In The Spotlight

Hospital Readmissions: A Toolkit

Beginning on Oct. 1, 2012, hospitals for the first time faced a financial penalty for readmitting a Medicare patient whom they had already cared for in the past month. Data shows that readmissions have already fallen, although the policy remains controversial.

The Toolkit includes:

• An explanation of the penalties included in the ACA
• Key facts about hospital readmission rates and costs
• Links to news articles and reports explaining and analyzing the issue
• A list of health care experts who understand the issue and its implications

This new Toolkit can be found under the "Resources" tab above or by clicking here.

Starting in 2014, employers will be allowed to charge their workers up to 30 percent more for health insurance premiums if they don't meet certain health goals, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). An Alliance for Health Reform briefing, Worker Wellness Programs: Do They Work? will explain the provisions in the law, and examine employer efforts to improve worker wellness, along with evidence about savings. What effect can tying wellness incentives to premiums have on workers, and especially less healthy workers? What does the evidence say about wellness programs and costs? Under the proposed agency rules related to the ACA provisions, what would be permitted and not permitted in wellness program design and practice? What are key concerns about implementing such programs? A distinguished panel of experts will address these and related questions.  Info & Registration 

Over nine million Americans receive benefits from both Medicare and Medicaid costing over $315 billion in health care services in the two programs combined. The dual eligibles account for 15 percent of the Medicaid population and almost 40 percent of all Medicaid expenditures for medical services; and 20 percent of the enrollees in Medicare, but 30 percent of the expenditures. Who are the dual eligibles? How does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) address cost and quality of health care issues for this population? What is the office of duals? What federal initiatives are helping to improve quality, integrate care and align financing? How are the states involved in serving dual eligibles? In improving their care and coping with the high cost of care? What do the demos hope to show? Read More

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH), also referred to as the primary care medical home, is a model that aims to transform the organization and delivery of primary care. Why are we investing in testing the patient-centered medical home model? What does current evidence say about the impact of PCMH models? Can these models generate savings for the health care system down the road? Do primary care practices have the capacity and time to develop these models? What resources are necessary to ensure a functioning PCMH? What is the status of the demonstration projects run under CMMI? What are some successes and challenges that active PCMHs have encountered? How else does the ACA provide support for patient-centered medical homes? A distinguished panel of experts addressed these and related questions.  Read More