NEWS & VIEWS

October 24, 2024

2024 State of Coverage Policy Summit

Thank you to all who attended the 2024 State of Coverage Policy Summit live! Attendees heard from Jennifer Sullivan from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Lynn Cowles from Every Texan about the enhanced premium tax credit (PTC) for Marketplace coverage. This tax mechanism allows Hoosiers from 100-150% FLP to have no cost Marketplace premiums and lowers premiums for folks up to 400% FLP! Nearly half of enrollees nationwide selected a plan for $10/month or less.

Unfortunately, these pandemic era enhanced premium tax credits will expire if Congress does not renew them. This would mean higher premium costs for the vast majority of enrollees.

Because this topic will continue to be in the news in the coming months, CKF invites you to watch the recording, which is housed on the Policy and Advocacy page of the CKF website.

Best Practices for Adhering to EPSDT Requirements

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released guidance for states on the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) rules. CMS will be working with all states to ensure adherence to these requirements.

The EPSDT requirements are a cornerstone of the Medicaid program and ensure robust health coverage for children. Children enrolled in Medicaid are entitled to services covered under EPSDT rules. The goal of EPSDT is to ensure that children receive necessary health care in the most appropriate setting.

Updated Toolkit

CMS recently updated the Reaching Children and Families in School-Based and Early Education and Care Settings Toolkit on the Medicaid and CHIP Renewals Outreach and Educational Resources page. This update includes evergreen language that education and early education professionals can use to share information about regular Medicaid and CHIP renewals with parents and families. The toolkit includes ready-to-use resources, such as:

• Letter from Schools/ECE, Teachers, Nurses, Counselors, etc. to Parents/Students 
• Social Media Message
• Robocall Script
• No Reply Text/Group Message/Email

October is Health Literacy Month

The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is offering a recording of their recent webinar that discussed practical steps to address health literacy through improved communications and community engagement efforts. CHCS also offers health literacy fact sheets including one that discusses how health literacy contributes to health disparities and strategies to address challenges.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers various publications:

• Coverage to Care (C2C) Roadmap to Better Care and its companion guide for mental health and substance use services, the Roadmap to Behavioral Health, are both available in multiple languages.
• C2C Prevention Resources is available in eight languages and outlines the services that are available at no cost under most health coverage plans.
• C2C Enrollment Toolkit is designed to assist community partners and others who help consumers enroll in coverage.
• Manage Your Chronic Condition webpage to help those you serve learn more about the chronic care management tools available to them.
• Improving Care for People with Limited English Proficiency infographic to learn more about health disparities among people with limited English proficiency and to find relevant resources.
• Getting the Care You Need – A Guide for People with Disabilities helps people with disabilities understand their rights and get the care they need.

The Health Literacy in Healthy People 2030 webpage includes tools and resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which has a goal of improving health literacy in order to improve health and well-being for all.

Indiana Tenant Habitability Guide

Indiana Justice Project and several collaborators have created the Indiana Tenant Habitability Guide. It explains the available protections in Indiana for tenants who have habitability concerns in their home.

Reduce the Stigma

The IU School of Public Health has launched an evidence-based social marketing and awareness campaign to decrease the stigma of mental illness and increase the awareness of the need for culturally appropriate services for the focus population groups.

Preview the videos for the veteran, firefighter, college, and adult populations.

Become a Stronger Champion for

Students with Disabilities

Please see these new free resources to help you advocate for the rights of students with disabilities with topics such as parents’ rights in special education, Section 504 protections for students with disabilities, and how to know if a child is eligible for early intervention services.

2025 Marketplace Open Enrollment

During open enrollment, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a webinar series for assisters and partners. The series will cover critical information, resources, updated materials, data snapshots and more.

Register here for one (or all three).

Digital Strategies

Young Invincibles’ digital communications manager recently presented on Digital Strategies for Open Enrollment. It includes pros and cons of different platforms, key messages, and more.

Improving Health Outcomes for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

Mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUD) are significant drivers of the U.S. maternal mortality crisis, particularly during the postpartum period. The October 30th webinar discussion will preview an upcoming report from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and offer insights and practical examples to help policymakers, health systems, providers, and community-based organizations transform maternal health care to offer critical supports for this oft-hidden population.

Congratulations Joe!

CKF Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Program Manager, Joe Castillo, completed the AXIS Leadership Program.

AXIS is an 8-month leadership initiative tailored for Latinx professionals aged between 21 and 28, aiming to foster personal and professional growth and to equip them for civic and community leadership roles. Graduates of the program will emerge as self-assured Latinx professionals, ready to unite, innovate, and serve their community.

*Joe is in the back row, center.

Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low,

Yet Disparities Persist

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that youth tobacco product use in the U.S. has reached its lowest level in 25 years, with 2.25 million students using tobacco in 2024, down from 2.8 million in 2023. E-cigarette use, the most common among youth, saw a significant drop, as did hookah use. However, disparities persist, with increases in use among American Indian or Alaska Native students. The decline is attributed to prevention strategies and regulatory efforts, but continued focus is needed to address remaining disparities and protect youth.

65% of adult Medicaid members in Indiana are working. More Indiana Medicaid facts in this KFF infographic.

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