Good Afternoon,
Here's this week's newsletter. The Key Takeaways are:
1. As we write this, the US House just passed the second "minibus" which funds three-quarters of the Federal government for the rest of FY24 and provides flat-line funding for Section 330 appropriations. The bill now goes to the Senate, and is expected to be signed into law in time to avoid a partial government shutdown tomorrow AM. While we are very disappointed that this bill did not include the $5 billion in mandatory 330 funding being considered last week, we are encouraged that all eight "corners" (meaning the Chairs and Ranking members of the four key committees, including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) had agreed on the $5 billion funding figure for CHCs at that time. And we will have another chance to push for increased funding later this year. See pages 3 & 4.
2. In the Report language accompanying HHS' operating funds, both the House and Senate advised BPHC to add a UDS measure around dementia, and have CHCs "redouble" their efforts around screening and vaccination for Hepatitis B. The House also expressed concerns about CHCs sharing "materials that encourage health care providers to hide a minor patient's sexual orientation or gender identity from the patient's parents." See page 4.
3. CMS has announced a new demonstration project to support primary care providers in "low revenue" Medicare ACOs. Under the new ACO Primary Care Flex Model, Medicare Shared Savings Plans whose members consist largely of outpatient provides will receive a one-time advanced shared savings payment, and monthly PMPM payments. The Request for Applications (RFA) should be released in the second quarter of 2024. Here are a Fact Sheet and FAQs about the new model. See page 7.
And here are three Recommended Action Items:
1. If you haven't already done so, please co-sign the letter to House leadership expressing support for the Health Care Practitioner Disaster Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would allow CHC providers who are in good standing under FTCA at their "home" CHC to immediately receive FTCA coverage when volunteering at another CHC in response to an emergency. The bill will reduce administrative burden, should have no cost, and most importantly, will increase access in emergency situations. Both NACHC and ACH support the bill. See page 3.
2. CHCs, the annual application window for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program is now open. Notably, for the first time in recent memory, HRSA is increasing the maximum amount of loan repayment a recipient can receive to $75,000 (from the long-standing $50K); HRSA is also offering an extra $5,000 for applicants who are proficient in Spanish. Applications are due May 9. See page 8.
3. If you plan to submit comments on the "Group of Six" Senator's draft 340B reform bill and RFI, remember that the deadline is Monday April 1. Here are Colleen's full draft comments, and a suggested template. See page 6.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank You for continued hard work and advocacy!
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Chuck O'Neal
Director, Member Support
Kentucky Primary Care Association
Frankfort KY
(502) 545-9620
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