Weekly E-Blast:
Voicing the latest news on Communities in Need
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National Health Center Week, August 9-15, is just around the corner! What is your Health Center hosting to celebrate? Please inform us at MACHC of any events!
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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.
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Thank you to all of you who joined
at our Clinical Informatics Conference.
Congratulations Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS) and GBMS CEO, Colenthia Malloy...
on being honored at the the American Cancer Society and the Washington Redskins', led by TanyaSnyder, hosted "A Crucial Catch" Day Of Appreciation Friday, May 8, 2015, at Redskins Park in Loudoun County, Va.
National Health Center Week 2015
is around the Corner!
National Health Center Week 2015 (#NHCW15), August 9-15, is closer thank you think! This year's theme is "America's Health Centers: Celebrating Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future." #NHCW15 will be action packed as it coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of America's Health Centers. To ensure your Health Center has a great celebration, prepare now:
National Health Center Week 2015 Picture & Video Contest
#NHCW15 is fast approaching, and so is the #NHCW15 Picture & Video Contest sponsored by Amerigroup and NextGen Healthcare. Check out the Guidelines for the #NHCW15 Picture & Video Contest. The contest is an opportunity to use your creativity to garner some national attention for your Health Center. This year, NACHC has some excellent new prizes, including a chance to win a NHCW 2016 sponsorship, a chance to be featured in the 2016 NHCW Calendar, and much more!
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Reminder:
MACHC Announces its Newly Launched Provider Credentialing Services (look under Shared Services Corner)
For a subscription cost, MACHC will provide initial and re-credentialing services to our members.
For more information please contact Bernadette Johnson at bernadette@machc.com
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(1) Outreach & Enrollment Call
Friday, July 10th, 2014
1-866-740-1260 Access 4319483
Who: Outreach Staff
Discuss state updates, best practices, barriers/issues that need attention and provide any support and advocacy where needed.
(2) September 17-18, 2015
Operations Leadership
Turf Valley Conf. Ctr., MD
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Board of Directors Meetings:
(Third Friday @ 11:00 a.m.)
September 17, 2015
Board Retreat
Turf Valley
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(1) Increasing Access to Integrated Behavioral Health Services:
A Region III Webinar Series
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July 9, 2015: An Introduction to Habilitation Therapy for Alzheimer's and Dementia
- July 16, 2015: What is SBIRT and why should we use it?
- July 17, 2015: An Introduction to Telemental Health
- July 23, 2015: Prescription Drug Abuse: Let's Stop the Epidemic
- July 30, 2015: HIV and Behavioral Health: What Providers Need to Know
- July 31, 2015: The toxic legacy of lead: It's negative impact on behavior in children and society
For full descriptions and registration inform for the webinars, please click here.
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(2) THREE-PART WEBINAR SERIES: IT'S REALLY HAPPENING...ICD-10 REGISTER HERE
June 25, July 2, and July 16, 2015 | No Charge
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NACHC is pleased to present the three-part webinar series "Is Really Happening...ICD-10". Each session will be presented twice, early AM and late AM, and provide diagnosis examples to determine what documentation is required for ICD-10. Please register only once for each session. Participants are encouraged to attend all three separate sessions.
June 25 | Webinar 1: Let's Review: ICD-10 Facts & Code Comparison
Early AM Session: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM EDT
Register NOW
OR
Late AM Session: 11:00AM - 1:00PM EDT
Register NOW
In the first installment of the series, participants will:
· Be provided with a brief introduction, including history and facts of ICD-10;
· Learn more about the anatomy of an ICD-10 code; and
· Gain knowledge about code comparisons and documentation.
Registration fee:
There is no charge for any of the webinars in this series. Registration will close 2 days prior to each session start date.
Speaker:
Shellie Sulzberger, LPN, CPC, ICDCT-CM
CEO/President
Coding & Compliance Initiatives, Inc
Recommended Attendees:
CMOs, Administrators, Clinical Administrators, Physicians, Physicians Assistants, and Nurse Practicioners
For additional information, contact Sherri Goemmer at sgoemmer@nachc.com
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(3) Public Meeting About the Use of Naloxone to Reduce Opioid Drug Overdose Fatalities - Wednesday, July 1, 2015 and Thursday, July 2, 2015 - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and HRSA is holding a public meeting to discuss increasing the use of naloxone to reduce the incidence of opioid drug overdose fatalities.
For more information, visit the Exploring Naloxone Uptake and Use Public Meeting Request for Comments Federal Register Notice. The registration deadline is Monday, June 22, 2015.
(4) Save the Date for the Maryland Chronic Disease Conference
On September 8-9, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland, DHMH will be hosting the Inaugural Chronic Disease Conference. The Maryland Chronic Disease Conference aims to explore challenges and opportunities in public health as well as approaches to prevent and control chronic diseases and associated risk factors. The conference will identify best practices, examine existing barriers, and develop a roadmap for future programs in Maryland. The core focus of the Conference will be the four CDC Chronic Disease Domains-Epidemiology/Surveillance; Environmental Approaches; Health Care System Interventions and Community Programs Linked to Clinical Services.
For more information please visit: Maryland Chronic Disease Conference
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Emergency Preparedness Events:
HHS Selects Nine Regional Ebola and Other Special Pathogen Treatment Centers
On Jun. 12, HHS announced its selection of nine health departments and associated partners hospitals to become special regional treatment centers for patients with Ebola and other severe, highly infectious diseases.
HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has awarded approximately $20 million through its Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) to enhance the regional treatment centers' capabilities. ASPR will provide an addition $9 million to these recipients in the subsequent four years to sustain their readiness.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in partnership with Johns Hopkins Hospital, has been selected to coordinate and facilitate the development of Johns Hopkins Hospital as HHS Region 3 Regional Ebola and Other Special Pathogen Treatment Center.
For more information, please refer to the HHS Press Release
<http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2015pres/06/20150612b.html>.
June 3, 2015. The Emergency Response Symposium 2015 was held in Shady Grove, MD where three main critical incidents' response in the 21st century were discussed in great detail. The three main emergency incidences included Joplin Tornados, Boston Marathon Bombings, and Aurora Theatre Shootings.
Lessons learned from these incidents were shared during the event. Here is a quick update on some of the lessons learned from the events.
Lessons Learned:
1. When in an emergency situation make sure your own family knows what to do (have a plan and talk about it, ie. Table-top exercise) so you can be involved and fully focused at work.
2. Put Emergency Response teams together and have an area for forestaging.
3. Utilize all existing communication tools especially your social media. You would be surprised how far the reach is...especially for your patients.
4. Active relationship/partnership planning
5. Can you utilize GIS Mapping or can your partner? That is an excellent resource. This goes to point out the importance of MOUs and partnerships!!
6. Establish a hierarchy of response (they suggested local, State then Federal at the Symposium but please check with your Regional Coordinator during your Regional Meetings)
7. Communication causes issues so make sure to have chain of communication and command.
Please find the After Action Report to the Boston Marathon Bombing here: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/after-action-report-for-to-the-2013-boston-marathon.html
A YouTube video from the day of the incident is here (please note the video is graphic from the day of the event): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j7LkuPzT1c
MACHC has conducted Active Shooter Exercises at two of our health centers and disseminated the information to everyone. I urge you to implement the table top simulation at your shops to better keep your health center sites prepared.
How Prepared Is Your Community for an Emergency?
Download the kit checklist:
Family communication and evacuation plan:
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ATTENTION MD FQHCS
2. DHMH Satellite Phone Recall FQHCs that still have the satellite phones distributed by DHMH 4 years ago, please send them back to:
L. Kay Webster, MPH
Office of Preparedness & Response
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
300 W. Preston Street, Ste. 202
Baltimore, MD 21201
3. Please get in touch with your Regional Coordinators if you have not already done so and be more active in your Regional Coalition. You should already have their contacts in emails I have sent within this year numerous times. Please find them below:
Regions I and II Health Care Coalition
[Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington Counties]
Alison Robinson
Allegany County Health Department
12501 Willowbrook Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-759-5238 (Office)
443-934-2232 (Mobile)
301-777-2069 (Fax)
alison.robinson@maryland.gov
Region III Health and Medical Task Force
[Baltimore City; Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties]
Edward Johnson
Harford County Health Department
120 S. Hays Street, Suite 230
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-877-1031 (Office)
443-388-6290 (Mobile)
410-420-3448 (Fax)
edward.johnson@maryland.gov
Region IV -
[Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties]
Kristin McMenamin
Kent County Health Department
A.F. Whitsitt Center
300 Scheeler Road, P.O. Box 229
Chestertown, MD 21620
410-778-4861 (Office)
443-690-3091 (Mobile)
410-778-4862 (Fax)
kristin.mcmenamin@maryland.gov
NEW REGION V COORDINATOR
Region V Emergency Preparedness Coalition
[Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's Counties]
Casey Owens
Office of Preparedness & Response
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
300 W. Preston Street, Ste. 202
Baltimore, MD 21201
casey.owens@maryland.gov
4. Find ATTACHED (Please click here) the guide was developed to provide hospitals in California with a useful tool for developing and implementing effective respiratory protection programs, with an emphasis on protecting health care workers from aerosol transmissible diseases. It was prepared by the Occupational Health Branch (OHB) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOS H) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). It sure looks like something that we can perhaps modify for Maryland.
, you will find the template for setting up a respiratory protection program in hospitals.
5. MACHC conducted two FQHCs with Planning for Onsite Drill/Exercise in February 5th & 6th, 2015. The follow up call with ALL MACHC member health centers and partners was held Thursday, March 12th. Due to the large file size of Active Shooter documents, an email to all attendees and FQHC POIs was sent out. Please alert Aneeqa Chowdhury (aneeqa@machc.com) if you have not received the link.
6. MACHC provided support to all Baltimore Health Centers during the Baltimore Riots end of April-May 2015. We thank all of our member FQHCs and partners for the support and seamless communication which created transparency and effective communication of needs during the pressing time. Please email us at MACHC if you have any comments regarding the events that occurred.
*** Look for the latest EP related updates RIGHT HERE!
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Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
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Obamacare is Here to Stay
Last Thursday's ruling is a victory for Americans and especially for those who depend on health centers for affordable and accessible healthcare. Over half (66 percent) of health centers are located in states in which the federal government operates a Health Insurance Exchange. A majority of the health center patients in those states are low-income and rely on the subsidies to maintain their coverage and options to care.
We know that many new patients coming to health centers now hold an insurance card for the first time in their lives. Yet, many of them previously delayed seeking the care they so desperately needed, resulting in complex health conditions that could have been prevented with timely access to care. Today is their day. They can keep their coverage and continue to afford life-saving care, whether at a health center or another healthcare provider. Whether or not they should get their care is no longer a choice they have to make. Their coverage now allows them to choose where to get the care they need, and that is good prescription for our nation's health.
The Supreme Court ruling affirms what many in the Community Health Center community believe, in both mission and practice: that all people deserve affordable health care AND coverage to ensure good health.
UDS Changes Include Oral Health Measure For more, see PAL 2015-05.
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has released Approved Uniform Data System Changes (UDS) for Calendar Year 2015 Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2015-05. Among the changes, the measures for the first time include an oral health measure: children aged 6 - 9 at moderate to high risk for caries who received a sealant on a permanent first molar.
Miss the NACHC webinar on Medicare FQHC PPS?
Did you miss the NACHC webinar on lessons learned on the new Medicare FQHC PPS or are interested in listening to it again? The recording is now available on the MyNACHC Learning Center and can be accessed here. You will need your NACHC username and password to access the recording. Please let us know if you have any questions or trouble accessing the recording.
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Save the Date: TeleForum, June 30 at 2 PM EST to Launch the Next Phase of Access is the Answer
Please join us for a NACHC TeleForum on June 30th at 2 PM EST to discuss thenext phase and action steps of the Access is the Answer Campaign. This phase and the advocacy action steps will focus on expressing appreciation to elected officials and others who supported continued funding for Health Centers as well as making the case for continued investment in the Health Centers Program today and in the future! It's more important than ever to keep building on the advocacy success and momentum of the Access is the Answer Campaign to ensure an even brighter future for Health Centers and the patients they serve. You can join the TeleForum by clicking here or call directly 1-877-229-8493 and entering PIN: 15035.
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Reminder: Health Centers Need to Verify PCMH Status
Health centers that have Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition by July 1, 2015, are eligible to receive the FY 2015 PCMH recognition supplemental base award.
As part of the PCMH recognition supplement, HRSA will award eligible health centers a base amount for recognition plus an additional per site amount.
To support the PCMH recognition supplemental base award, please review your health center's information in the table located on the PCMH Recognition Award webpage. If the information is correct, no further action is needed.
If the information is incorrect, or you have other questions, please send the corrected information and/or your questions to QualityDivision@hrsa.gov no later than Thursday, July 2, 2015. Use subject line "2015 Health Center PCMH Recognition Awards" and include documentation (e.g. certificates or official correspondence from recognition entities) of PCMH recognition (for each site, if applicable).
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Health Center Engagement Needed in Proposed Federal Budget
On Tuesday, June 16, the House Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee moved forward its proposed Fiscal Year 2016 appropriations bill, calling for funding of health centers at $5.1 billion. The Senate is expected to consider its Subcommittee funding bill as early as next week. NACHC and MACHC are engaging our congressional delegation to ask for their continued support of our funding request as an extension of their support of health centers following the avoidance of the funding cliff this spring. Please contact your member of Congress and ask that they support this appropriation request.
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HRSA Adjusts Some Health Center Budget Periods
Starting in fiscal year 2016, to ensure that all health centers have sufficient opportunity to prepare and submit their Service Area Competition and Budget Period Progress Report applications, Health Center Program grants will no longer be assigned November 1 budget period start dates. To facilitate this transition, existing grants with a budget period end date of October 31, 2015 will receive a budget period extension for up to four months. Impacted award recipients should have been notified through an EHB email message that refers to a May 2015 Notice of Award that reflects the new budget period end date (December 31, January 31, or February 29); and provide prorated funding for June 1, 2015 through the new budget period end date.
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Consumers by Large Margin Satisfied with ACA Coverage
According to a new survey, 86 percent of Americans receiving coverage under the Affordable Care Act from either government-run exchanges or expanded Medicaid coverage are "very" or "somewhat" satisfied with their health insurance. The Commonwealth Fund survey indicates the law is filling a medical care void with nearly 70 percent using it to get care and 62 percent saying they wouldn't have been able to either "obtain" or "afford" that care if it weren't for the law.
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Screening for Life offers lung cancer screening
Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer of Delaware men and women, accounting for more than 30 percent of all cancer deaths.
The Division of Public Health's Screening for Life Program now covers lung cancer screenings for uninsured or underinsured Delwareans who qualify for the Screening for Life Program and are not eligible for Medicaid or the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. The low-dose CT Scan is available to current and former smokers deemed at high-risk for lung cancer:
- Current smokers or those who quit smoking within the last 15 years
- Those who smoke or have smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 30 or more years
- Are 55 to 80 years of age
These high-risk individuals should visit HealthyDelware.org/lung or call 301-401-4212 to speak with a screening nurse navigator. Christiana Care Health System, Bayhealth Medical Center and Beebe Healthcare will offer the sceening.
Delaware's State Innovation Model (SIM) Update
Here are the slides
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While Maryland has its own insurance exchange program, advocates say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision Thursday upholding the Affordable Care Act will help millions of Americans who need medical care.
The Supreme Court ruled the federal government can subsidize people who use the national insurance exchange program.
Vincent DeMarco, president of Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, said while Maryland is not affected, the court again showed its support for affordable health care for all Americans. However, "The rest of America can rest easy that their health care would not be undermined," DeMarco said. "It would have been devastating for hospitals and patients all across the country if the decision would have gone the wrong way."
Maryland's state-run health care not affected by supreme court ruling
Regardless of the outcome, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday upholding federal subsidy provisions in the Affordable Care Act had no bearing on Maryland, which has its own health care exchange, according to experts. To watch the news piece, please click here.
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For a summary from NACHC on the latest activity regarding the 340B Drug Pricing Program, see the online summary.
There was also concern about the confusion a decision ending subsidies would have created among workers. For example, dependents who bought their own subsidized plans on the federal exchange because it was cheaper than being on a parent's plan, would likely have wanted to get on parents' plans, she said. Chaos would also have likely ensued if it was left up to Congress to come up with a legislative fix or for state legislatures to approve the establishment of state-run exchanges. The Supreme Court case hinged on whether the subsidies now available to about 6.4 million people were legal as language in the Affordable Care Act specified the subsidies were for people who lived in states that set up their own exchanges, as opposed to relying on the federal HealthCare.gov.
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NACHC is Offering a Free 3-Part ICD-10 Webinar Series
NACHC is hosting a three-part webinar series, "It's Really Happening...ICD-10." Each session - June 25, July 2, July 16 - will be presented twice, early morning and late morning, and provide diagnosis examples to determine what documentation is required for ICD-10.
Participants are encouraged to attend all three separate sessions and to only register once for each session. There is no charge for any of the webinars in this series. Registration will close two days prior to each session start date.
Click here to register.
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Impact of ACA on Primary Care Providers
Most primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants report seeing more Medicaid or newly insured patients and continue to accept new patients since major coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, according to a new survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation and The Commonwealth Fund. They also report little change in their ability to provide high-quality care. In addition, the 2015 National Survey of Primary Care Providers finds that a large majority of primary care providers are satisfied with their medical practice. Still, nearly half of physicians expressed pessimism about the future of primary care, while nurse practitioners and physician assistants are more optimistic. Read the brief for more on frontline providers' experiences with, and views of, the ACA.
CMS Assister Webinars & Supplemental Webinars
A list of supplemental webinars:
- Special Enrollment Periods and Resources for the Uninsured; Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 2:00 pm EDT: Click to register. To join by phone only: 1 (415) 655-0059, Access Code: 419-734-181, Pin code is the # key. Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 2:00 pm EDT: Click to register. To join by phone only: (415) 655-0051, Access Code: 564-443-351, Pin code is the # key.
- Got Coverage? Next Steps in Using Your Health Insurance; Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 3:00 pm EDT: Click to registerClick to register. To join by phone only: 1 (646) 307-1706, Access Code: 763-833-558, Pin code is the # key. Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 4:00 pm EDT: Click to register. To join by phone only: (415) 655-0051, Access Code: 379-833-859, Pin code is the # key.
- Affordable Care Act 101 Webinars for Small Employers**
- Spanish-language ACA 101 Webinars for Small Employers
Marketplace Call Center and SHOP Call Center Hours
Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center: For customer service support, to start or finish an application, compare plans, enroll or ask a question. 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Available 24/7. Closed Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
SHOP Call Center: For customer service support, including assisting employers and employees apply for and enroll in SHOP. 1-800-706-7893 (TTY: 711). Available M-F 9:00 am-7:00 pm EST.
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MACHC Conference Call Updates
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Outreach & Enrollment Planning Pre-Enrollment Season!
I. Maryland Enrollment
400,000+ Enrolled for 2015
- o 125,000+ enrolled in Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) (from 11/15/14 to 5/12/15). Enrollment continues with life changes.
- o 87% eligible for financial assistance, up from 80% a year ago
- o 275,000+ enrolled in Medicaid through Maryland Health Connection (11/15/14 to 5/12/15).
- o Special Tax Enrollment Period: 4,709 QHPs (3/15/15 to 4/30/15)
Maryland Health Connection's Social Media
- o 16,000+ both Facebook and Twitter Followers
- o Audience best reached were "young invincibles", their parents, African-Americans and Latinos
Adam Jones Radio Ad Last Enrollment Season (which MACHC helped sponsor with Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative)
- o Visitors on the weekend of Jones ad/press conference increased by 2,000 from prior weekend
- o Website conversations from MHC and on Pandora spiked after ad began to 1,193, up from 228 the day prior
Ongoing Need for Improved Customer Service and Consumer Assistance
- o Many consumers need help with online application. 25% of online applications incomplete since they needed help! This is where YOU come in!
- o Most consumers in need of help want to talk to someone:
- More than 1/3 want to speak to phone rep for assistance
- More than ¼ want in person assistance
- o Greatest difficulty in application process: 40% have trouble calculating income
- o Selecting health plan: More than half report having some trouble
- o Volume in Call center: Despite high functioning website, almost half million calls in three month during OE2.
- o In-person assistance: Outreach and Enrollment workers assistance thousands at enrollment events, store-fronts, local health departments, social
- o Services offices, clinics, hospitals, libraries, one-stop career centers
II. Outreach & Enrollment For Outreach & Enrollment Season 3 (OE3)
Top Ten List for OE
- a. Create a Follow-up Program
- b. Utilize Research & Tools
- c. Have a Consistent Message
- d. Collaborate with Partners & Coalitions on Planning
- e. Build New Relationships with Partners
- f. Know Your Political Climate
- g. Make an Internal Work Plan
- h. Know Your Community
- i. Set Goals & Objectives
- j. Train your Staff!
Opportunities for Creativity and Greater Efficiency:
- o Faith Community Health Network
- o Brokers
- o Consumer assistance hubs
- o Incremental website improvements
Outreach & Enrollment Training Resources:
- o National Immigration Law Center
- o National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association
- o In the loop: Connecting the Enrollment Community
- o Enrollment America
- o Families USA
- o CMS
- o Health Resources & Services Association
Adulting Learning: Toolkit from NQ Center for Public Health Practice
OE Goals & Objectives
- o Your outreach strategy should be designed to achieve specific goals:
- o Articulate what your program intends to achieve
- o Illustrate what needs to be accomplished
- o Offer insight into how to utilize resources
What are some outreach goals?
- 1. Raise the communities' awareness of OE3
- 2. Obtain buy-in from key stakeholders to actively promote OE3
- 3. Increase the consumers knowledge of health care and OE3
Have an Execution Plan
- o Identify Key Players
- o Set Goals and Objectives
- o Map Target area and venues and schedule events at those targeted areas (Use ASPE zip code level enrollment data)
- o Disseminate message to community
- o Build your Coalition
Messaging for Follow Up
Renewals:
- o Confirm they get covered
- o Find out if they were affected by a life changing event
- o Pre-book appointments
New Consumers:
- o Promote educational events
- o Find out if they were affected by a life changing event
- o Pre-book appointments
Outreach & Enrollment 6/5/2015 Call Update:
Thank you to those who called into the O/E Conference Call today. There are a few questions that we have that need addressing. Please find the information about the NEW CAC Training:
The new CAC training will likely take place in the September time frame. However, MHBE is aware that we may have folks that need training prior to then. On the last ACSE monthly call, MHBE's Director of Operations, Leslie Lyles Smith, asked for the ASCEs to provide MHBE with a count or list of folks that need training now. ASCEs were to send the list to mhbe.training@maryland.gov.
Post collecting all responses, MHBE is going to see if they could work out a training in between to cover them. If MHBE are able to put together a training in between that group will however have to take the system training again as the system training will contain all of the new system enhancements for open enrollment.
***Please note that this means that the June Training is for existing and already certified CACs for new system updates, not a new training!
Please note that all Connectors are still operational; those of you who had been partnering with another entity for Navigators and lost their partnership, please remember that the partnership from their end was linked to Connector. So please contact your Connector if you wish to partner with them for Navigators!
Utilize the following number for help with Identity Proofing Issues. Make sure to have all identifying and required consumer documents scanned online prior to contacting the number for help.
1-800-625-7138.
All Maryland CACs:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange's ACSE monthly meeting has been cancelled for Monday, April 27th. The call/meeting will meet next month on the fourth Monday of June.
June 22, at 10am.
Title: MHC-Application Counselor ILT System Training
Locator Number: 795
Date: June 25th, 2015
Time 10:30 am - 1: 30 pm
Registration close date/time: 6/22/2015 @ 12:00 am
Requirements for Webinar Completion:
1. You must attend the webinar session in their entirety. Participants who miss more
than 15 minutes of the webinar, as captured by entry and exit times throughout
the session, will not receive completion status for the training. For example, if a participant enters the online meeting space after 9:15 am for a webinar start time of 9:00 am, he or she will not receive credit for the training.
Participants must participate in the webinar through the Webex Meeting space and by phone for audio. If you are on the phone the entire time, but not signed into the
WebEx, you will not receive credit for the training. For this reason, we encourage you to remain logged into the online event during scheduled breaks and Q&A sessions.
2. You must log into the session on an individual computer with a complete and
accurate last name, first name, and email address. When joining the session,
please enter the same name and email address you used when registering for the
webinar on The Hub.
Participants who share a computer to attend the webinar will not receive completion status for the training, because their names and email addresses will not be captured
in the webinar attendance report.
3. Only participants who completed the required prerequisites and registered for the webinar through The Hub, before the registration deadline date and time, and satisfied the attendance requirements listed above will receive credit for completing the webinar.
4. Only registered participants will receive an email on how to access the webinar, to the email address that was used to register in The Hub, at least 24 hours before the
start of the webinar.
Thank you,
MHBE
Maryland--Call Center Note:
Direct Line for Navigators and CAC to MHBE Call Center--Regarding the Call Center # 844-224-6762 It should be noted that: If you need customer assistance from the call center, CAC's should call this number.
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Grants & Funding Opportunities
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USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program
Application Deadline: July 6, 2015
The USDA Rural Development (DLT) program provides increased access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas. For fiscal year 2015, $19 million is available; awards range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program finances telecommunications equipment, computer networks and advanced technologies for use by students, teachers, medical professionals and rural residents.
American Dental Association Semi-Annual Grant Program: Access to Care
Application deadline: July 31, 2015
Awards funding to projects that improve access to oral health care. Examples include screening programs, treatment programs, and dental clinics within a community healthcare facility. Eligibility limited to 501(c)3 organizations, awards limited to $10,000.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Access to Care Grants
Application deadline: August 3, 2015
Offers matching grants to support community-based initiatives that provide dental homes to children whose families cannot afford dental care.
Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Access to Care Grants
Application deadline: August 3, 2015
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers matching grants of up to $20,000 a year to support community-based initiatives that provide dental homes to children whose families cannot afford dental care.
HRSA FY 2016 Service Area Competition (SAC) Funding Opportunity Announcement
Application Deadline: due in grants.gov by 11:59 pm, ET, August 17; EHB by 5:00 pm Sept 1
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) released the FY 2016 SAC Funding Opportunity Announcement (HRSA-10-003) for service areas with a January 1, 2016 project period start date. Technical assistance materials for applicants, including frequently asked questions, are available on the SAC webpage. HRSA is hosting a webinar for SAC applicants on Thursday, June 25, 3:00-4:00 pm. Connect to the audio line using 1-888-769-9723; Participant Code: 1811768 and/or view the webinar the day of the session.
Federal Surplus Personal Property Program
Application Deadline: None
Eligible state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations, including health centers, can obtain property that the federal government no longer needs through the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.
BJ's Charitable Foundation
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Funding for hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, healthcare, and education to those who are underserved.
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.
National Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NCA) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) (HRSA-15-140) - HRSA released Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 NCA FOA (HRSA-15-140) which will provide approximately $3 million to support 3-4 awards to national organizations that will provide training and technical assistance to potential and existing Health Center Program grantees and look-alikes. The organizations will provide training in the areas of oral health services, health information technology and data, and clinical workforce development.
Applications are due to Grants.gov by Monday, June 1, 2015. This NCA funding opportunity is a Grants.gov only application.
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Check out the comprehensive Credentialing Checklist. This can help your health center adhere to all the regulations,receive the payments at the appropriate time and forecast any financial constraints due to credentialing early.
MACHC now offers a myriad of Shared Services for member convenience.
Please check out the attached flier for additional details on the services offered.
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Guides to Opioid and Alcohol Medication-Assisted Treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released two new publications for primary care and specialty providers focused on improving the health of patients with an opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder by using medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
o Opioid Brief Guide
o Alcohol Brief Guide
View more information on MAT.
Coping With Grief After Community Violence
SAMHSA developed the Tips for Survivors fact sheet to offer tips for coping with grief after an incident of community violence. The fact sheet introduces some of the signs of grief and anger, provides useful information about how to cope with grief, and offers tips for helping children deal with grief.
View the Tips for Survivors fact sheet
AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange Focuses on Improving Quality and Performance in Primary Care Clinics
The latest issue of AHRQ's Health Care Innovations Exchange highlights three programs that used innovative approaches to improve quality and performance in primary care clinics. The issue also features an article about AHRQ's soon-to-be-released Primary Care Practice Facilitation Curriculum. One of the featured profiles about improving quality and performance in primary care clinics describes a program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in which external facilitators worked with primary care practices to build their quality improvement capacity. Practice enhancement assistants worked across primary care practices to improve patient care through practice audits and feedback, staff training, sharing of innovative ideas among practices, support for development of systems and infrastructure, and development and coordination of quality improvement initiatives. Practice enhancement assistants also help practices participate in research that improves primary care delivery. The program has helped practices establish structures, processes and infrastructure (e.g., patient tracking capabilities) that have led to improvements in areas such as diabetes care and delivery of preventive services.
Using consistent terms and definitions to indicate the potential seriousness of drug-drug interactions (DDI) and plainly identifying interacting drug pairs are among the recommendations to improve patient safety in an AHRQ-funded study. Researchers recommended increasing the usability and consistency of DDI decision support tools to help reduce "alert fatigue," which can cause safety alerts to be ignored because they are triggered so often. The researchers-a group of 24 individuals that included clinical, informatics and computer interface design experts-identified seven core elements that should be included with DDI decision support. Their recommendations focused on consistent use of terminology, symbols/icons, color, minimal text, formatting, content and reporting standards
New CHIPRA Evaluation Highlight Focuses on Learning Collaboratives
AHRQ has published the 13th Evaluation Highlight from the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) Quality Demonstration Grant Program, now available on the national evaluation website under What We Learned. This Highlight describes the experiences of nine CHIPRA quality demonstration states that implemented learning collaboratives to advance the quality of children's health care in participating child-serving practices. States and practices found that a combination of strategies was needed to help practices improve medical home capacity and/or performance on clinical quality measures. Those strategies included offering incentives to encourage practice participation in the collaborative, combining classroom and interactive learning to keep practices engaged in the collaborative and providing individualized practice facilitation and support. AHRQ is leading the national evaluation of the CHIPRA Quality Demonstration Program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funds the evaluation. If you have questions or comments, please contact the national evaluation team via email.
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Health Observances This Week
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June is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness month
Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men's Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.
The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.
Get Good Sleep
Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep. Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Also, poor sleep is responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents.
Toss out the Tobacco
It's never too late to quit. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. It improves your health and lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
Also avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling other people's smoke causes health problems similar to those that smokers have. Babies and kids are still growing, so the poisons in secondhand smoke hurt them more than adults.
Move More
Adults need at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and muscle strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) on two or more days a week. You don't have to do it all at once. Spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller amounts of time during the day.
Eat Healthy
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Tame Stress
Sometimes stress can be good. However, it can be harmful when it is severe enough to make you feel overwhelmed and out of control. Take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Find support. Connect socially. Stay active.
Stay on Top of Your Game
See your doctor or nurse for checkups. Certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so checkups help identify issues early or before they can become a problem.
Pay attention to signs and symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, and problems with urination. If you have these or symptoms of any kind, be sure to see your doctor or nurse. Don't wait!
Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), or any others you may have. If your numbers are high or low, your doctor or nurse can explain what they mean and suggest how you can get them to a healthier range. Be sure to ask him or her what tests you need and how often you need them.
Get vaccinated. Everyone needs immunizations to stay healthy, no matter how old you are. Even if you had vaccines as a child, immunity can fade with time. Vaccine recommendations are based on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and your medical history.
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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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