10 Feb Health Data News Roundup: Humana Foundation and SDOH; AHIP and HHS Price Transparency; and ACA Insurance Gains

Welcome to the Health Data Weekly News Roundup from IMAT Solutions. As the power of data continues to grow in the healthcare arena, today’s care organizations need to be on the forefront of all news and trends to help ensure that their data analytics efforts deliver accountable and informed care. Each week, we will provide you with the actionable news you need to meet these goals.

Humana Foundation Allots $7.6M to Social Determinants of Health
The Humana Foundation announced it is investing $7.6 million in eight communities across the southeastern United States to address social determinants of health (SDOH).

AHIP: HHS Proposed Price Transparency Rule Not Actionable, Secure
The HHS Transparency in Coverage proposed rule is not an actionable or secure method to achieving price transparency, nor is it an authorized exercise of HHS authority, AHIP stated in its comments on the proposed rule.

ACA Leads to Insurance Gains, Affordable Access to Care Wanes
The ACA successfully increased insurance rates in the US, but high healthcare costs continue to dampen patients’ access to care, according to a recent JAMA study.

Cerner CEO Speaks Out in Favor of ONC Interoperability Rule
The back-and-forth between EHR vendors, health organizations, and the federal government regarding the ONC’s proposed rule on interoperability and information blocking took another turn on when Cerner Chairman and CEO Brent Shafer addressed the matter on an earnings conference call.

NYC Doctors Help 1,500 Families with Social Determinants of Health
A New York City program for addressing the social determinants of health in pediatric care settings has helped to connect over 1,500 families with social and community health services, according to the United Health Fund.

AMGA: Advancing Value-Based Care Hinges on Claims Data Access
The American Medical Group Association recently sent a letter to Congress recommending better claims data access for providers and patients in a value-based care world.

How ACOs are Integrating Social Determinants of Health in Practice
Despite agreement that the social determinants of health (SDOH) can impact accountable care organization (ACO) success, many see challenges in integrating interventions into practice, according to a new study published in Health Affairs.

AR Hospitals Receive Grant to Boost Health Information Exchange
Blue Cross and Blue Shield has awarded $817,000 to Arkansas Rural Health Partnership to expand its health information exchange (HIE) to rural southern Arkansas.