May 2021 |  Vol. 6   No. 11

Deputy Director's Corner

All,

I think what is on everyone’s mind is the notice of opening Howerton to the public and returning to work, so that is what I want to address a little further in the newsletter.

There are some questions I do not have the answer to yet, but there are some things I can answer in response to questions and comments that I have received from you.  Thank you for the feedback you have sent.

At Howerton, we do have a private lactation room and it is located at room 128 on the first floor.

We are not losing our previously approved flexible work policy, and the DSS 2019 telework policy still stands.  This means team members who worked a flexible schedule prior to COVID can resume that schedule.  Also, if you were approved for telework one day a week you can resume that, too.  If you did not submit a request for a flexible schedule or one-day-a-week telework, and you want to do that now, you should go ahead and submit that request.

So, we are not doing anything differently than we did before COVID (March of 2020), but rather we are required to going back to what we were doing before COVID.   And we are required to submit a plan, now,  if we want to have hybrid work schedules long-term moving forward.   I am going to do that.

I received a question about equipment return.  The equipment return means if you took your second monitor home, it needs to come back to the office either before May 17, on May 17, or your first day back if you’re off work that day or that week.  Laptops can go back and forth if you like, or stay at the office.

Some people have asked about masks.  Right now they are required. As soon as they are not I’ll let you know.  You do not have to have a mask on while in your cubicle or office.

We will not ask people if they have been vaccinated or require this because that is private health information.  Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated.

This leave guidance still applies as of now https://dssintranet.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Updated-Guidance-Related-to-COVID-19.pdf

Our HR division is checking with OA for updated or additional guidance on masks and leave guidance.

I know that some of you did not think this was statewide because employees in other departments had not heard this, as of Tuesday morning.  It is statewide, but not all departments got the message out to their teams at the same time.  Also, I know that some of you are hearing from other departments that they are not requiring everyone to return, but this was the directive, and that is the expectation, and so we must do that.

Some have asked if there will be any reconsideration of the timing, and if this can wait another two weeks for school to be out.  I have not heard that there is going to be any reconsideration of that but I will let you know any information I receive as soon as I can.

Jessie

A Message From the Acting Director/Chief Transformation Officer

With the beginning of State Fiscal Year 2022 quickly approaching, Transformation efforts continue to move forward. Currently, there are 42 projects (18 completed, 15 in flight, and 5 on deck) focused on transforming our Medicaid program with still more waiting in the wings.

Accordingly, the Transformation Office continues to grow with the addition of Justin Clutter as Project Manager. Justin will primarily be focusing on keeping transformations projects on schedule by working closely with business owners to overcome obstacles or mitigate any risks that may be encountered. Justin will also develop structured project plans that work well with the business owner’s current workload. This will allow business owners to focus their project work more accurately and reduce the burden of project planning and management. We completely understand some projects will require a significant lift from business owners so we always want to value your time and make the most of it when you are involved.

As many of you are aware, Dr. Abby Barker is also part of the Transformation Office. Abby is a PhD. Healthcare Economist at Washington University. We have contracted for 50% of her time. She has worked within the Medicaid realm for many years focusing on payment policy and health care reform. Many of you may have seen some of her Tableau data visualizations which have been an enormous asset as we determine the appropriate steps to implement our initiatives. Abby is very interested in learning more about the intricacies of our work and how she can help drive transformation. It’s exciting to have someone with so much experience and knowledge on our team and some of her contributions have been significant. Please assist her in any way you can as she tries to absorb all the great work we do at MHD.

State Fiscal Year 2022 will bring forth some significant accomplishments in transformation that would not have been possible without the countless hours and hard work of MHD staff and other stakeholders. Phase II of the Outpatient Simplified Fee Schedule will begin, which will not only add significant cost savings, but much needed fairness, rationality and transparency to our outpatient payment methodology. The 340B Program will go into effect which allows MHD to change its reimbursement to the actual acquisition costs (what the pharmacy paid) and away from an estimated acquisition model (a higher estimation of what the drug may have cost ). The Full Medicaid Pricing Add-On Payment Reform project will also launch, a reform demanded by CMS.  

State Fiscal Year 2022 will also usher in a new set of projects that are on deck. Things like a Managed Care Compliance Tool, automation of the pharmacy rebate system, value based payment arrangements for nursing facilities, and out of state payment reforms.

There are many other exciting projects that continue to progress and none of them would be possible without the commitment and hard work of you all. This work does not go unnoticed by our leadership or the Governor’s Office. These are truly exciting times for Missouri’s Medicaid program and we are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated team! Thank you so much for your commitment to the people of Missouri!

MO DSS Foster Children Pilot Project

MO HealthNet and Children’s Division are collaborating with Cerner Corporation to help use healthcare data to provide oversight to the State of Missouri’s Foster Care Children.  This is a three year; pilot project serving all foster care children who reside in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte or Vernon counties.

DSS has contracted with Cerner to provide their HealtheIntent platform to build a longitudinal record and Foster Children Registry. Data from Children’s Division Family and Children’s Electronic Services (FACES) system, Lewis and Clark Information Exchange (LACIE) and Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) claims are combined in to a single view. The solution will help to identify and manage gaps in care for the foster care children. The Healthe Foster Children Registry and HealtheRecord will allow DSS to identify, score, and predict risks and allow for targeted interventions.

Cerner has been working on the data onboarding from the various sources since the beginning of this year. We are getting ready to begin the testing phase of the project and anticipating having everything lined out and operational by early this fall.

Renee Riley is the MHD Manager assigned to this project and Lori Reed is assisting her.

Case Study - Assessing Cessation Coverage

MO HealthNet has been working in collaboration with the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at DHSS on the CDC 6|18 Initiative to increase the utilization of the tobacco cessation benefits for MO HealthNet Participants. As part of this work MHD and DHSS administered a survey to the three Managed Care Organizations to determine a baseline for promotion and utilization of the current benefits. The survey tool that was used was developed by the American Lung Association with the intention of the user being able to individualize the questions for their needs. Missouri was one of two states that piloted this survey. Valerie Howard from DHSS was asked to do an interview about the use of the tool. After the interviews were complete a case study was published by the American Lung Association, this full case study can be found at “Understanding the Coverage Landscape: A Case Study in Assessing Cessation Coverage”. Valerie Howard from DHSS and Lori Bushner from MHD were asked to take part of a panel discussion on March 30th to discuss our collaboration and lessons learned from using the tool.  We were able to share experiences from both CDC 6|18 Initiative Collaboration and the survey tool.

Missouri Moms: Changing the landscape one step at a time

In November, MO HealthNet created a new position to address the ever changing needs of moms within our state. Teresa Wortmann is our new Maternal Health Coordinator and heads up several initiatives to change the landscape of maternity care across the state through cross sector collaboration.

Postpartum Affinity Group

The postpartum period (birth up to one year after delivery) is a time of change for new mothers. Chronic health conditions exacerbated by pregnancy can have deadly consequences during this time frame. African American women and women of color have disparate outcomes from their Caucasian counterparts. To address the rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, MO HealthNet recently applied to be a part of CMCS’ Postpartum Affinity group which will look at ways to improve equity in postpartum visits. The Missouri team consists of multiple partners that share a common goal of improving the postpartum period. Together, we are working alongside CMCS to create new approaches to engaging women in care during this vulnerable period.

Maternal Fetal Infant Health workgroups (MFI workgroups)

Expecting a new little one into your family is often a time of great joy. It is also a time of immense change and stress which can be complicated by many factors. MO HealthNet recognized the need to address areas of maternal care that were outside of our normal operations. These workgroups bring together 30 to 40 organizations with 50-75 members to address challenging problems that impact our moms. Four themes emerged and the group broke into subcommittees to work on one year projects to address the needs of women in our state. The groups are working on the following projects:

Social Determinants of Health: This group has chosen to work on housing insecurities. Housing is a large complex problem that involves public and private partnerships. The medical community has limited knowledge of how housing works and vice versa for the housing community. Across the nation, we are seeing housing partnerships developing to address this basic human need. Our group is working on a housing symposium to be hosted in the spring/early summer of 2022.

Substance Use Disorder: This group created a statewide survey that was deployed in March/April 2021 and will be used to create a maternal SUD resource directory. The information will be housed on the UpLift connection website and will be accessible to the public. Since this project is nearing completion, the group has decided to move on to create a photo voice project that will showcase women’s stories as they have worked to overcome substance use disorders.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): This group is collaborating with Children’s Division to improve the plan of safe care process which is started when a hotline call is made for substance use at the time of delivery. This group is working to develop a plan where the mother works with her provider and the plan (template) follows her through to delivery and helps provide additional information to Children’s Division workers as they move through the plan of safe care process.

Provider Engagement: This group engages providers from several different areas of maternity and newborn care and asks them to reflect on challenges in their practices. This group is working to improve processes and education to providers around managed care.

May 2021

Month-long observances:

• Jewish-American Heritage Month which recognizes the diverse contributions of the Jewish people to American culture.
• Mental Health Month which aims to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses.
• National Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month: The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks on the project were Chinese immigrants.
• Older Americans Month established in 1963 to honor the legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as they enter their next stage of life.

Important D&I calendar dates:

•  May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
•  May 9 – Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim)
•  May 11 – Ramadan ends (Muslim)
•  May 12 – Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)
•  May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
•  May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
•  May 22 – Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i)
•  May 29 – Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
•  May 31 – Memorial Day

Staff News

Welcome Aboard

Amanda Dearixon joined the MHD staff in the Clinical Policy Development & Operations Unit.   She previously worked for the Department of  Higher Education and Workforce Development.  She has an Associates Degree in Gen Eds from Columbia College. Amanda lives in California, Mo with her two lovely daughters, Sydnee (13) and Avalee (3).   Little Avalee looks like a hand full. When not busy at work, Amanda loves spending time with family and friends.  Summertime is her family's favorite and they spending lot of time at the pool. Amanda says she has only be on 2 vacations her entire life.   Once at 19 and last year.   She has made a goal going forward to take one every year with her kids.  They love the beach!

Lauren Slover joined MHD as a Benefit Program Specialist working with the HIPP program in TPL.  She previously worked at JCMG Orthopedics as a Patient Access Supervisor.  She has a Bachelors of Psychology Degree with a minor in Sociology. Lauren's hometown is Ellsinore, Mo but currently lives in Jefferson City with her husband Tyler and 9 month old son Grayson.   They also have 2 cats, Link and Gatsby. Lauren likes to travel, spending time at the Lake and spending time with her family.  Little Grayson will be celebrating his 1st birthday in July and she and Tyler will be celebrating their 6th wedding anniversary in December. A little know fact about Lauren is the she is in the process of becoming a Black Belt in Taekwondo. She is also the middle child with an older and younger brother.   She says her passion is helping people.

Jennifer Schellman joined MHD as a Benefit Program Specialist in the Medicare Buy-In Unit. She previously worked at FSD in the Child Support Unit.  She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and minor in Spanish from Truman State University. Jennifer was born and raised in St. Thomas, Mo and still calls it home today.  She also has 2 cats to keep her company named Snowflake and Midnight. Jennifer is planning a family beach vacation in June, which was postponed last year due to COVID.

Megan Beeler "rejoined" MHD as a Benefit Program Sr. Specialist in Information Services Unit.  She most recently worked for Centene Corp in Great Falls, Montana. Megan and son Brysen live in Jefferson City with their 2 dogs Henley (a lab) and Rex (a blue heeler). Megan enjoys doing anything outdoors (swimming reading, fishing, etc.).  A little known fact about Megan is that she moved to the state of Montana without ever visiting or vacationing there. Wecome back Megan!

William Morgan joined MHD as a Program Specialist in the Managed Care Quality Oversight Unit.  He comes to us from the Department of Revenue Taxation Division. He has a Bachelors and a Masters in social work from Mizzou and a Bachelors in business from Columbia College. William grew up in the military but has called Columbia, Mo home since 1998.   Along with his parents, Willian also has an older brother and sister, three nieces and a nephew.  William enjoys watching and attending sporting events, especially Mizzou football and basketball and Cardinals baseball.   A little know fact about Williams is that he played clarinet for four years in the Marching Mizzou.

Moving on up....

• Fatimah Jennings has accepted a Program Specialist position on Jamie Purnell's team.   In her new position, Fatimah will act in a liaison capacity between Clinical Services Program Policy and MMIS, Education, and Managed Care. Congratulations Fatimah!!
• Sarah Becker has accepted a Program Specialist position on Julie Phillips’ team! IN her new position Sarah  has oversight of DME, NEMT, Rehab Centers, and Therapies.  Beth Mitchell will assist Sarah with these programs.  Karen Pendleton has oversight of Dental, Nursing Home, Optical and Hearing Aid.  Congratulations Sarah!!
• Jessica Gallup was promoted to a Program Specialist with the MMIS Unit.  Jessi’s new role will focus on being an eligibility liaison for needed system changes and coordination of testing.  As always with transition, Jessi will still be assisting with some of her current job duties for a period of time, please continue to reach out to her with questions as you do today and we will work on transitioning some of these job duties as they come into the unit. Congratulations Jessi!!
• Keri Ballew has accepted the Drug Rebate Unit Supervisor and will work with Jackie Hickman to learn the job until Jackie's retirement in June.  Keri has been with the Drug Rebate Program for the last 11 years, 7 of those as a supervisor. Her experience and leadership skills will definitely be an asset to us and her team. Congratulations Keri!! 
• Katrina Falter was promoted to the Program Specialist position within Program Operations, vacated when Terri Mills retired. Her promotion was effective on 4/1/21. Her supervisor Gina Campbell said , "Although it had nothing to do with April Fools Day, the joke is on me since I stole her from myself."  Congratulations Katrina!!
• Karen Tappel accepted Benefit Program Specialist position that was held by Renee Clardy, who retired last month.    Congratulations Karen!!

It's always great to receive KUDOs from other staff members and our participants and providers.   The following were received this past month:

• Nanci Nikodym and Julie Phillips want to give a shout out to Ryan Gesch.  They  shared, "Ryan created a report that Julie Phillips and I needed quickly for a legislative inquiry.  He is always so easy to work with, knowledgeable, and happy to help out.  Thank you, Ryan!"
• Becky McCarthy gave Gail Luecke a great compliment "Gail, I just wanted to let you know how impressed we are with the work you did on the TPL-1 form. Thank you for going above and beyond to help us! It looks amazing!!"
• A big shout out to TPL.  Becky McCarthy wrote, "The Third Party Liability (TPL) Recovery Unit had an amazing month, collecting $4.7 million dollars! Casualty Tort recovered $2.3 million dollars, the highest since at least 2013. Estate Recovery brought in $2.4 million dollars this month as well. This is a huge month for both teams! This is a testament to the hard work and adaptation that has occurred throughout the last year. Great job!"

This and That...

Jeff Terry's Shih Tzu puppy Dolly enjoyed one of the great Spring days this month.

Holly Kliethermes' sons Elijah and Carson did some celebrating this month.  Her youngest, Elijah celebrated his 101st day in school showing off his shirt in honor of his favorite dog movie.  Can you guess which one!? Carson, who is in 7th grade, ran in the 100 meter dash during his first year o the track team in Linn.

Beth Stokes has a "new boss".   Well, it's really her son's bird that always in her work space!!

Guess Who?? Yes that's me and my husband Dennis.   We celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary April 29.   Although the weather was completely different 43 years ago (cold, rainy and windy) we "weathered" thru it all. We celebrated with a short fishing & gambling trip and then a great celebration combined with my grandson Dalton's graduation from State Tech this past weekend.

IT'S A BOY!!   Congratulations go out to Marissa Crump and husband Derek who are adding another baby boy to their family.  Little Bentley will be joining big brothers Brent and Cash in November.

Employment Opportunities

Do you have a friend or family member looking for a career change or job opportunity?   Are you looking for a career development/promotional opportunity?    Visit  MO Careers to view & apply for  current job openings.   Below are a  few positions currently

• Benefit Program Sr. Specialist position in Clinical Policy & Development Unit at MHD.  In MO Careers, search for position 4621-8260017.  Closes May 13.
• Hearings Officer position at DLS. In MO Careers search for position 4111-8919084.  Closes May 13.
• HR Assistant at the Children's Division.   Closes May 13.

MHD  Connection News

It's May and springtime!!!  

There is nothing on our MHD Calendar for Staff Forums or other activities due to COVID;  however, we'd love to hear from you.  Thank you to those who completed the survey last month for topics of interest for future staff forums and/or lunch and learns.  We had some great suggestions and are working to get something scheduled soon.  If you missed the survey and would like to submit an item just email MHD Connection at MHD.Connection@dss.mo.gov or to me.

Although we don't have anything currently planned , please feel free to share your ideas with any committee member: Gail Luecke (Chairman),  Nanci Nikodym (Treasurer), Pam Burris, Nici Smith, Karen Pendleton, Stephanie Hunt, Bridgette Hicks, Stacie Gibson, Sheana Wilcox, and Carolyn Twardowski (secretary). 

What's Cooking at MHD?

Send me a note if you've tried any of the recipes and what you thought.  Keep those recipes coming and enjoy these delicious treats!!  Here are a couple of those recipes featured on The Recipe Corner.  

MHD Calendar & Area Events

Visit our Calendar of Events page for WEBEX Meeting Info

5-07  Truman's Birthday Observed - State Holiday

5-11  Rare Disease Advisory Council Meeting/Call

5-14  General Assembly Adjourns

5-25  MHD Oversight Meeting/Call

5-31  Memorial Day - State Holiday

REMINDERS CONFERENCE ROOMS:  Please remove meetings from the conference room calendars if you know that staff will be attending your meeting remotely and you will not need the conference room.   TO THOSE WORKING REMOTELY:  Please ensure you have turned off desk lights, monitors, and other electronic devices not in use.  Also, if you have any plants, please remove them or arrange to have them watered. KEEP YOUR OUTLOOK CALENDARS UPDATED PLEASE!   Since the majority of our staff is now working remotely, PLEASE remember to keep your Outlook calendars updated.   This includes scheduled days offs, meeting, training, regularly scheduled days off due to working a compressed work schedule, etc.   By doing this it will help immensely to ensure meetings are scheduled within your work hours and help staff working deadlines to be able to plan around planned absences or if they need to reach you.  Thank you.