CHCs Continue to Increase in Patient Centered Medical Homes

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Member Spotlight
The Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative's 11 service sites were recently awarded level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home qualification. PCMH certification is a whole-person way for CHCs to show their commitment to patient care. Medical homes have been proven to increase positive patient outcomes and experiences. In light of the recent funding fight, it is key that CHCs continue to make strong cases for themselves as a way to efficiently and affordably take care of their communities.

The 11 SeMRHI PCMH health centers are in South Mississippi around Hattiesburg and Seminary. SeMRHI was founded in 1979, and according to their mission statement, has since then has worked t o "provide access to affordable quality primary and preventive health care to our communities in a patient centered, safe, compassionate environment." Attaining the PCMH certification is a testament to their commitment to their mission.
The Cliff is Fixed!
Friday, February 9 th , Congress voted for a funding bill that included 2 years of funding for CHCs across the country. This 7-billion-dollar funding move will ensure that 27 million patients will continue to receive care (300,000 of those Mississippians)! This was a huge achievement made possible by thousands of advocates across the country. 
Efforts at the local, state, and national level combined to create a resounding call for funding that Congress could not ignore. If you helped in any way, if you added your voice to the cause, if you called your congressman or used social media to advocate: THANK YOU!

MPHCA worked diligently to see that the priorities of Mississippi CHCs were heard. On Tuesday, February 6 th , Advocates around the country worked to raise awareness for the funding emergency. #RedAlert4CHCs. MPHCA employees showed their support by wearing red, and CEO Janice Sherman visited Washington D.C., to speak alongside CHC activists in support of restoring the funding. 
MPHCA staff dressed in red
to show their support for #RedAlert4CHCs
Early Friday morning, after a four hour government shutdown, Congress came to a deal that restored funding to the government and CHCs. The deal will keep CHCs funded for two years since September 30 th , 2017. That means, while this was a big win, it’s time to start working to seeing CHCs funded from 2019 beyond. 
Provider Billing Communication

Federally Qualified Health Center Services (FQHC)
WellCare MA Plans – Mississippi: Check Claims to ensure payment rates.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) should be paid based on a Prospective Payment System (PPS) rate as required per Medicaid Contract.
 
Please check your Medicare Advantage (MA) Claims and let MPHCA know if you are not being paid on a PPS rate.

We are in communication with WellCare to facilitate recovery efforts and will keep you posted.
Updating Accreditation and PCMH Status in the EHB Just Got Easier
Grantees can now more easily update accreditation or Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition information through the Electronic Handbook (EHB). Submit updates from your grant folder by clicking the "HRSA Accreditation/PCMH Initiative" link. Choose the appropriate button: "Request Accreditation Update" or "Request PCMH Recognition Update." BPHC will review all updates and email a confirmation of review. For more information, please contact HRSA's Accreditation and PCMH Initiative.
New Medicare Card Provider Materials
To help you prepare for the transition to the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) on Medicare cards beginning April 1, 2018, review the new information about remittance advice.

 Beginning in October 2018, through the transition period , when providers submit a claim using a patient’s valid and active Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN), CMS will return both the HICN and the MBI on every remittance advice. Here are examples of different remittance advices:


Find more new information on the New Medicare Card provider webpage.
When will Medicare patients receive their cards? Starting April 2018, CMS will begin mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare on a flow basis, based on geographic location and other factors. Learn more about the Mailing Strategy . Also starting April 2018, your patients will be able to check the status of card mailings in their area on Medicare.gov .

For More Information:
Training Opportunities
Boxing with Opioids (March 7th)

The Quality Improvement Workgroup will host their Spring One-Day Clinical Conference for community health centers and interested safety net providers. This training is critically important for all health center staff.

Read more
mphca.com
CFO Workgroup Meeting (February 28, 2018)

Topic: Cost Containment Conference Call Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Read more
www.mphca.com
TARGET BP WEBINAR: (February 22nd)

"Learn how to submit your 2018 Target BP Recognition data successfully"

Read more
mphca.com

Federal Torts Claim Act University (FTCAU)
July 19 - 20 | Sheraton Convention Center | Myrtle Beach, SC
The FTCAU is an innovative training conference hosted by the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association (SCPHCA) for members of the health care community. FTCAU allows both new and seasoned quality and risk management professionals to learn from experts, leaders, and government officials about FTCA, health care quality and risk management, and related subjects. Over the two-day course, attendees will participate in interactive presentations and exercises specifically geared toward health
center grantees in the Southeast. The SCPHCA has partnered with five PCAs (including MPHCA) in the Southeast to host this FTCAU training. Register coming soon.
Best Place to Work Contest
The Mississippi Business Journal is holding a "best places to work" contest. If you work for a CHC, and you enjoy it, consider nominating your CHC for this award. It would be a great way to give recognition. The Application only takes 1 minute.
News to Use
Remember To Update Your Sliding Fee Scale
U.S. FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES UPDATED

Federal Poverty Guidelines updated January 2018. Ensure that these are updated on your sliding fee tables. There are two slightly different versions of the federal poverty measure: poverty thresholds and poverty guidelines.

Read more
aspe.hhs.gov

Monthly "Office Hours" on 340B and Other Pharmacy Issues
Starting this month on Jan. 18, NACHC staff will hold monthly office hours on 340B and general pharmacy issues. These sessions, made possible by HRSA funding, will be an opportunity for health center and PCA staff to ask questions and share ideas and information about 340B and pharmacy activities. Each session will begin with a brief overview of a timely issue, and the bulk of the time will be left for Q&A and discussion. Office Hours will be held on the third Thursday of each month, at 2:00 ET. Participation is free, but you must  register here  by 2:00 ET on Tuesday Jan. 16. Contact  Colleen Meiman  at NACHC for more information.
Registration Opening Soon!
  FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 


Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 21, 2018
T he SAMHSA, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) grants. The purpose of this program is to implement screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment services for adolescents and adults in primary care and community health settings. This program is designed to expand/enhance the state and tribal continuum of care for SUD services and reduce alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption and its negative health impact, increase abstinence, reduce costly health care utilization, and promote sustainability and the integration of behavioral health and primary care services.


Application Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2018
Up to 20 rural public and nonprofit entities forming a consortium of three or more organizations will be awarded total funding of $2 million from HRSA to assist in the planning and development of an integrated health care network at the local level. Emphasizing the role of networks, the program creates a platform for medical care providers, social service providers, and community organizations to coalesce key elements of a rural health care delivery system to improve local capacity and coordination of care. Previous grantees have focused on behavioral health and health information technology. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Sara Afayee at [email protected] . 


Application Deadline: April 2018
HEALTH: Since its founding, hospitals and health agencies have been recipients of foundation awards. Equipment, outreach programs, staff positions, screening and education materials are just a few examples of grants given. Health education programs for at-risk children and their parents, support for the critically ill, AIDS/HIV education programs, and nursing scholarships have all received awards in the past decade. Specific institutions and specific programs, rather than national organizations, are usually given priority.
Telephone: (501) 324-2233
Contact: Anna Kay F. Frueauff, V.P., Communications & Programs Or Alma Willett, Office Mgr.

 
HOW TO APPLY:
Grantseekers are encouraged to visit the foundation's web site for additional information prior to calling or submitting a letter of inquiry. Please re-visit the foundation's website periodically for an update on the funding status
Application form not required.
Applicants should submit the following:

SUBMIT IN APRIL 2018
Copy of IRS Determination Letter
Copies of proposal: 1
Board meeting date(s): May and Nov.
Final notification: After May and Nov. meetings
Funds Care Coordination, Among Other Projects

Application Deadline: Varies
See UnitedHealthcare's free Grant Guide that features more than 50 opportunities from state and federal government and national foundations. You can also register for UHC's Creating a Competitive Proposal webinar, facilitated by experienced grant writer Allison Rojas, offered on the second Wednesday of each month.

Application Deadline: Rolling
Support well-established nonprofit organizations across the nation that address issues within four major areas of interest: education, health, culture, and social service. Health interests include cancer, geriatrics, neonatology, perinatology, pediatrics, women's health, and the disabled.