January 31, 2023
NHIA responded to a CMS request for information on the modification of essential health benefits (EHB) required to be covered by Accountable Care Organization (ACO) plans. The association recommended that CMS delineate outpatient services coverage categories and include home infusion services as an EHB, noting that these benefits are nearly universally covered under employer-sponsored plans.
In addition, NHIA asserted that coverage of home infusion as an EHB would improve health equity by increasing access to services for patients living in rural areas, who may lack access to transportation and are unable to access infusion services in other settings.
Eliminating the inequities in how people access and receive health care can go a long way toward improving health care delivery, outcomes, and population health, according to Christina Ritchey from Optum Infusion Pharmacy. Equity in health care means the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
Attendees gathered for a morning coffee break after an engaging breakfast symposium from IgNS on PANS/PANDAS in Children. The beautiful backdrop overlooking the Potomac played host to some excellent conversations among professionals as everyone fueled up for a jam-packed day of education.
As we enter the third year since the global pandemic and a return to “normal,” you might expect that trauma and anxiety related to the crisis would be waning. In fact, the opposite is true, according to Alissa Putman, PhD with Johns Hopkins Community Physicians. In 2022, 65% of psychologists reported an increase in symptom severity, including stress, anxiety, and depression. All of which can affect health care’s most precious resource: its workers.
