Innovations
Policy
State Legislation Supports Professional Development of Community Health Workers, Leading to Greater Professional Recognition, Enhancements in Training, and Funding 5/22/2013
An alliance of government and not-for-profit agencies aided the passage of various legislative provisions in Massachusetts designed to create a more stable, systemic role for community health workers, leading to greater professional recognition, an expanded workforce and training infrastructure, and increased funding of services.
Policy
Increased Reimbursement and Dedicated Funds Allow Remote Primary Care Clinics to Provide Around-the-Clock Care, Leading to Fewer Medical Evacuations and Higher Quality of Care 5/22/2013
Five clinics in remote parts of Alaska and Washington state receive additional reimbursement from Medicare and dedicated Federal funds that allow them to provide around-the-clock care, leading to fewer medical evacuations (and associated cost savings), better quality care, and high levels of satisfaction in the communities they serve.
Policy
Accountable Care Organization Featuring Shared Global Risk Stimulates Development of Initiatives To Improve Care, Reduces Inpatient Use and Costs 5/15/2013
Partners in an accountable care organization share risk via an annual global budget and implement initiatives to improve efficiency and quality, leading to reductions in hospital use and overall health care costs.
Revamped Employee Wellness Program With Financial Incentives, Onsite Biometrics, Health Risk Assessments, and Coaches Boosts Participation Rates, Reduces Risk Factors 5/15/2013
A large, self-insured employer revamped its employee wellness program to incorporate financial incentives, onsite biometrics that feed into a health risk assessment, and periodic meetings with health coaches, leading to greater employee participation and a reduction in risk factors.
Policy
County-Based Accountable Care Organization for Medicaid Enrollees Features Shared Risk, Electronic Data Sharing, and Various Improvement Initiatives, Leading to Lower Utilization and Costs 5/8/2013
A county-based accountable care organization integrates medical, behavioral, and social services and assigns a care coordinator to newly enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries to promote use of appropriate services, leading to fewer readmissions and emergency department visits and lower costs.
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