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Louisville Metro Community Services and Revitalization

Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens

July 26, 2011 

 

 

TOPIC 1 A “One Day Only Opportunity!” Help Wellspring Win a Hybrid Toyota Highlander on July 26^th – Tuesday 

TOPIC 2 Presidential Proclamation--Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act 

TOPIC 3 Closing Hours for Social Security Field Offices 

TOPIC 4 Accounting Assistant Needed 

TOPIC 5 Premier Issue of PTCL Update – A Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Newsletter 

TOPIC 6 Please join us for Challenging Behaviors for Family Caregivers 

TOPIC 7 NAMI Louisville invites you to Walk for Recovery

TOPIC 8 Newest Items on the National Institute of Mental Health Website - July 25, 2011

TOPIC 9 Seniors Hit Hard by Housing Scams, Over $16 Million in Losses Since 2010

TOPIC 10 FW: We'd greatly appreciate your help

TOPIC 11 Kentucky Voices for Health Update – 7/22/11

 

TOPIC DETAIL 1

 

July 26th is only day to vote.  You can only vote one time.  Facebook is the only  place to vote!

We Need Your Support! 

We're proud to announce that WELLSPRING  was selected as a finalist in Toyota's 100 CARS FOR GOOD Program  which will award 100 vehicles to 100 deserving nonprofits over the course of 100 days – all  based on votes from the public. 

Wellspring will be competing against four other non-profits (all from outside of the Louisville area) on Tuesday, July 26^th  to win a hybrid Toyota Highlander to help us transport clients to medical appointments, support groups, grocery shopping and to access community offerings that most of us take for granted.  

It is SO easy – and only takes a minute! 

On Tuesday, just go to the Toyota 100 cars for good facebook page, click on VOTE TODAY and select WELLSPRING.

That’s all there is to it! To make it even easier, just click here http://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/ 

Everyone wants to live full, rewarding lives - engaged in their community.  Our participants want that, too – and your support can help us help them to achieve that goal! 

REMINDER - The voting for Wellspring will ONLY take place on Tuesday, July 26^th  through Facebook. Please share the word with everyone you know who wants to support adults with severe mental illness find ways to live successfully in the community. And enlist help in spreading the word!

 

Many thanks for whatever help you can muster!

 

Nancy L. Doctor

Director of Development

Wellspring

P.O. Box 1927

Louisville, KY 40201-1927

Office: 502-753-1453

Fax:  502-637-4490

 

Visit our website: www.wellspringky.org -  making mental health recovery - reality!

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 2

 

From Chase Forrester

 

The following is a Proclamation from the President of the United States proclaiming today, Tuesday, July 26, 2011, the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

Thank you.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release July 25, 2011

ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2011
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION 

Generations of Americans with disabilities have improved our country in countless ways. Refusing to accept the world as it was, they have torn down the barriers that prohibited them from fully realizing the American dream. Their tireless efforts led to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation in our Nation's history. On this day, we celebrate the 21st anniversary of the ADA and the progress we have made, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans. 

Each day, people living with disabilities make immeasurable contributions to the diversity and vitality of our communities. Nearly one in five Americans lives with a disability. They are our family members and friends, neighbors and colleagues, and business and civic leaders. Since the passing of the ADA, persons with disabilities are leading fuller lives in neighborhoods that are more accessible and have greater access to new technologies. In our classrooms, young people with disabilities now enjoy the same educational opportunities as their peers and are gaining the tools necessary to reach their greatest potential. 

Despite these advancements, there is more work to be done, and my Administration remains committed to ending all forms of discrimination and upholding the rights of Americans with disabilities. The Department of Justice continues to strengthen enforcement of the ADA by ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to community-based services that allow them to lead independent lives in the communities of their choosing. Under provisions of the Affordable Care Act, insurers will no longer be able to engage in the discriminatory practice of denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and Americans with disabilities will have greater control over their health care choices. And last year, I signed an Executive Order establishing the Federal Government as a model employer for individuals with disabilities, placing a special focus on recruitment and retention of public servants with disabilities across Federal agencies. 

Through the ADA, America was the first country in the world to comprehensively declare equality for citizens with disabilities. To continue promoting these principles, we have joined in signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At its core, this Convention promotes equality. It seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as all people, and are able to lead their lives as do other individuals. 

Eventual ratification of this Convention would represent another important step in our forty-plus years of protecting disability rights. It would offer us a platform to encourage other countries to join and implement the Convention. Broad implementation would mean greater protections and benefits abroad for millions of Americans with disabilities, including our veterans, who travel, conduct business, study, reside, or retire overseas. In encouraging other countries to join and implement the Convention, we also could help level the playing field to the benefit of American companies, who already meet high standards under United States domestic law. Improved disabilities standards abroad would also afford American businesses increased opportunities to export innovative products and technologies, stimulating job creation at home. 

Equal access, equal opportunity, and the freedom to make of our lives what we will are principles upon which our Nation was founded, and they continue to guide our efforts to perfect our Union. Together, we can ensure our country is not deprived of the full talents and contributions of the approximately 54 million Americans living with disabilities, and we will move forward with the work of providing pathways to opportunity to all of our people. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, July 26, 2011, the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 21st anniversary of this civil rights law and the many contributions of individuals with disabilities. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 

BARACK OBAMA
# # # 

• ADA proclamation 2011.pdf  

 

TOPIC DETAIL 3

 

News Release

Social Security Field Offices to Begin Closing to the Public a Half Hour Early

 

Congressional Budget Cuts Force Reduced Public Hours Effective August 15, 2011, Social Security field offices nationwide will close to the public 30 minutes early each day. For example, a field office that is usually open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will close daily at 3:30 p.m. “While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow us to complete face-to-face service with the visiting public without incurring the cost of overtime for our employees,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “Congress provided our agency with nearly $1 billion less than the President requested for our budget this fiscal year, which makes it impossible for us to provide the amount of overtime needed to handle service to the public as we have in the past.”

 

Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office. For example, anyone wishing to apply for benefits, sign up for direct deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter or inform us of a change of address or telephone number may do so at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

 

NOTE:  The 3 Louisville offices new hours effective August 15, 2011 will be:  8:00-4:00 Monday and

9:00 – 3:00 Tuesday through Friday.

 

Kathleen Beyer
Social Security Administration
601 W Broadway
Louisville, KY  40202

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 4

 

I am seeking a part-time accounting assistant to work 20-25 hours a week.  Must have strong accounting skills and experience.  Great opportunity for retiree in the accounting field.  $11 - $13 hours.  Interested candidates can submit their resumes to employment@glms.org or fax to (502)562-9581.

 

Respectfully,

Ludmilla Plenty

Director of Employment Services

Medical Society Professional Services

a subsidiary of the Greater Louisville Medical Society

101 W. Chestnut Street

Louisville, KY  40202

502-736-6342 phone

502-589-2006 main

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 5

 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is proud to introduce the premier issue of PTCL Update – a peripheral T-cell lymphoma newsletter.

 

This newsletter includes an interview with a PTCL survivor and a Patient Services Manager from an LLS chapter. It also includes a discussion of PTCL treatment updates and new research approaches.

 

Please click here to read newsletter.

 

For an in-depth overview of PTCL and treatment options, we invite you to view the Treatment Options for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma webcast, featuring Steven M. Horwitz, MD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

 

Click here to view webcast.

 

• Watch the slide presentation
• Listen to the audio
• Read or print the program transcript and slides

Questions, grievances, assistance for people with disabilities, or for more information on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's programs, please call an LLS Information Specialist at (800) 955-4572. 

Continuing education credit is available for nurses and social workers who view the webcast. 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 6

 

Challenging Behaviors for Family Caregivers

 

An education program for family members who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Presented by: Alzheimer's Association

 

Date: August 2, 2011

Time: 10 am –11:30 am

 

Location: 6100 Dutchmans, Suite 400 Louisville, KY

 

• 1.800.272.3900 to register
• Visit us at www.alz.org and type your zip code

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 7

NAMI Louisville invites you to 
Walk for Recovery  
Sunday, October 9th

2:00 pm -registration, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Walk! 

Speakers, fun, food, Walk!  
at Harbor Lawn, Riverfront Park 

Come join NAMI Louisville for our annual Walk For Recovery.  NAMI Louisville helps families of and people living with a mental illness in Louisville, southern Indiana and surrounding areas.  The Walk is our biggest event of the year and supports our programs and services.  All education and services are available free to anyone.     

See newsletter at: http://tiny.cc/w3fvw

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 8  

 

Science Updates

·         For Minor Depression, Study Shows No Benefit Over Placebo from St. John’s Wort, Citalopram

·         Switching Antipsychotics May Reduce Metabolic Risks

NIMH Publications

·         Eating Disorders

NIMH Videos

·         Mental Health Challenges for Returning Military Veterans

Meeting Summaries

·         Sex Differences in Brain, Behavior,  Mental Health and Mental Disorders

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 9

 

From Senior Housing News (seniorhousingnews.com)

Seniors Hit Hard by Housing Scams, Over $16 Million in Losses Since 2010

eecker | July 25, 2011 |

 

Older Americans are the hardest hit by foreclosure rescue scams, in what amounts to a total of more than $40 million in losses from fees paid to fraudulent and deceptive “rescuers,” says an issue brief from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Scams targeting the population of those who are ages 51 and older account for 41% of that total, amounting to more than $16.5 million as of July 2011.

 

Generated from a national Loan Modification Scam Database established in February 2010 by the Lawyers’ Committee, the data serves as a repository for complaints from foreclosure rescue scam victims.

 

The launch of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which took place Thursday, is a step in the right direction, the Lawyers’ Committee said this week.

 

“We are particularly encouraged to see that one of the CFPB’s specific initiatives includes its Office of Older Americans, set to begin operations early next year,” the Lawyers’ Committee said in a statement. “The Lawyers’ Committee is proud of our recent successes in advocating for consumers’ rights, and looks forward to the increased transparency that the CFPB’s regulatory and information-sharing capabilities will provide.”

 

Senior reports as a Percentage of Total Complaints

10/01/09 –  6/30/10 – 1091 reports – 26% seniors

7/01/10 – 12/31/10 – 1865 reports – 36% seniors

1/01/11 –  6/30/11 - 2622 reports – 42% seniors

 

The CFPB is currently building its Office of Older Americans, aimed to connect seniors with what they need to guide themselves through their financial lives. The office will be up and running under the Dodd-Frank Act by January 21, 2012. “We are building it right alongside the rest of the consumer bureau, and in the coming weeks and months you’ll hear more from us about financial issues for seniors,” the agency notes on its website.

 

Written by Elizabeth Ecker

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 10

 

From Chase Forrester

 

Hello. My name is Michelle Paggi and I'm a graduate student at Fordham University. I am currently recruiting individuals to fill out an online survey on the topic of disabilities in the workplace (more details below). It would be extremely helpful and much appreciated if you could distribute a description of and the link to the survey. The description of the survey and the link are below. Please let me know if you're able to help out our study team. Thank you very much for your time.

 

Hello, All!

 

We are contacting you because our research team the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA) at Georgia Tech in collaboration with Fordham University is trying to learn more about how adults with disabilities adapt to the workplace environment.  Our goal is to find out about difficulties experienced in the workplace by adults with disabilities and accommodations that individuals use to cope with these difficulties.  To accomplish our goal, we need volunteers to fill out a survey asking questions related to your workplace (whether you work from home or in an office), difficulties experienced at work because of a disability, and your overall well-being. 

 

If you choose to participate in the study, you will be asked to fill out an electronic survey.  The survey should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and you have the option of saving your work and returning to the survey at a later time. Please note that your identity will be kept completely confidential. The information you provide will be important in helping us learn about the strategies people with disabilities use to accomplish work tasks. 

 

Please click the following link to begin filling out the survey:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/249245/computer-use

 

Please contact Michelle Paggi at mpaggi@fordham.edu if you have any questions. 

 

We greatly appreciate your time.

 

Sincerely,

Michelle Paggi

 

 

TOPIC DETAIL 11

 

KVH MEETING: Monday, July 25, 2011 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Capitol Annex, Room 171 - Frankfort, KY

This KVH meeting will also be available via webinar.  Go to http://lotuslive.readyshow.com/

Join the meeting using participant code – 56658420.  Once connected, access audio by calling 1-877-366-0711, code: 56658420#.  You may also use this number to simply connect by conference call. 

 

Agenda and meeting materials have been posted at http://kyvoicesforhealth.com/KVHMeetings.html.  

Access to Affordable High Quality Healthcare
    KY Granted One Year Reprieve to MLR
    New Private Nonprofit Health Plans Will Increase Competition, Give Consumers and Small Businesses More Health Insurance Choices

    Happy Birthday Medicare and Medicaid

    Proposed Rule for Health Insurance Exchanges: A Look at Governance, Plan Standards, and Networks

    Reform, Medical Costs and Employer-Sponsored Insurance (ESI)

Prevention/Wellness
    Making Healthy Food More Accessible

    Tobacco Prevention Reports Released

    Increased Public Health Investments Yields Measurable Improvements

Efficiency/Effectiveness

    The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation: The Sweet Spot Between 'Rigor' and 'Rigor Mortis'

    Measuring Quality: Reports of Provider Performance Show Improved Care

Children’s Health

    New NASHP Report: The Role of Children's Coverage Programs in a Changing Health Care Landscape: EPSDT, CHIP, and Health Care Reform 

    The Childhood Obesity Task Force scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2011, has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting date is August 16, 2011.

Call for Nominations for KVH Board of Directors – DUE July 29, 2011

Kentucky Health Quality Collaborative Conference – August 24, 2011 – Registration and Sponsor Info now available! (Attached)                        

Access to Affordable High Quality Healthcare 

KY Granted One Year Reprieve to MLR  The Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has reviewed the KY Department of Insurance’s (DOI) application for an adjustment to the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) requirements, as well as the supplemental information provided to us in response to questions raised by the application and the public comments filed with regard to the application. Based on this, although application of the 80 percent MLR standard in Kentucky in 2011 may lead to the destabilization of the individual market, the MLR standard sought by the DOI exceeds the adjustment necessary to avoid the likelihood of market destabilization between now and 2014, and therefore would deny consumers some of the protections sought by the statute. CCIIO have determined that the MLR standard in Kentucky shall be adjusted to 75 percent in 2011, with the statutory standard of 80 percent to apply beginning 2012.  http://cciio.cms.gov/programs/marketreforms/mlr/states/Kentucky/ky_mlr_adj_determination_letter.pdf

 

New Private Nonprofit Health Plans Will Increase Competition, Give Consumers and Small Businesses More Health Insurance Choices

On June 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) took steps to encourage the creation of Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs), new private non-profit, consumer-governed health insurance plans that will help increase competition and give consumers and small businesses additional affordable health insurance choices.  CMS is proposing standards for CO-OPs, and for qualifying for $3.8 billion in repayable loans to help start-up and capitalize these new health plans. All CO-OP loans must be repaid with interest and loans will only be made to private, nonprofit entities that demonstrate a high probability of becoming financially viable.

 

CO-OPs are designed to give consumers and small businesses control over their own health insurance.  CO-OPs are private, non-profit insurers governed by their members and offering affordable, consumer-friendly health insurance options.  CO-OPs will use any profits to benefit its members, including actions to lower premiums, improve health benefits, improve the quality of members’ health care, expand enrollment, or otherwise contribute to the stability of coverage for members.

 

Working from the recommendations of the public advisory committee, the rules proposing the framework were developed with significant input from many stakeholders, including testimony at public meetings from consumers, small businesses and health care providers.   The proposed rule is only a first step.  CMS is taking public comment on the proposal and expects to release a Funding Opportunity Announcement regarding the availability of loans to start up CO-OPs soon.

 

The CO-OP program provides for loans to private entities with the goal to create a new CO-OP in every State to expand the number of Exchange health plans with a focus on consumer accountability. The CO-OP program contains extensive provisions to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse.  Loan recipients are subject to strict monitoring, audits, and reporting requirements for the length of the loan repayment period plus 10 years.  Recipients must submit semi-annual program reports and quarterly financial statements. Additionally, CMS will conduct audits, including site visits, as appropriate.  CO-OPs must meet a series of milestones as laid out in their loan term agreements before drawing down any money from the program.

 

CO-OPs will sell coverage through the State’s Affordable Insurance Exchange as well as have the opportunity to sell coverage to small businesses through the State’s Small Business Health Option Programs (SHOP Exchanges).Several successful health insurance cooperatives currently exist around the country, covering nearly 2 million individuals.  A number of diverse groups are organizing to take advantage of this new opportunity.  In one state, primary care providers are working to create a CO-OP to focus on care for rural areas.  In another, a CO-OP steering committee has been formed by interested physicians, technology and business experts, and community groups.

    For more information on today’s announcement, read the fact sheet at www.HealthCare.gov/news/factsheets/coops07182011a.html.

    Further information on the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program, including the determinations of the Federal Advisory Board and information for prospective applicants, can be found at: cciio.cms.gov/programs/coop/index.html

    The full text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be found at http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-18342_PI.pdf or http://www.ofr.gov/inspection.aspx

 

Happy Birthday Medicare and Medicaid

On July 30, Medicare and Medicaid will celebrate their 46th birthday, which presents advocates with the important opportunity to express the value that these programs in providing access to health care to the media, public officials, and the community.  More than 44 million Americans depend on Medicare for health care benefits and by 2030, 20% of the US population will be eligible.   An additional 59More than 58 million Americans depend on Medicaid for health care benefits and long term care coverage.  Currently these programs are facing possible cuts as Congress debates solutions to our country’s budgetary woes.  Medicare and Medicaid work.  For more than 45 years, our nation’s histor both Medicaid and Medicare have succeeding in increased access to health care for seniors, people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and other low-income adults, and children., which has pulled many families above the poverty line The poverty line level for seniors has dropped and deaths among low-income childrenhood deaths have decreased.

 

Proposed Rule for Health Insurance Exchanges: A Look at Governance, Plan Standards, and Networks

Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued its proposed regulation for several features of the new health insurance exchanges that states are to establish under the Affordable Care Act. In the second part of a two-part blog post, Sara Collins, Ph.D., vice president for Affordable Health Insurance at The Commonwealth Fund, addresses the following aspects of the proposed rule:

• Who will govern the exchanges? 
• What standards must health plans meet? 
• Will there be enough health care providers in plan networks offered through the exchanges? 
• Will there be essential community providers in every network?

Visit The Commonwealth Fund Blog to read the complete post.  

The regulations provide new guidance about a number of issues including: exchange governance, the navigator program, enrollment, certifying plans to sell in the exchange, and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange.

• Governance: Members on the exchange boards are required to hold open public meetings. Representation on the board must be fair. There cannot be a majority with the same interest and background (insurers, brokers, etc.).
• Navigators: States must have navigators from two categories of eligible entities.
• Enrollment: The initial enrollment period starts in October 2013 through February 2014. This will allow time to educate the public about the availability of insurance through exchanges. In the future, the annual exchange plan enrollment will take place from October through December 7 each year. People eligible for tax credits or Medicaid can enroll at any time. 

    HHS Overview of the Proposed Rule

    Why We Need a Health Insurance Exchange [Families USA]

    Obtaining Exchange Funding and Achieving Consumer-Friendly Outcomes: A State To-Do List [Families USA]

 

Reform, Medical Costs and Employer-Sponsored Insurance (ESI)  A radical change could be on the horizon for employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) plans accordingly McKinsey Quarterly. McKinsey research found that the shift away from employer-provided health insurance will be much greater than expected and that 30 percent of employers could stop offering ESI in the years after 2014. Moreover, the survey states that employers interest in alternatives to ESI rises as employers become more aware of reform and its implications.

 Locally, the Health Enterprises Network (HEN) will host the region's most up-to-the-minute event on medical costs and ACOs on July 26. The event called "Where are We Going? Medical Costs and ACOs" will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Brown Theatre and will feature leading industry experts from Geisinger Health System, The Heritage Foundation and The Urban Institute. Tickets are going fast - call to get yours today - 625.0179 or Katie@HealthEnterprisesNetwork.com. Learn more about this event at http://healthenterprisesnetwork.com/EventsDefault.aspx?ID=251. 

To read the article How U.S. health care reform will affect employee benefits: http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Health_Care/How_US_health_care_reform_will_affect_employee_benefits_2813

Prevention/Wellness

Making Healthy Food More Accessible

First Lady Michelle Obama announced a big commitment by several retailers, foundations and small businesses “to make more healthy, affordable food available in underserved communities.”  The plan includes, “opening or expanding over 1,500 stores to serve communities throughout the country that currently do not have access to fresh produce and other healthy foods.  Currently, 23.5 million Americans – including 6.5 million children – live in low-income areas that lack stores likely to sell affordable and healthy foods. Studies have shown that limited access to healthy food choices can lead to poor diets, higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases.”  For a copy of the White House news release:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/07/20/first-lady-michelle-obama-announces-nationwide-commitments-provide-milli?msource=FRESHWORKS

 

• The USDA’s Economic Research Service’s study, “The Effect of Food and Beverage Prices on Children’s Weights,” found that lowering the price of healthy foods—like 100% juice, lowfat milk, and dark, leafy vegetables—by 10% was associated with healthier body weight.

 

Tobacco Prevention Reports Released

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released two companion reports on the tobacco prevention, “Saving Lives, Saving Money.” One report revealed that raising the cigarette tax by $1/pack could save 1.32 million lives and approximately $645 million in heart-disease, stroke- and lung cancer-related costs. The second report found that extending comprehensive smoke-free laws to all states could save $1.32 billion in treatment costs and reduce smoking-related deaths by 624,000.

 

Increased Public Health Investments Yields Measurable Improvements

A new study, Evidence Links Increases in Public Health Spending to Declines in Preventable Deaths, by Glen Mays and Sharla Smith, was published in Health Affairs.  The findings “suggest that increased public health investments can produce measurable improvements in health, especially in low-resource communities. However, more money by itself is unlikely to generate significant and sustainable health gains; improvements in public health practices are needed as well.“  For a link to the full article: http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/early/2011/07/19/hlthaff.2011.0196.full.

Efficiency/Effectiveness

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation: The Sweet Spot Between 'Rigor' and 'Rigor Mortis'  Recognizing the need to identify, develop, and disseminate new approaches to health care delivery that can improve quality and lower costs, Congress created the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation as part of the Affordable Care Act. On Monday, July 18, policy stakeholders convened for an Alliance for Health Reform/Commonwealth Fund briefing on the key issues facing the Innovation Center, including the need to balance the testing of innovative ideas with rapid-cycle deployment of these new ways to deliver care. See the Commonwealth Fund blog post.

 

Measuring Quality: Reports of Provider Performance Show Improved Care

Targeted efforts to improve the quality of local health care are beginning to show quantifiable improvements, according to data tracked for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Aligning Forces for Quality program. In an effort to increase transparency in U.S. health care—and improve the quality of care people receive—collaborative alliances in 16 communities nationwide are reporting data that compare the performance of local physicians and hospitals, using nationally agreed-upon measures.

 

The KVH-convened Kentucky Health Quality Collaborative Conference seeks to identify current quality improvement efforts and review the National Quality Strategy to identify gaps and future action plans.  For more information and registration information on the quality conference being held on Aug. 24, see http://kyvoicesforhealth.com/qualityconference.html. 

 

Children’s Health

 

New NASHP Report: The Role of Children's Coverage Programs in a Changing Health Care Landscape: EPSDT, CHIP, and Health Care Reform  Download Report

In late 2010, NASHP convened an invitational leadership forum about the role of children's coverage programs for officials from state Medicaid EPSDT and CHIP programs, representatives from Maternal and Child Health Title V, CMS and other experts in children's health care. This issue brief captures the themes and explores the opportunities identified at the meeting to lay out a vision for how Medicaid's EPSDT and CHIP can work together to improve health coverage for children in the context of health care reform. 

 

Jodi Mitchell
Executive Director
Kentucky Voices for Health
Phone: 502-552-1406
Fax:  502-690-3555
Email: KVHexec@kyvoicesforhealth.org
www.kyvoicesforhealth.org

 

Building a healthy Kentucky together!

 

Cindy Venable
Louisville Metro Human Services
Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens
810 Barret Ave
Louisville, KY 40204
502-574-5092
502-574-5548 Fax