What's New
Additional Area Notice of Funding Opportunity for Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lordsburg, New Mexico
HRSA released the fiscal year 2024 Service Area Competition – Additional Area (SAC-AA) Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lordsburg, New Mexico, service areas with an August 1, 2024, period of performance start date (HRSA-24-104). Find details for the announced service areas in the Service Area Announcement Table.
Applications are due in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, February 19, and in EHBs by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 20. TA materials are available on the SAC-AA TA webpage.
You’re Invited: Apply for Our Workforce Well-being Communities of Practice
We’re launching three new Communities of Practice (CoP) to address outcomes and drivers from our Health Center Workforce Well-being Survey. All HRSA-supported health centers may join — even if they did not participate in the survey. Visit the application page for details and to apply by Friday, January 12.
- Improving Job Satisfaction through Leadership Styles that Support Workplace Well-being
- Addressing Burnout by Implementing Organizational Approaches to Work-Life Balance
- Building a Positive and Diverse Workplace Culture that Promotes Workforce Well-being
Policy Tip: Compliance Assessment
HRSA only assesses a health center's policies or procedures for compliance with the “Demonstrating Compliance” elements in the Health Center Program Compliance Manual. Although a health center may include information in its policies or procedures that goes beyond what is required in the Compliance Manual, this additional information is not part of HRSA's compliance review.
To learn more about this topic and to find answers to other questions, check out the Health Center Program Compliance FAQs.
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Expanded Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy begins January 1
CMS’ Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program (also known as Extra Help) provides premium and cost-sharing assistance for low-income Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D. The way this program operates will change with the new year.
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Currently: Medicare beneficiaries with income up to 135% of the federal poverty level (FPL) receive full financial assistance. Those with income between 135% and 150% of the FPL receive partial financial assistance.
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On and after January 1: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expands the full financial assistance to Medicare beneficiaries with income up to 150% of the FPL.
We encourage you to assist your Medicare patients in applying for MSP coverage. Enrollment in a MSP automatically makes them eligible for full Part D LIS subsidies and the payment of Medicare Parts A and B premiums and cost-sharing.
CDC Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and RSV Vaccination Coverage Among Adults
As mentioned in last week’s Digest, the CDC remains concerned about low respiratory disease vaccination rates. Their new report shares numbers and reemphasizes the power of provider recommendations in encouraging vaccination.
Sign Up for Inflation Reduction Act Catalytic Program Sessions
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity will launch its "catalytic program" in January. It will support health care organizations, including health centers, in taking advantage of the tax credits, grants, and other supports made available by the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Access a recording of their November 30 info session or register for upcoming sessions on their website.
Workforce
2024 Community Housing Asset Mapping: A Health Center Learning Collaborative
The Corporation for Supportive Housing invites health center staff to join a series of virtual sessions and peer discussions. Participants will learn how to address challenges in accessing housing resources for homeless and at-risk patients. This is a forum for you to learn from one another and experts. Topics include local housing resources, systems that support those with housing needs, and how to create partnerships to address needs. Visit the application page to learn more.
Implementing Staff Satisfaction Surveys Infographic
Prioritizing employee satisfaction has become a critical factor in delivering exceptional patient care and ensuring success. Staff satisfaction surveys are powerful tools, providing invaluable data to drive change, optimize policies, and increase retention. A new infographic can guide health center teams through the survey process. The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved’s STAR2 Center created this resource for those focused on staff resiliency, wellness, and engagement.
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