18 Dec Health Data News Roundup: Humana Cigna Merger Off; TEFCA Comes to Life; and Medicare Advantage Data Collection Improvement Needed

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.

Cigna Calls Off Humana Pursuit
Last week, the Wall Street Journal announced that Cigna abandoned its pursuit of a tie-up with Humana after shareholders balked at a deal that would have created a roughly $140 billion giant in the health-insurance industry.

HHS, ONC Bring TEFCA Live for Nationwide Health Data Exchange
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), has announced that national health data exchange governed by the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) is now operational.

Lawmakers Urge CMS to Improve Data Collection in Medicare Advantage
Four United States Senators have called on CMS to improve data collection and reporting in the Medicare Advantage program to help regulators understand how plan design impacts care quality, cost, and coverage.

Most Care Orgs Unprepared for Cures Act Interoperability Requirements
While 61 percent of healthcare organizations have invested resources into meeting the interoperability requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act, only 36 percent report having the necessary data quality programs in place to do so, according to a new study.

ONC Finalizes Rule to Drive Health IT Interoperability, AI Transparency
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has finalized a rule to support health IT interoperability and artificial intelligence (AI) transparency.

Humana Foundation Grants $1M to Address Food Insecurity, Mental Health
Humana’s philanthropic arm, the Humana Foundation, has awarded research grants totaling $1 million to three universities that will go toward improving food security and mental health in their communities.