03 Apr Health Data News Roundup: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Health Equity; Oklahoma and HIE Rules; and CVS Health Closes Signify Health Deal

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.

4 Changes to OMB Data Regulations That Could Improve Health Equity
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the National Minority Quality Forum shared four changes to OMB’s Directive No. 15 that could improve data collection and health equity in the US.

AHIP Argues In Favor of the Copay Coupon Accumulator Rule
AHIP submitted an amicus brief in favor of the HHS copay coupon accumulator rule, which would allow states to decide whether pharmaceutical manufacturers’ copay coupons should contribute to patient cost-sharing.

CVS Closed $8 Billion Deal for Health Services Company Signify Health
CVS Health has closed its major acquisition of health services company Signify Health at a deal valued at $8 billion, which will help advance the health giant’s push into value-based care.

UPMC Partnership Facilitates Access to Healthcare Services, Coverage
UPMC Health Plan’s Medicaid managed care plan is partnering with a community-based organization to provide access to navigation assistance that can help connect members to healthcare services and coverage.

UnitedHealth Group Commits $2M to Improve Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Youth
UnitedHealth Group’s philanthropic group, the United Health Foundation, has committed $2 million to help improve health equity and boost access to mental healthcare for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth in Minnesota.

Oklahoma Moves Forward with Statewide Health Information Exchange Rules
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) Board of Directors voted to approve administrative rules to implement a bill that requires healthcare providers to connect to a statewide health information exchange (HIE).

Cigna, Aledade Partner on Value-Based Primary Care for Seniors
Cigna and Aledade are partnering on value-based primary care for seniors. Aledade, the nation’s largest network of independent primary care facilities, helps independent PCPs transition to value-based care models.