Covering Kids & Families of Indiana Newsletter |
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What’s Happening at 200 West Washington Street?
We're in the second half of the legislative session, which means some bills have died for failure to receive a hearing or floor reading by the deadlines. It also means the bills that have passed will go through the whole process again in the other chamber. In this context, chamber refers to the Senate or the House of Representatives. So if a bill passed from the Senate, it will go to the House, and vice versa. (You can refresh yourself on the steps here.)
Lead Remediation
SB 5 was heard in committee on Tuesday, 2/13. The bulk of the bill addresses the replacement of lead service lines by utilities, but the bill also establishes the school lead testing and remediation grant program. This would give schools the resources to test drinking water and remediate lead service lines should they be in use.
Prior Authorization
There were several bills this legislative session addressing prior authorization. HB 1091 and SB 237 died without a committee hearing. SB 3 did receive a hearing and passed out of the Health and Provider Services committee, but ended up dying after being recommitted to Appropriations. This was a priority bill for Senate Republicans, but it does not look like the language will move into another bill this session.
According to KFF, "Insurers point to prior authorization as a tool to limit unnecessary and ineffective care, thereby reducing costs. However, the practice is also drawing increased scrutiny amid concerns that it creates unreasonable barriers to patients getting needed care and generates excessive paperwork burdens on doctors and other providers." KFF is hosting a panel on the topic on February 22, 2024 at noon ET. You can register here.
Mental Health
SB233 addresses Medicaid reimbursement for community mental health centers and certified community behavioral health clinics. SB214 requires the approval and availability of student mental health resources for certain schools, including resources on human trafficking and youth suicide. (The Indiana School Health Network will have sessions on these two topics this summer at the conference.) For Hoosiers, behavioral health is a top priority, and these bills will help individuals receive the care and support they need.
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NEWS FROM THE INDIANA SCHOOL HEALTH NETWORK |
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Call for Exhibitors
The Indiana School Health Network (ISHN) invites community, school, and public health organizations to the 16th Annual School Health Network Conference as an Exhibitor. The ISHN conference is attended by over 500 school professionals, including educators, school nurses, social workers, school administrators, public health nurses, managed care professionals, federally qualified health center and school-based health center leadership, providers, and school health experts from across the region. Exhibitors provide attendees with valuable information and resources and have the opportunity to collaborate with conference attendees. Call for Exhibitors is open until April 26, 2024.
Reserve your booth now-- space is limited!
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Call for Sponsors
The Indiana School Health Network (ISHN) and Covering Kids & Families of Indiana are looking forward to the 16th annual ISHN Conference in June. Call for Sponsors is open until April 1, 2024.
Conference sponsors have the opportunity to elevate awareness, establish connections, and network with conference attendees. Detailed information regarding sponsorship levels is provided below.
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Additions to Benefits Portal
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) made several updates to the Benefits Portal helpful to consumers and navigators.
- Uploaded documents are now visible with status
- Requests to appoint authorized representative (AR) can be made
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Cost Sharing Set to Resume
The Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced that cost sharing requirements for Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) will be reinstated in July.
What members of the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) can expect:
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POWER Account contributions will resume and members must contribute (based on income) $1 - $20 per month. Payments are paid directly to the member’s health plan (Anthem, CareSource, MDwise or MHS)
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Pregnant members have coverage 12 months after delivery with no POWER account contributions required
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Members who use Tobacco have one year to successfully complete
cessation services to avoid a 50% surcharge increase in POWER Account contributions.
What members of Hoosier Healthwise and Medworks can expect:
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American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month! The benefits and programs below can help in a journey toward a heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Medicare - This federal health insurance program for people over age 65 covers heart-related services like prevention programs, diagnostic testing, medications, surgery, and more. Learn more.
- Medicaid - Similar to Medicare, Medicaid covers preventative programs, diagnostic tests, and heart condition treatments. Check eligibility.
- MyPlate - This program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers practical tips, meal planning, resources, and education materials to support individuals in making heart-healthy food choices. Learn More.
- Physical activity initiatives - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports programs that promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle, contributing to the prevention of heart disease. Explore CDC resources.
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Summer Opportunities with Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
AHECs around the state partner with colleges and universities to host camps and experiences all summer long, showcasing health careers through hands-on, immersive experiences. Check out the camps below and in the image on the right!
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! In the United States, teen dating violence affects 1 in 3 young individuals and can have long term negative effects on health. The Love is Respect Youth Council selected the TDVAM 2024 theme "Love Like That" to emphasize healthy relationships and the importance of communication and boundaries. The Indiana Department of Health's IN Youth Advisory Board has created a social media toolkit with graphics, copy, and hashtags.
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Vaccinating Females Across the Lifespan
This webinar will focus on the recommended vaccines for females throughout their lifespan. The speakers will identify significant trends in vaccination rates in recent years and highlight at least three strategies for improving vaccine rates for women and the population as a whole.
The webinar speakers are: Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH; Tara Jatlaoui, MD, MPH; and Elisha Hall, PhD. Each of the speakers are from the Immunization Services Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The webinar is on February 21st at 3 pm EST. You can register here.
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Medicaid Unwinding Stakeholder Meeting
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Improving Access to Care for Pregnant and Postpartum People with Opioid Use Disorder
The American Medical Association and Manatt Health will share recommendations to improve access to care for pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder with a focus on justice-involved people.
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IHCP Enrollment
Total Membership decreased in December.
With 2,012,389 members, there were 26,081 or -1.28% fewer members in December 2023 than in November 2023.
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© 2023 Covering Kids & Families of Indiana | All Rights Reserved |
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