Massachusetts Health Connector’s Post

CHIA has released summary results from the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 (𝗠𝗛𝗜𝗦). The MHIS is a statewide, population-based survey used to track and monitor health care coverage, access, and affordability trends in the Commonwealth. The MHIS also provides critical socio-demographic data that enables CHIA to analyze trends across different populations, with a focus on health equity.       While Massachusetts residents continue to have a high rate of insurance coverage (at 98.3%), access and affordability issues continue to persist across all groups regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, health status, or family income. Uninsured residents in Massachusetts were disproportionately adults aged 19 to 64, males, Hispanic residents, and/or residents with a family income below 300% of the federal poverty level.    In the 2023 survey, new questions on primary care, telehealth, and behavioral health were included to capture data on the changing post-pandemic health care landscape. Results show that among the 15.0% of Massachusetts residents who reported paying for their most recent mental health care entirely out-of-pocket, the most frequently reported reasons for doing so were that the provider does not accept any health insurance or their preferred provider did not accept their insurance plan.    For the first time, the MHIS report also includes 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱. Go to CHIA's MHIS webpage to see more information and the latest results.   https://lnkd.in/eRGjUkn   #Massachusetts #healthcare #healthequity #mentalhealth

Attention Health Plans - 3M/Solventum has a slick new offering called Data-to-Action (DTA). Hit a simple data spec and receive back actionable reports enriched with our powerful population health methodologies. These reports help you better identify your plan's clinically complex members for more targeted care management efforts, improved member engagement and cost reduction. Read my somewhat embarrassing blog post below for more information and call us. #payers #healthplans #ahip #medicareadvantage #bcbs #caremanagement

#ICYMI What does it take to overcome barriers to care for marginalized communities? Here's a look at the latest #healthdisparities data on patient access to care from the PAN Foundation -- and a conversation with two leaders in health equity on what it takes to create more equitable access to care: https://lnkd.in/eQ2mzfHZ

Excited to share this article that highlights insights on tackling Social Determinants of Health (SDOHs)! It delves into how these social factors impact access to healthcare and the innovative solutions healthcare leaders are implementing. SDOHs encompass a range of factors, from income disparities to racial bias and discrimination, language barriers, and geographic limitations. These challenges can hinder individuals from accessing vital care, perpetuating health inequities. At Providence Health Plan, we're committed to addressing these disparities through initiatives like our food insecurity pilot program, a vital component of our Health For All initiative. By understanding and addressing the root causes of health inequities, we can create a more inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of all patient populations. Join me in the fight for health equity! Let's ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the care they need to thrive. #HealthEquity #SDOH #HealthForAll https://lnkd.in/eYBnvXP4

CMS has published a fact sheet outlining it's work in #ruralhealth. The problem is that the fact sheet states that "from January 2010 to September 2022, 140 rural hospitals have completely closed." Many of the programs CMS is focusing on involve improving health equity and population health, but if hospitals are still closing, equity and access will only get worse. Am I wrong in thinking that policies focused on doing everything possible to keep hospitals doors open in rural communities are the best way to improve health equity and population health? https://lnkd.in/gDsj6GFK

New Report, Community Health Centers Grew Through 2023, But Serious Hazards Are on the Horizon features in-depth analysis of 2019-2023 trends in health center services, staffing, and financial metrics. While health center patient volume and visits have grown, nearly half had negative margins in 2023 as costs outpaced revenue, a consequence of the Medicaid unwinding and the end of COVID supplemental funds. This trend is expected to continue.. This report is the first to look at the current and potential shortfalls for health centers as COVID-era protections come to an end. Authored by: Kristine Namhee Kwon, Leticia Nketiah, Feygele Jacobs, Sara Rosenbaum, and Leighton Ku The George Washington University- Milken Institute School of Public Health #fqhc #CHCs #communityhealthcenters #valueCHCs https://lnkd.in/egkF7q-Y

Rural health faces unique challenges, notably the troubling trend of rural hospital closures across America, which deepens health disparities in these communities. The closure of rural hospitals, driven by staffing shortages, declining reimbursement rates, and reduced patient volumes, leaves residents with limited access to crucial specialty care. This systemic failure not only exacerbates health inequities but also challenges the foundation of patient care in vast geographies. To mitigate health risks in rural communities, innovative strategies like the "hub and spoke" model of specialty care, supported by comprehensive, data-driven solutions, are essential. By harnessing advanced analytics and AI, alongside the rich tapestry of ambient data, we can create a more accurate picture of healthcare needs and provision in rural areas. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenge of access but also paves the way for sustainable healthcare delivery that ensures every individual, regardless of zip code, receives the care they deserve. https://lnkd.in/echZqyUJ #RuralHealth #HealthEquity #DataDrivenHealthcare

Did you know? The latest review from the Kansas Health Institute reveals that 20% of Hispanic Kansans experience higher uninsured rates. Cultural, economic, and legal challenges are key factors contributing to this disparity. This emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize health equity across the state and advocate for affordable and accessible healthcare for all. #HealthEquity

"These findings suggest that experiences of patients seeking free preventive care differ on the basis of their demographics, leading to inequities in accessing basic preventive care." ... "... at-risk populations, including low-income patients, patients with a high school degree or less, and patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, experienced higher rates of claim denials. The most frequent denials were noncovered service–diagnosis code pairs and billing errors." This is unacceptable and should not be happening in a modern, first world health care system with so much money sloshing around. The high-value health care services (#VBID VBID VBID!!!) are critical to both a healthy populace but also avoiding much more pain, suffering, and spending later on. https://lnkd.in/eFBzZRdi

Black and brown people die earlier than their white counterparts in every state.   According to a recent analysis by the The Commonwealth Fund, Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations are more likely to die before age 75 from preventable AND treatable illnesses, including infections and certain cancers, than white populations.   Despite the expansion of coverage through the Affordable Care Act, disparities in healthcare access between white individuals and Black and brown populations exist across all states.   The report noted, these groups have more problems accessing care. If the care they receive is not quality care, then they have worse health outcomes compared to white populations in many states.   The The Commonwealth Fund analysis, conducted using publicly available data from over 328 million people during 2021 and 2022, shows the need for policy and health system actions to achieve health equity.   Key analysis recommendations include:   1. Ensuring affordable, comprehensive, and equitable health insurance coverage for all. 2. Strengthening primary care services. 3. Improving healthcare quality and delivery. 4. Prioritizing and centering equity in health systems and providers' practices. 5. Investing in social services to address broader drivers of health. 6. Enhancing the collection and analysis of racial and ethnic data to identify and address gaps. 7. Developing equity-focused measures to inform and evaluate policy.   We have much work to do.    As we move forward, it’s important to remember to work collaboratively so we can find solutions to a challenge much bigger than any one of us.   Join KC Health Collaborative's community table to address these issues together.   Let’s get to work.   - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date about our efforts to advance health equity in the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #qualitycare #kansascity