21 Nov Health Data News Roundup: Benchmarking State Health Cost Growth; 2022 RI Life Index; and ONC Outlines Health IT Certification Tips

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.

How Massachusetts’ Benchmark Impacted Healthcare Cost Growth
Massachusetts’ statewide benchmark for healthcare cost growth has generally helped curb increases in healthcare spending, but its influence has dwindled over time due to poor accountability mechanisms, according to a new study.

States: Achieve Benchmarks in Peterson-Milbank Program for Sustainable Health Care Costs
The Peterson-Milbank Program for Sustainable Health Care Costs helps participating states to identify, establish and monitor key healthcare spending trends, and track them against agreed-upon targets.

2022 RI Life Index Finds Social Determinants of Health Barriers in RI
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) released its 2022 RI Life Index for the fourth year in a row in order to assess social determinants of health barriers and the impact on residents’ perceived health and wellbeing.

Top 4 Medicare Advantage Penetration, Access Trends in 2023 Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will have more health plan options available to them now than they have at any point in over a decade, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

ACHP Offers 5 Recommendations For CHIP, Medicaid During PHE Unwinding
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) had five recommendations for CMS regarding how to streamline processes in Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program.

Major Payers Spent Less Than 1% of 2021 Income on Social Determinants of Health
The share of their income that major payers spend on social determinants of health may have increased over time, but it remains a lackluster percentage, according to a new study.

ONC Outlines Health IT Certification Tips for 2015 Edition Cures Update
The 2015 Edition Cures Update made several changes to the ONC Health IT Certification Program, including new functionalities and requirements establishing the Conditions and Maintenance of Certification.

UnitedHealthcare, AARP Partnering on Hearing Aid Benefits
UnitedHealthcare will administer AARP’s Hearing Solutions, which provides affordable hearing aids to members of the association.