are based on a different theme each year.

    In 2010, the theme was 'Live Your Life Well'. 'Live Your Life Well' was a theme designed to encourage people to take responsibility for the prevention of mental health issues during times of personal challenge and stress. The message was to inform the public that many mental health problems could be avoided by striving toward and making positive lifestyle choices in the ways we act and think.

    The theme for the 2014 Mental Health Awareness month is "Mind Your Health." A focus of this years theme is to create a motivational effort that will put toward the goal of building public recognition in regards to the importance of mental health and to the overall health and wellness of those around us. The association hopes to inform United States citizens of the connection between the mind and body; and intends to provide advice, tips and strategies that will encourage people to take positive actions and protective measures for one's own mental health, and whole body health.
    Has your FQHC joined the National Branding Campaign?

     

    With more than 43 billion people  eligible to enroll in private insurance starting this October 1, FQHCs strive to create an identifiable unifying identity for themselves. This is where the National Branding Campaign for Our Health Centers comes into place. 

    The campaign is a national branding effort to strengthen recognition of our Health Centers as a unified and nationwide network of quality community-based primary care providers.  Initially created at the state level by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) and its membership, the National Association of Community Health Centers has expanded the campaign nationwide.

     

    The FQHC Brand Components  

    MACHC recently hosted a Branding Webinar for MD and DE Health Centers with CEO of PACHC, Cheri Reinhart and Event and Communications Coordinator, Kirsten Keyes, as guest speakers. If you missed the webinar and would like access, please click here.

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