Latest MTP evaluation highlights successes, areas for improvement

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 07/12/2022 01:00 PM PDT

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Latest MTP evaluation highlights successes, areas for improvement for Washington State

The Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) is Washington’s Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver. Through MTP, the Health Care Authority (HCA) and our partners can create and continue to develop projects, activities, and services that improve Washington’s health care system.

An important and necessary part of this work is evaluating MTP’s effectiveness, performance, and impact. Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Health System Effectiveness (CHSE) is the independent external evaluator (IEE) for MTP. They are responsible for assessing the impacts and overall performance of MTP. One of the ways CHSE shares their findings is through their Rapid-cycle Monitoring Report.

In the latest report, which covers April 1–June 30, 2022, CHSE presents several important findings. The performance measures in this report assess the impacts of the first full year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington State, with findings regarding Washington State’s Medicaid system performance through March 2021. The report examines key performance indicators — data that can reveal the overall effects of population health efforts — as well as equity and disparities among specific populations.

Highlights from the report

The report included several successes and areas for improvement.

Visits to the emergency department (also called emergency room) and acute hospital care decreased sharply. This was first observed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most measures of access to substance use disorder (SUD) care improved during this period. However, SUD treatment penetration continued to decline slightly.
There are some notable inequities in health care access and quality among specific populations. American Indian/Alaska Native members experienced worse access to well-child visits, cancer screenings, and care related to chronic conditions. HCA will continue to partner with Indian health care providers, Tribes, and others to understand and address disparities like these.

To learn more, read CHSE’s full report or visit the HCA website.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.