January 30, 2024
January 2024 – NEW Advocacy Newsletter Preview
Social Mission Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of our advocacy bulletin, Health Advocate Insights. We’ are excited to provide a monthly platform empowering advocates, educators, and students to stay involved and make a meaningful contribution in today’s challenging healthcare climate.
We think all members of the alliance would appreciate this content, but are making this an opt-in choice. Please subscribe to Health Advocacy Insights, and receive more of these mailings in the future. We hope you’ll enjoy the first installment included below.
January 30, 2024
Health Advocacy Insights #1
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Social Mission Alliance’s monthly advocacy bulletin! We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you, as we delve into the vital realms of state and federal advocacy for policies aimed at enhancing healthcare workforce diversity as well as social accountability in the practices of healthcare professional training programs. In today’s rapidly changing work, the need for a healthcare system that is truly reflective of and responsive to the needs our diverse society is paramount. Social Mission Alliance is committed to championing these critical values by promoting legislation and policy initiatives that prioritize inclusivity, equity, and accountability within the healthcare sector.
Our bulletin will serve as a beacon of insight and information, keeping you informed about the latest developments, advocacy efforts, and achievements in this transformative space. Each month, we will bring you stories of change-makers, policy updates, and inspiring successes that underscore the importance of a social mission-oriented health workforce. Join us on this journey as we reshape the future of healthcare. Together, we can make a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities. Thank you for being a part of the Social Mission Alliance community and we look forward to working hand in hand to build a more equitable and inclusive health workforce. Onto the news!
What's going on in Washington, DC?
Federal legislators have shown a strong interest in expanding scholarship opportunities outside of traditional Associates and Bachelors degree programs. Recently, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Grant Act (HR 6585) and A Stronger Workforce for America Act (HR 6655). Among the bill’s provisions were the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to include programs lasting between 150 to 599 clock hours in length. The bill faced pushback from some lawmakers who opposed the inclusion of for-profit colleges and universities as among the qualified training programs. Additionally, the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility was offset by a provision preventing private colleges with endowments over $500,000 per student from providing federal student loans.
Elsewhere in Congress, the Senate has continued to discuss the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act. Having already passed the Senate Finance Committee with a vote of 26-0, the bill would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors and providers, as well as expand behavioral health and substance use disorder services to Medicaid and CHIP patients. Additionally, it would also increase reimbursements for physicians who opt into value-based care over fee-for-service. Funding for the program is enabled by cuts to the Medicare and Medicaid Improvement Funds.
There is additional exciting news at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). On December 15, 2023, CMS announced a notice of funding opportunity for state Medicaid agencies for the new Transforming Maternal Health Model (TMaH). The model, which is anticipated to run for 10 years, is designed to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce expenditures for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees through “ the development of a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care that addresses the physical, mental health, and social needs experienced during pregnancy.” Among other provisions, the demonstration may include technical assistance for cultural competency training for providers; extension of postpartum health coverage; agency health equity planning; and coverage of midwife, doula, and perinatal community health worker services.
What's going on in the states?
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed SB 525 which increases wages for California healthcare workers. The new law, which is expected to impact more than 400,000 Californians, sets a new minimum wage for healthcare workers at $25.00 per hour. The law, which was reached as a bargain between the hospital and health provider lobby and labor unions, was made under the agreement that unions would implement a 10-year moratorium on ballot measures to raise pay at healthcare facilities. Importantly, the speed at which the revised minimum wage is implemented is contingent with the size, nature, and payer mix of the employer with hospitals accepting more Medi-Cal and Medicare patients seeing a slower phase-in.
Also in California, the 2024 Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan contract has been revised to focus on improving health equity and accountability in the care delivery system. Among the more notable features of the revised contract is that Managed Care Plans (MCPs) with a net income will be mandated to allocate 5-7.5% of managed care profits to local community groups that improve community infrastructure for Medi-Cal members. Additionally, MCPs are required to increase access to culturally competent care including that which takes into account culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and preferred language.
On the other coast in the nation’s capital, the District of Columbia (DC) municipal government recently passed a bill that would make Masters in Social Work (MSW) education free for employees of the DC government or graduates of DC public schools. The bill also covers costs of books, student licensing exams, and a monthly stipend for living expenses and transportation. Upon completing the program, graduates are required to practice in DC for at least two years for a DC public school, nonprofit that works for the DC government, or a healthcare provider.
Indira Islas, MPH shared her journey as a DACA recipient and aspiring physician in a meaningful blog post published by Milbank Memorial Fund. It was her experience and passion that pushed forward research recently published in Health Affairs showing “the stark reality that only 6% of Latinos are physicians despite Latinos comprising around 18 percent of the US population.”
In her blog post, Indira shows us why health workforce diversity is so important and why institutions need to make it part of their social mission. Read the full story: Seeking Representation and Diversity in the Health Workforce and Pipeline
What else are we reading?
What can you act on today?
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of state and federal policies, it’s clear our mission is more important than ever. We look forward to your continued support and involvement in our journey to build a more equitable and inclusive health workforce. Together we can drive meaningful change for our communities and the future of healthcare.
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