February, 2017 vol. 2 - In This Issue:
Great reading abounds about the importance of transparency and access, and the role and burden of patient engagement in guiding everything from innovation and delivery to the design of our healthcare delivery system. In Washington and in the state capitals, debate is ongoing about the "right way" to transform the healthcare system. Whether policy makers are talking about block grants vs. value-based reimbursement; essential benefits vs. VBID; individual coverage policies vs. HSAs and HDHPs. It's all jargon to the average citizen who is experiencing or managing a health condition, whether episodic or chronic.

A truly patient-focused and patient-centered policy landscape must first acknowledge that access is not just about "choice" but also includes far more complex factors such as geography, technology, price and issues such as transportation, health literacy and nutrition (just to name a few).

Effective policies must address all of these elements to Make America Healthy Again.
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Essential Facts About Health Reform Alternatives: Block-Granting Medicaid

How would block-granting Medicaid work?
States would receive a fixed, preset amount of federal Medicaid funding-a block grant-each year to use to provide health coverage to their low-income residents. The federal contribution to state Medicaid programs in a given year would not change if the number of enrollees were to increase or if the cost of health care services were to rise.   

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The Republican health-care plan the country isn't debating

With the debate about the Affordable Care Act drawing so much scrutiny, a broader Republican agenda to fundamentally change the federal role in health care is flying under the radar. It's the most important issue in health care we are not debating.
Many Republicans in Congress want to convert Medicaid to a block-grant program and transform Medicare from a plan that guarantees care into one in which seniors would receive a set amount of money to purchase coverage. 

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Harnessing Evidence and Experience to Change Culture: A Guiding Framework for Patient and Family Engaged Care

Patient and family engaged care (PFEC) is care planned, delivered, managed, and continuously improved in active partnership with patients and their families (or care partners as defined by the patient) to ensure integration of their health and health care goals, preferences, and values. It includes explicit and partnered determination of goals and care options, and it requires ongoing assessment of the care match with patient goals.


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Cancer patient, outraged by sky-high drug prices, organizes others to fight them

A new patient advocacy group launches Wednesday that distinguishes itself by focusing only on drug prices and eschewing money from the pharmaceutical industry at a time when drug makers are pouring millions into a campaign fighting efforts to regulate them.


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PBM clients call for more transparency on drug pricing

The cost of prescription drugs has always been a top issue for many employers and employees alike. With recent statements from President Donald Trump calling for a reduction in pricing and an increase in competition among drug companies, many in the healthcare industry are looking to value-based pricing as a way to alleviate cost. 


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What does "patient-centered" really mean?

As the Trump administration develops its replacement for the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare, soon to be TrumpCare), you will hear a lot about the term  "patient-centered."  Sounds terrific, right? About time the health care system gets redesigned around the needs of patients. After all, don't patients know  best  what they really need? Maybe.

Think about the last time you saw a doctor, or tried to see a doctor. If you are lucky, you were able to request an appointment online in a time period of your preference.



Passion + Quality = Change That Matters
  
I embrace the powerful opportunities in our evolving health care landscape. I founded Momentum Health Strategies to be a catalyst for change through continuous learning, diverse engagement and thoughtful policy and practice initiatives. I deliver innovative, strategic thinking and a passion for improving the patient experience. My personal drive and dedication to high-quality results will help you navigate the competitive terrain you face and convert your vision to action.

Momentum Health Strategies

Jennifer L Bright, MPA
(703) 628 - 0534