January newsletter: A round-up of Healthier Washington happenings

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“Blueprint” for Award Year 4 filed with feds

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have received the Healthier Washington Award Year 4 Operational Plan. The plan is a blueprint for how Healthier Washington is working to change the health system. It outlines the goals, initiatives, and structure of the SIM grant work. Read the Operational Plan Executive Summary or the full Award Year 4 Operational Plan and eight appendices. 

HCA accepting public comment on demonstration waiver ammendment

On January 9, 2017, Washington State received federal approval of its request for a Section 1115 demonstration waiver, the Medicaid Transformation Demonstration.

Washington State is currently requesting an amendment to the waiver. The Health Care Authority (HCA) will accept public comment on the waiver amendment draft through February 2, 2018.

Read the announcement

HCA updates Value-based Roadmap, launches webinar series

Roadmap

HCA has produced a revised Value-based Roadmap to set the stage for health care transformation in 2018. The Roadmap describes HCA’s value-based purchasing (VBP) goals, delivery system transformation strategies, innovation successes to date, and future plans to accelerate broad transition into value-based payment models.

Read announcement

    Webinar series

    The HCA is eager to continue engaging with partners across the state on achieving the VBP Roadmap's objectives. To support awareness and dialogue, HCA will launch a comprehensive VBP webinar series beginning January 31.

    Learn more on our how to participate page.

    Voices of a healthier Washington

    shoalwater bay tribe

    In the early 1990s, the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe faced several health crises, including chemical dependency, diabetes, and high rates of miscarriage and infant deaths.

    The tribe knew they needed to revive a culture of health. For generations, elders had passed along the tradition and belief that true health should encompass not only the body, but also the mind, spirit and community.

    Tribal leaders knew it was time to act on this ancient wisdom. In 1992, the tribe opened the Shoalwater Bay Tribe Wellness Center. It started small, with only two medical rooms and two dental chairs. Over time, the Wellness Center has grown to provide a number of specialty services.

    In this issue

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    Share your story

    Do you have a story that illustrates health systems transformation? We would love to hear it. Learn how to share your story.


    Become a volunteer Sentinel

    The Sentinel Network is currently recruiting volunteers from health care employers to help track Washington’s rapidly changing health workforce. Learn more.


    Upcoming webinars and meetings

    February 9:

    January 31 - March 28: