Health Policy Round Up 5.9.19
On May 9th, Governor Newsom released his revised proposal for the state budget, which includes $20 million to support a five-year expansion of the state’s Whole Person Care pilots and $98 million to expand Medi-Cal to all undocumented, uninsured individuals up to age 25. These revisions reflect Governor Newsom’s emphasis on improving Califonia’s access to mental health services.
Legislative/Regulatory Developments
Funding Opportunities
Recent Policy Hearings and Meetings
Forthcoming Policy Hearings and Meetings
Legislative/Regulatory Developments
California
AB 744 (bill): Would establish payment parity for telehealth for all payers. There no current requirement for payment parity for any payers in California.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing on May 16th
AB 848 (bill): Would require Medi-Cal coverage of blood glucose monitors.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing on May 16th
AB 1494 (bill): Would allow for FQHCs to provide services via telehealth during emergencies without prior in-person visit.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing May 16
AB 1642 (bill): Would require Medi-Cal MCPs to include certain additional information in requests for alternative access standards, including the use of telehealth in alternative access.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing May 16
AB 1676 (bill): Would require all health plans and insurers to cover provider-to-provider tele-mental health consultations via phone or video.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing May 16
SB 66 (bill): Would authorize FQHC and RHC reimbursement for same day billing of two visits in certain situations.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing May 16
SB 612 (bill): Requires health plans, insurers and medical groups to report to OSHPD its participation in activities where enrollees or patients receive comprehensive transitional care supports, including the use of telehealth.
- set for Assembly Appropriations hearing May 16
Federal
Appropriations Committee Proposed Bill: Includes HHS funding
- would allocate $1M to HRSA for rural hospital telehealth projects
Funding Opportunities
NIH: Use of Technology to Enhance Patient Outcomes and Prevent Illness (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) NIH seeks proposals on the use of technologies, including remote healthcare, that improve patient outcomes. Ongoing standard NIH application dates.
USDA: Distance Leaning & Telemedicine Grants USDA seeking proposals to support SUD morbidity and mortality reduction in high-risk rural communities by expanding prevention, treatment and/or recovery capacities at community, county, state, and/or regional levels. Proposals due 5/15/19.
Recent Meetings
May 7th: Senate HELP Committee: Implementing the 21st Century Cures Act Making Electronic Information Available to Patients and Providers
- In accordance with the “vision” of the 21st Century Cures Act, CMS’s proposed Interoperability and Patient Access rule will “empower patients to take charge of and better manage their healthcare,” said Kate Goodrich, CMS CMO and Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, during the hearing.