Oral Health Quality Improvement in the Era of Accountability Pacific Center for Special Care at University of the Pacific Glassman, Paul Published: January 2012 Examines the components, drivers, measurements, and activities of quality improvement in oral health care; current initiatives; progress compared with other areas of health care in addressing health disparities and cost variations; and next steps. Funder(s): DentaQuest Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Dental Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(37 pages; 1.37MB; PDF)
Improving the Efficiency of Primary Care in Safety Net Clinics: San Mateo County's System Redesign Urban Institute Howell, Embry; Ashley Palmer Published: January 2012 Outlines the impact of a countywide redesign of six primary care clinics — including the implementation of electronic health records, team-based care, chronic disease management, and advanced access scheduling — on quality of care and costs. Funder(s): Blue Shield of California Foundation, California Endowment Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 373KB; PDF)
State Progress Toward Health Reform Implementation Urban Institute Blavin, Fredric; Matthew Buettgens; Jeremy Roth Published: January 2012 Provides updated state-level estimates of the effects of the 2010 healthcare reform act on coverage and costs, including correlations between a state's progress in establishing insurance exchanges and expected benefits in coverage and federal subsidies. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(13 pages; 635KB; PDF)
Putting Health on the Menu: A Toolkit for Creating Healthy Restaurant Programs Public Health Law & Policy; National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity Published: January 2012 Outlines restaurants' impact on health, regulatory frameworks, and recommendations for creating and implementing a model healthy restaurant program, including setting standards and offering incentives for participating restaurants. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Agriculture/Food; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Toolkit PubHub Link(42 pages; 2.53MB; PDF)
Green for Greens: Finding Public Financing for Healthy Food Retail Public Health Law & Policy; National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity Published: January 2012 Offers an overview of how to approach economic development agencies with proposals to eliminate "food deserts" that provide limited access to affordable and nutritious food and how to apply for local, state, and federal funding assistance and programs. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity Subject(s): Health; Agriculture/Food; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Toolkit PubHub Link(38 pages; 1.21MB; PDF)
Paying for "End-of-Life" Drugs in Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom: Balancing Policy, Pragmatism, and Societal Values Commonwealth Fund Chalkidou, Kalipso; Andreas Gerber; Ruth Lopert Published: January 2012 Analyzes British, Australian, and German health systems' policies on covering expensive end-of-life drugs while maintaining equity and efficiency, such as requiring evidence of comparative clinical and cost-effectiveness. Outlines challenges for the U.S. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Palliative Care/End of Life; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(20 pages; 537KB; PDF)
A Portrait of Marin: Marin County Human Development Report 2012 Social Science Research Council; Marin Community Foundation Published: January 2012 Examines trends in the county's human development indicators, including health status, access to knowledge, and standard of living by neighborhood, race/ethnicity, and gender; contributing factors; and implications. Includes action agendas. Funder(s): Marin Community Foundation Subject(s): Social Science; Minorities; Health Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(74 pages; 5.11MB; PDF)
Proposed Medicaid Long-Term Care Changes Raise Host of Questions About Impact Jessie Ball duPont Fund; Winter Park Health Foundation Summer, Laura; Joan Alker Published: January 2012 Outlines proposed changes to Florida's Medicaid Long-Term Care program, possible consequences, and implementation challenges such as limited time and resources, program features that may not transfer easily, and the need for strong independent oversight. Funder(s): Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Winter Park Health Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(10 pages; 5.15MB; PDF)
Performing Under Pressure: Annual Findings of a 50-State Survey of Eligibility, Enrollment, Renewal, and Cost-Sharing Policies in Medicaid and CHIP, 2011-2012 Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Heberlein, Martha; Samantha Artiga; Tricia Brooks; Jocelyn Guyer; Jessica Stephens Published: January 2012 Analyzes findings on state trends in maintaining or expanding eligibility for public coverage and improving enrollment and renewal procedures. Highlights some states' expansion of Medicaid eligibility and the use of technology to achieve efficiencies. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(92 pages; 1.94MB; PDF)
Health Affairs/RWJF Health Policy Brief: The Independent Payment Advisory Board Health Affairs; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: December 2011 Outlines arguments for and against the independent payment advisory board created by the 2010 health reform law to control Medicare spending if growth exceeds targets and Congress does not act promptly, including concerns that it may limit access to care. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 206KB; PDF)
Four Health Care Organizations' Efforts to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Costs Commonwealth Fund Van Citters, Aricca D.; Kathleen L. Carluzzo; Elliott S. Fisher; Josette N. Gbemudu; Sara A. Kreindler; Bridget K. Larson; Eugene C. Nelson; Stephen M. Shortell; Frances M. Wu Published: January 2012 Synthesizes findings from four case studies in the Brookings-Dartmouth ACO Pilot Program about forming integrated systems that can deliver accountable care under shared-savings agreements with private payers. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(16 pages; 725KB; PDF)
Monarch HealthCare: Leveraging Experience in Population Health Management to Attain Accountable Care Commonwealth Fund Carluzzo, Kathleen L.; Elliott S. Fisher; Josette N. Gbemudu; Sara A. Kreindler; Bridget K. Larson; Eugene C. Nelson; Stephen M. Shortell; Aricca D. Van Citters; Frances M. Wu Published: January 2012 Examines the progress of a physician-led independent practice association in forming an accountable care organization by working with Anthem as part of the Brookings-Dartmouth ACO Pilot Program, including creating the infrastructure for accountable care. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(24 pages; 956KB; PDF)
Norton Healthcare: A Strong Payer-Provider Partnership for the Journey to Accountable Care Commonwealth Fund Gbemudu, Josette N.; Elliott S. Fisher; Sara A. Kreindler; Bridget K. Larson; Eugene C. Nelson; Stephen M. Shortell; Aricca D. Van Citters Published: January 2012 Examines the progress of an integrated healthcare delivery system in forming an accountable care organization with payer partners as part of the Brookings-Dartmouth ACO Pilot Program, including a focus on performance measurement and reporting. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(20 pages; 919KB; PDF)
HealthCare Partners: Building on a Foundation of Global Risk Management to Achieve Accountable Care Commonwealth Fund Gbemudu, Josette N.; Elliott S. Fisher; Sara A. Kreindler; Bridget K. Larson; Eugene C. Nelson; Stephen M. Shortell; Aricca D. Van Citters; Frances M. Wu Published: January 2012 Describes the progress of a medical group and independent practice association in forming an accountable care organization by working with insurers as part of the Brookings-Dartmouth ACO Pilot Program. Lists lessons learned and elements of success. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(22 pages; 820KB; PDF)
Tucson Medical Center: Establishing Accountable Care at a Community Hospital Commonwealth Fund Carluzzo, Kathleen L.; Elliott S. Fisher; Sara A. Kreindler; Bridget K. Larson; Eugene C. Nelson; Stephen M. Shortell; Aricca D. Van Citters Published: January 2012 Examines the progress of a community hospital in forming an accountable care organization by working with affiliated physician groups and insurers as part of the Brookings-Dartmouth ACO Pilot Program, factors driving progress, and lessons learned. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(18 pages; 843KB; PDF)
Health Affairs/RWJF Health Policy Brief: Medicaid Reform Health Affairs; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: January 2012 Outlines arguments for and against proposals for restructuring Medicaid to slow spending growth, such as converting the entitlement program to a system of block grants, replacing federal rules with state-specific goals, and removing the waiver process. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 223KB; PDF)
Frontline Health Workers: The Best Way to Save Lives, Accelerate Progress on Global Health, and Help Advance U.S. Interests Frontline Health Workers Coalition Published: January 2012 Argues for training, equipping, and supporting community-based health workers, midwives, pharmacists, nurses, and doctors who provide care for rural populations in the developing world as a cost-efficient way to advance global health and development. Funder(s): Abt Associates, AMREF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Family Care International, Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care, IntraHealth International, Jhpiego, Partners In Health, PSI, Public Health Institute, RESULTS, Save the Children, White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, World Vision Subject(s): Health; International Affairs/Development; Health, HIV/AIDS Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 1.21MB; PDF)
Eliminating the Individual Mandate: Effects on Premiums, Coverage, and Uncompensated Care Urban Institute Buettgens, Matthew; Caitlin Carroll Published: January 2012 Outlines how removing the requirement to buy health insurance could affect coverage; government, employer, individual, and uncompensated spending; premiums; subsidies in the exchange; and Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollment. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(9 pages; 208KB; PDF)
Newly Insured Californians Would Fall by More than 1 Million Under the Affordable Care Act Without the Requirement to Purchase Insurance Center for Labor Research and Education at University of California, Berkeley; UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Published: January 2012 Compares the estimated number and percentage of currently uninsured Californians who will be insured by 2019 under the Affordable Care Act with the individual mandate and without. Highlights the need for the mandate to ensure affordable coverage. Funder(s): California Endowment Related Organization(s): UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 741KB; PDF)
Evaluation Design and Technical Assistance Opportunities: Early Findings From the Beacon Community Program Evaluation Teams Commonwealth Fund Rein, Alison; Rebecca Singer Cohen; Ben DeCoudres; Gerry Fairbrother; Hilary Kennedy; Raj Sabharwal Published: January 2012 Examines study designs, evaluation approaches, outcome measures, data sources, challenges, and technical assistance needs among sites in a project under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to strengthen health information technology capabilities. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Related Organization(s): AcademyHealth Subject(s): Health; Science/Technology; Science/Technology, Internet Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(22 pages; 1.53MB; PDF)
Health Care Payment in Transition: A California Perspective California HealthCare Foundation Oberlin, Shelley; Philip Macdonald; Stacey Stanton; Scott Tackett Published: January 2012 Provides an overview of the state's current payment system; new models likely to be implemented; features of the new system, including pluralism; and implications and strategies for stakeholders, including greater collaboration and robust analytics. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Related Organization(s): Kurt Salmon Associates Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(42 pages; 965KB; PDF)
Physician Faculty Scholars Program 2005-2012 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: January 2012 Describes the scope, goals, successes, challenges, and lessons of RWJF's career development program which supports physicians' academic careers with three-year research grants. Includes grantee profiles. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Medical Research; Health; Philanthropy and Voluntarism Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(39 pages; 7.30MB; PDF)
Americans' Access to Prescription Drugs Stabilizes, 2007-2010 Center for Studying Health System Change Boukus, Ellyn; Emily R. Carrier Published: December 2011 Examines trends in the percentage of Americans reporting difficulty affording prescription drugs by insurance status, age group, income, and health status. Considers contributing factors such as changes in the uninsured population and fewer doctor visits. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 164KB; PDF)
Eliminating Adult Dental Benefits in Medi-Cal: An Analysis of Impact California HealthCare Foundation Published: December 2011 Examines how removing non-emergency adult dental services from California's Medicaid program in 2009 affected dental expenditures, utilization for both adults and children, and provider practices, as well as implications for long-term health. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Dental Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(10 pages; 732KB; PDF)
California Employer Health Benefits Survey 2011 California HealthCare Foundation Published: December 2011 Highlights findings from an annual survey on the state's employer-sponsored health benefits, including trends in and projections for coverage availability, costs, benefits and cost sharing, and plan enrollment and choice by employer type and plan type. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Related Organization(s): National Opinion Research Center Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Social Science, Workforce/Labor Issues Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(41 pages; 1.85MB; PDF)
Medical Bill Problems Steady for U.S. Families, 2007-2010 Center for Studying Health Systems Change Sommers, Anna; Peter J. Cunningham Published: December 2011 Examines changes in the proportion of people in families having difficulty paying medical bills during the recession by age group, insurance status, income, amount owed, amount paid off, and estimated time to pay off bills. Considers contributing factors. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 150KB; PDF)
Federally-Facilitated Exchanges and the Continuum of State Options National Academy of Social Insurance Bachrach, Deborah; Patricia Boozang Published: December 2011 Examines the features in eligibility, enrollment, plan management, consumer assistance, and financial management of three health insurance exchange models: state-based, federally facilitated, and partnership exchanges. Considers implications for states. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(44 pages; 418KB; PDF)
Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health From Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism, 2011 Trust for America's Health Published: December 2011 Highlights examples of preparedness programs and capacities at risk of federal budget cuts or elimination, examines state and local public health budget cuts, reviews ten years of progress and shortfalls, and outlines policy issues and recommendations. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Public Health; Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(92 pages; 1.94MB; PDF)
Almost One-Quarter of California Nonelderly Women Uninsured in 2009 Public Health Institute Wyn, Roberta; Elaine Zahnd Published: December 2011 Based on 2009 California Health Interview Survey data, outlines trends in women's health coverage by type and the percentage of uninsured women by age, race/ethnicity, income, family and work status, and region. Examines the role of the safety net. Funder(s): California Wellness Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Women Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(12 pages; 312KB; PDF)
Changes in Health Insurance Coverage in the Great Recession, 2007-2010 Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Holahan, John; Vicki Chen Published: December 2011 Examines trends in the number of uninsured by age, race/ethnicity, work status, citizenship status, and region; contributing factors such as the decline in employer-sponsored coverage and real incomes; and mitigating factors such as Medicaid provisions. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Social Science, Workforce/Labor Issues Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(20 pages; 548KB; PDF)
Public Reporting of Cost & Resource Use Measures to Consumers Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: December 2011 Provides a primer for healthcare providers participating in RWJF's Aligning Forces for Quality initiative about the rationale for publicly reporting cost and resource use measures and the factors and challenges that shape effective reporting. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): American Institutes for Research (AIR) Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 154KB; PDF)
The Case for Public Reporting of Cost & Resource Use Measures Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: December 2011 Explains the value to payers, providers, and consumers of publicly reporting information on costs and resource use to promote more efficient use of resources without adversely affecting the quality of care. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 131KB; PDF)
Proposed Regulations Could Limit Access to Affordable Health Coverage for Workers' Children and Family Members Center for Labor Research and Education at University of California, Berkeley; UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Jacobs, Ken; Dave Graham-Squire; Gerald F. Kominski; Dylan H. Roby Published: December 2011 Outlines implications of how the health reform law's premium subsidies apply if employer-sponsored self-only coverage is affordable but family coverage is not. Suggests basing family members' eligibility and affordability on additional cost to employee. Funder(s): California Endowment Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(11 pages; 281KB; PDF)
Risk Adjustment and Reinsurance: A Work Plan for State Officials Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Winkelman, Ross; Mary Hegemann; Patrick Holland; Tom Leonard; Syed Mehmud; Julie Peper; James Woolman Published: December 2011 Outlines the decisions and actions states need to take to implement the risk adjustment and reinsurance provisions of the 2010 health reform law, including risk adjustment model, reinsurance parameters, stakeholder engagement, and program administration. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Toolkit PubHub Link(52 pages; 1.02MB; PDF)
Money Follows the Person: A 2011 Survey of Transitions, Services and Costs Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: December 2011 Summarizes findings about states' implementation of the MFP demonstration, which provides federal funds to transition Medicaid beneficiaries from institutions back to community settings. Examines trends in enrollment, services, and per capita spending. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(15 pages; 735KB; PDF)
Case Study: Georgia's Money Follows the Person Demonstration Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: December 2011 Summarizes features, partnerships, and experiences of Georgia's implementation of the demonstration, which provides federal funds to transition Medicaid beneficiaries from institutions back to community settings. Examines transitions by beneficiary group. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(8 pages; 598KB; PDF)
Case Study: Ohio's Money Follows the Person Demonstration (HOME Choice) Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: December 2011 Outlines program features, outreach and enrollment, partnerships, and transitions by beneficiary type in Ohio's implementation of the demonstration, which provides federal funds to transition Medicaid beneficiaries from institutions to community settings. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(8 pages; 467KB; PDF)
Physical Activity, Overweight and Obesity Among Latino Youth Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: December 2011 Highlights rates of physical activity and overweight and obesity among Latino youth compared with other groups; the role of environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural factors; and policy implications and interventions for increasing physical activity. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Minorities, Hispanics/Latinos Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(13 pages; 1.20MB; PDF)
Addressing Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity Among Latino Youth Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: December 2011 Examines the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural factors that affect nutrition and overweight and obesity rates among Latino youth, including limited access to healthy foods, high food insecurity rates, and traditional infant and toddler feeding. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Minorities, Hispanics/Latinos Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(12 pages; 1.53MB; PDF)
Influence of Media on Overweight and Obesity Among Latino Youth Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: December 2011 Outlines findings about how media marketing affects the health-related behaviors of Latino youth, including trends in television viewing, fast-food advertisement in low-income Latino communities, and snacking and caloric intake. Lists policy implications. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Minorities, Hispanics/Latinos Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(11 pages; 1.06MB; PDF)
Ten Years of California's Independent Medical Review Process: A Look Back and Prospects for Change California HealthCare Foundation Published: January 2012 Reviews lessons from California's experience with mandatory independent external reviews of coverage denials by state-regulated health plans. Examines IMR cases, IMR's impact on health plans, and implications under federal healthcare reform. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Related Organization(s): Kelch Associates Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(36 pages; 1.01MB; PDF)
Independence at Risk: Older Californians With Disabilities Struggle to Remain at Home as Public Supports Shrink UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Kietzman, Kathryn G.; Anne Soon Choi; Eva M. Durazo; Jacqueline M. Torres; Steven P. Wallace Published: December 2011 Presents findings about aging Californians with disabilities who depend on paid public programs and unpaid help to live at home. Makes policy recommendations, including consolidating long-term care programs and enhancing support for caregivers. Funder(s): SCAN Foundation Subject(s): Disabilities; Aging; Health Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 185KB; PDF)
Eliminating Central Line Infections and Spreading Success at High-Performing Hospitals Commonwealth Fund Silow-Carroll, Sharon; Jennifer N. Edwards Published: December 2011 Synthesizes lessons in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections, including the importance of evidence-based protocols, dedicated teams to oversee central line insertions, participation in collaboratives, and monitoring of infection rates. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(16 pages; 757KB; PDF)
Building Medical Homes: Lessons From Eight States With Emerging Programs Commonwealth Fund; National Academy for State Health Policy Kaye, Neva; Jason Buxbaum; Mary Takach Published: December 2011 Profiles states' progress in developing and implementing medical home programs, strategies to encourage primary care providers' adoption, and states' ability to convene stakeholders, help improve and evaluate performance, and address antitrust concerns. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Related Organization(s): National Academy for State Health Policy Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(32 pages; 529KB; PDF)
Improving School Foods Through the Team Nutrition Program: New Findings From U.S. Elementary Schools Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Highlights findings about participation in the USDA initiative. Compares the availability of fresh fruit, whole grains, salads, and low-fat milk, as well as salty snacks, baked goods, and ice cream by year and in participant and non-participant schools. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Elementary and Secondary Education Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 207KB; PDF)
A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 13 Years Later Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Examines states' fiscal year 2012 funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, the lowest since 1999 as a percentage of tobacco revenues, and the impact of budget cuts on effective programs. Calls for a federal campaign with a focus on children. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association Subject(s): Health; Health, Public Health; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(135 pages; 2.08MB; PDF)
Multinational Comparisons of Health Systems Data, 2011 Commonwealth Fund Squires, David A. Published: November 2011 Provides latest data on healthcare systems and performance in twelve OECD nations and the United States, including spending, healthcare supply and utilization, health promotion and prevention efforts, quality outcomes, and fees and physician incomes. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Social Science, International Studies Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(28 pages; 248KB; PDF)
Healthy Corridor for All: A Community Health Impact Assessment of Transit-Oriented Development Policy in Saint Paul, Minnesota PolicyLink Malekafzali, Shireen; Danielle Bergstrom Published: November 2011 Details the connections between land-use decisions and health and equity outcomes based on a health impact assessment of the Central Corridor light rail line in the Twin Cities. Includes analysis of the rezoning proposal and policy recommendations. Funder(s): Blue Cross Blue Shield Center for Prevention, Pew Charitable Trusts, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): ISAIAH, TakeAction Minnesota Subject(s): Health; Community Improvement/Development; Environment Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(48 pages; 8.36MB; PDF) Technical Report
The State of Quality Improvement Science in Health Urban Institute Devers, Kelly J. Published: November 2011 Outlines the origins and evolution of the field of quality improvement in health care, current evidence of effectiveness, issues for further research, promising directions, and needed steps to build capacity for quality improvement research and practice. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(15 pages; 135KB; PDF)
Getting Involved in Transportation Planning Public Health Law & Policy Published: November 2011 Outlines the effects of climate change; the public health and greenhouse gas reduction benefits of a transportation policy that encourages biking rather than driving; and strategies for public health advocates to help shape climate policy. Funder(s): California Endowment, Kaiser Permanente North Subject(s): Environment; Health; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 1.69MB; PDF)
Using Data to Drive State Improvement in Enrollment and Retention Performance Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Trenholm, Christopher; Mary Harrington; Andrew Snyder; Alice M. Weiss Published: November 2011 Outlines the RWJF Maximizing Enrollment program's core performance measures for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollment and retention, designed to assess state efforts to better utilize data to monitor and improve outreach and policy. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(10 pages; 248KB; PDF)
Trouble in Toyland: The 26th Annual Survey of Toy Safety U.S. PIRG Education Fund Published: November 2011 Presents findings on toys that may pose choking hazards, are excessively loud, or contain lead, phthalates, or other toxins. Outlines federal standards and makes recommendations for consumers, policy makers, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Funder(s): Bauman Family Foundation, Inc., Consumer Reports Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(35 pages; 3.76MB; PDF)
Medicare Advantage Plan Star Ratings and Bonus Payments in 2012 Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Jacobson, Gretchen; Anthony Damico; Jennifer Huang; Patricia Neuman Published: November 2011 Estimates total Medicare spending on and distribution of quality ratings-based bonus payments for Medicare Advantage plans in 2012 by company, tax status, state and county and in relation to cuts in plan payments under federal health reform. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(17 pages; 433KB; PDF)
Massachusetts Health Reform: A Five-Year Progress Report Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Raymond, Alan G. Published: November 2011 Examines the implementation of reform provisions, including subsidized coverage expansion, individual and employer mandates, and insurance exchange; costs and funding; impact on coverage and access to care; and whether healthcare costs can be contained. Funder(s): Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(34 pages; 605KB; PDF)
EHR-Based Care Coordination Performance Measures in Ambulatory Care Commonwealth Fund Chan, Kitty S.; Jinnet B. Fowles; Jessica Holzer; Phillip Renner; Lipika Samal; Sarah H. Scholle; Jonathan P. Weiner Published: November 2011 Describes electronic health record-based measures for assessing coordination in referrals, including information communicated with referral, communication to patient, and specialist report to primary care physician. Offers preliminary evaluation findings. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Science/Technology; Science/Technology, Internet Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(10 pages; 693KB; PDF) Technical Report
Electronic Health Records: An International Perspective on "Meaningful Use" Commonwealth Fund Gray, Bradford H.; Tom Bowden; Ib Johansen; Sabine Koch Published: November 2011 Examines the extent of meaningful use of electronic health records in Denmark, New Zealand, and Sweden, including sharing information with organizations, health authorities, and patients. Outlines challenges of and insights into encouraging U.S. adoption. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Science/Technology; Science/Technology, Internet Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(18 pages; 494KB; PDF)
State Trends in Premiums and Deductibles, 2003-2010: The Need for Action to Address Rising Costs Commonwealth Fund Schoen, Cathy; Sara R. Collins; Ashley-Kay Fryer; David C. Radley Published: November 2011 Examines the rise in employer-based insurance premiums and deductibles and as a percentage of median household income. Projects average family coverage premiums in 2020 if federal health reform is not implemented and historical rates of increase continue. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(38 pages; 4.34MB; PDF)
Implementing the IOM Future of Nursing Report Part II: The Potential of Interprofessional Collaborative Care to Improve Safety and Quality Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Outlines progress in implementing interprofessional collaborative care by physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others; collaborative practice models; interprofessional education curricula; and policies to promote collaborative care. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Best Practice PubHub Link(8 pages; 1.72MB; PDF)
Restructuring Medicare's Benefit Design: Implications for Beneficiaries and Spending Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Cubanski, Juliette; Monica Brenner; Zachary Levinson; James Mays; Patricia Neuman Published: November 2011 Estimates the effects of options for restructuring Medicare's fee-for-service benefit design, including a $550 deductible for Parts A and B, a 20 percent coinsurance on nearly all services, and a $5,500 limit on cost sharing for Medicare-covered services. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(50 pages; 672KB; PDF)
Strengthening Primary Care: Recent Reforms and Achievements in Australia, England, and the Netherlands Commonwealth Fund Willcox, Sharon; Jako Burgers; Geraint Lewis Published: November 2011 Outlines efforts to enhance primary care quality and access, including postgraduate training for family physicians, general practitioner accreditation, greater use of nurse practitioners, and after-hours care; their outcomes; and insights for U.S. reform. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Best Practice PubHub Link(20 pages; 441KB; PDF)
Understanding the Public Health Implications of Prisoner Reentry in California: State-of-the-State Report RAND Corporation Davis, Lois M.; Kathryn Pitkin Derose; Terry Fain; Lisa Miyashiro; Nancy Nicosia; Adrian Overton; Paul Steinberg; Susan Turner; Malcolm V. Williams; Eugene Williams III Published: November 2011 Based on demographic and geographic data on and interviews with ex-offenders and providers, analyzes the challenges of addressing their healthcare and rehabilitative needs and health care's role in their reintegration. Makes recommendations. Funder(s): California Endowment Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(252 pages; 2.32MB; PDF)
2011 Physicians' Daily Life Report Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Presents findings from a survey of primary care physicians and pediatricians about patient demographics, income, location type, and coverage; views on the healthcare system and the impact of patients' unmet social needs on health; and state of practice. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): Harris Interactive Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(104 pages; 712KB; PDF) Health Care's Blind Side: The Overlooked Connection Between Social Needs and Good Health
Interpreting in Palliative Care: A Continuing Education Workshop California HealthCare Foundation Roat, Cynthia; Alicia Fernandez; Anne Kinderman Published: November 2011 Offers a curriculum for a daylong course for interpreters about palliative care, including lesson plans, handouts, presentation slides, and videos. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Palliative Care/End of Life Publication Type: Toolkit PubHub Link(74 pages; 376KB; PDF)
Doing More With Less: Operational and Financial Strategies of Eight Community Clinics California HealthCare Foundation Published: November 2011 Based on case studies, examines community clinics' revenues, expenses, operating margins, and other financial data as well as links between financial performance, productivity, and staffing, utilization patterns, and service models. Makes recommendations. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(15 pages; 562KB; PDF)
Health Care Opinion Leaders' Views on Health Spending and Reform Implementation Commonwealth Fund Stremikis, Kristof; Sara R. Collins; Karen Davis; Stuart Guterman Published: November 2011 Presents survey responses from healthcare experts about support for the reform law's coverage expansion provisions, payment and delivery system reforms, the budget reduction framework that relies in part on Medicare and Medicaid savings, and other issues. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(10 pages; 650KB; PDF)
A Long and Winding Road: Federally Qualified Health Centers, Community Variation and Prospects Under Reform Center for Studying Health System Change Katz, Aaron B.; Laurie E. Felland; Ian Hill; Lucy B. Stark Published: November 2011 Outlines growth in the number of, demand, and federal funding for FQHCs between 1997 and 2009 in twelve communities and factors that shape FQHC development, including variations in Medicaid eligibility rules, employer-sponsored coverage, and demographics. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(9 pages; 514KB; PDF)
Overview of Coloradans' Health Care Coverage, Access and Utilization 2011 Colorado Trust Published: November 2011 Presents findings from the 2011 Colorado Health Access Survey about trends in healthcare access and insurance coverage by demographics and type of coverage. Examines reasons for uninsurance, Coloradans' views of the health system, and policy implications. Funder(s): Colorado Trust Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(12 pages; 259KB; PDF)
A Patchwork of Progress UCLA Center for Health Policy Research; California Center for Public Health Advocacy Babey, Susan H.; Amanda Bloom; Allison L. Diamant; Harold Goldstein; Joelle Wolstein Published: November 2011 Outlines changes in childhood obesity and overweight rates in California between 2005 and 2010 by county. Considers implications of regional variations, including public policy options for promoting healthy diets and physical activity. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): California Center for Public Health Advocacy Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(80 pages; 1.89MB; PDF)
What Directions for Public Health Under the Affordable Care Act? Urban Institute Bovbjerg, Randall R.; Barbara A. Ormond; Timothy Waidmann Published: November 2011 Outlines opportunities for public health efforts under the 2010 healthcare reform law, such as building prevention into insurance expansion and boosting innovation in population health, as well as challenges, such as budget constraints. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Public Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(12 pages; 319KB; PDF)
California's 2010 Medicaid Waiver Stakeholder Process: Impact and Lessons Learned California HealthCare Foundation Masters, Barbara; Gig Barsoum; Jennifer Brya; Astrid Hendricks; Karen Linkins Published: November 2011 Evaluates the effectiveness, benefits to participants, and impact of the California Department of Health Care Services' stakeholder advisory process to inform the 2010 hospital financing waiver request. Outlines lessons learned and recommendations. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(48 pages; 659KB; PDF)
Primary Care, Everywhere: Connecting the Dots Across the Emerging Health Landscape California HealthCare Foundation Published: November 2011 Offers an overview of the mismatch between supply and demand for primary care; innovations for providing primary care everywhere, including in non-traditional settings such as worksite clinics and pharmacies; barriers to innovation; and implications. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Best Practice PubHub Link(33 pages; 783KB; PDF)
Disease-Management Programs Can Improve Quality of Care for the Chronically Ill, Even in a Weak Primary Care System: A Case Study From Germany Commonwealth Fund Stock, Stephanie; Lutz Altenhofen; Leonhard Hansen; Dagmar Starke Published: November 2011 Examines how Germany's disease management programs featuring information technology support, designated ambulatory care doctors, focus on self-management, quality assurance, and financial incentives raised quality and satisfaction. Outlines implications. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(16 pages; 808KB; PDF)
Health Affairs/RWJF Health Policy Brief: Medicare Payments to Physicians Health Affairs; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Outlines how postponing cuts in Medicare payments to doctors will increase the federal budget deficit and describes proposed multiyear payment mechanisms that would allow time for development of more fundamental reforms. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 199KB; PDF)
The Sounds of Quality Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Describes an Aligning Forces for Quality learning collaborative to develop strategies for, quantify results of, and share lessons learned from efforts to bridge the language gap in hospitals and ensure access to health care for limited English speakers. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Minorities Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(33 pages; 1.37MB; PDF)
Accountable Care Organizations in Medicare and the Private Sector: A Status Update Urban Institute Berenson, Robert A.; Rachel A. Burton Published: November 2011 Provides an overview of accountable care organizations — provider networks with financial incentives to slow spending growth while maintaining or improving quality of care — and their state of adoption, as well as key considerations. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(12 pages; 415KB; PDF)
Closing the Gap Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: November 2011 Describes an Aligning Forces for Quality learning collaborative to test strategies for, quantify results of, and share lessons learned from efforts to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in health care as measured by indicators for heart failure procedures. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Minorities Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 101KB; PDF)
Sugary Drinks FACTS Report: Evaluating Sugary Drink Nutrition and Marketing to Youth Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity Published: October 2011 Quantifies the sugar, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners in sugary and energy drinks, as well as marketing practices targeted to children and youth, including through traditional media, product placement, and Internet advertising. Makes recommendations. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Rudd Foundation Subject(s): Health; Children and Youth; Agriculture/Food Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(232 pages; 8.72MB; PDF)
Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: October 2011 Outlines national health reform provisions to reduce readmissions by publishing readmission data, lowering Medicare payments to hospitals with high readmission rates, and pairing such hospitals with patient safety organizations. Considers implications. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 302KB; PDF)
Healthier Americans for a Healthier Economy Trust for America's Health Published: October 2011 Examines how a community's health affects workforce productivity, health spending, and ability to attract businesses. Highlights case studies of governments and employers working with communities to help residents and employees make healthier choices. Funder(s): California Endowment, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Subject(s): Health; Public Affairs; Social Science, Workforce/Labor Issues Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(24 pages; 551KB; PDF)
Improving Patient Experience: A Hands-on-Guide for Safety-Net Clinics California HealthCare Foundation Fisher, Tammy; Hunter Gatewood Published: October 2011 Provides step-by-step guidance for clinics and small practices on identifying areas for improvement and preparing for, making, and sustaining and spreading improvement in patient-provider relationships and patient access to primary care appointments. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(25 pages; 643KB; PDF)
Feedback Loop: Testing a Patient Experience Survey in the Safety Net California HealthCare Foundation Edgman-Levitan, Susan; Julie Brown; Floyd J. Fowler, Jr.; Patricia Gallagher; Dale Shaller Published: October 2011 Presents outcomes of a project to develop a toolkit on patient experience of care surveys for safety-net clinics, design and test in-clinic and Internet surveys, and compare feasibility, cost, response rates, and data quality with existing mail surveys. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(43 pages; 1.01MB; PDF)
Preventing Obesity Among Preschool Children: How Can Child-Care Settings Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity? Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: October 2011 Synthesizes research about current practices in, opportunities for, and promising strategies for promoting a healthy diet and regular physical activity in early childhood. Examines state and federal regulations and outcomes of research interventions. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Children and Youth, Early Childhood Publication Type: Literature Review PubHub Link(18 pages; 529KB; PDF)
The Promise of the Affordable Care Act, the Practical Realities of Implementation: Maintaining Health Coverage During Life Transitions Center for Labor Research and Education at University of California, Berkeley; Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at University of California, Berkeley O'Leary, Ann; Beth Capell; Ken Jacobs; Laurel Lucia Published: October 2011 Recommends policy options for outreach, education, and automatic application to ensure that all Americans can maintain coverage in the event of unemployment, divorce, early retirement, or other life transitions through health insurance exchanges. Funder(s): California Endowment, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at University of California, Berkeley Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(28 pages; 246KB; PDF)
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: Down, But Not Out Center for Studying Health System Change Christianson, Jon B.; Divya R. Samuel; Ha T. Tu Published: October 2011 Presents findings from twelve metropolitan areas about employers' efforts to control employee healthcare costs in response to the recession and national healthcare reform by firm size. Projects employer trends through 2014, including greater cost sharing. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Social Science, Workforce/Labor Issues Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 323KB; PDF)
Assuring Access to Care Under Health Reform: The Key Role of Workforce Policy Urban Institute Ormond, Barbara A.; Randall R. Bovbjerg Published: October 2011 Examines policy and practical options for addressing the projected shortage of primary care physicians to ensure access to health care under expanded insurance coverage, including reorganizing practices to make productive use of nurses and other staff. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(15 pages; 370KB; PDF)
Sentara Healthcare: A Case Study Series on Disruptive Innovation Within Integrated Health Systems Innosight Institute Vijayaraghavan, Vineeta; Rosie O'Donnell Published: October 2011 Examines how integration and ties with health plans, physicians, and hospitals helped protect against revenue volatility and enabled experimentation; factors that facilitate integration; innovative practices; lessons learned; and policy implications. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(39 pages; 1.70MB; PDF)
All Over the Map: Elective Procedure Rates in California Vary Widely California HealthCare Foundation Published: September 2011 Explores the causes of geographic variations in rates of thirteen elective treatments, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, knee replacement, and hysterectomy, and ways to reduce disparities, such as better clinical guidelines and transparency. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 911KB; PDF)
Moving Ahead Amid Fiscal Challenges: A Look at Medicaid Spending, Coverage and Policy Trends Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Smith, Vernon K.; Eileen Ellis; Kathleen Gifford; Robin Rudowitz; Laura Snyder Published: October 2011 Examines fiscal year 2011 trends in state efforts to control Medicaid spending, reform payment and delivery systems, and prepare for healthcare reform implementation, as well as projections in spending and enrollment growth for fiscal year 2012. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Related Organization(s): Health Management Associates Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(136 pages; 3.31MB; PDF)
The Role of Prevention in Bending the Cost Curve Urban Institute Waidmann, Timothy A.; Randall R. Bovbjerg; Barbara A. Ormond Published: October 2011 Examines how much disease prevention, including those funded in the 2010 healthcare reform law such as diabetes and HIV prevention, smoking cessation, community interventions, and reducing racial/ethnic disparities, can help slow health spending growth. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(7 pages; 317KB; PDF)
Garden of Truth: The Prostitution and Trafficking of Native Women in Minnesota Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition; Prostitution Research & Education Farley, Melissa; Sarah Deer; Eileen Hudon; Guadalupe Lopez; Nicole Matthews; Christine Stark Published: October 2011 Explores mental health needs of Native women working as prostitutes; experience of sexual or physical violence and homelessness; use of shelters, rape crisis centers, and substance abuse treatment; and roles of culture and colonization. Recommends policy. Funder(s): Nathan Cummings Foundation, Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation, Tides Foundation, Women's Foundation of Minnesota Subject(s): Women; Human Services; Health Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(72 pages; 1.74MB; PDF)
Overview of Proposed Exchange, Medicaid and IRS Regulations Manatt Health Solutions Published: October 2011 Explains the implications of draft regulations on Medicaid, health insurance exchanges, and premium tax credits under healthcare reform, including eligibility criteria, enrollment, and verification; minimum essential coverage; and credit computation. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(39 pages; 346KB; PDF)
Medicaid's Long-Term Care Users: Spending Patterns Across Institutional and Community-Based Settings Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: October 2011 Profiles Medicaid's acute and long-term care users, including share of the Medicaid population; share of spending by type of service; and use of long-term care by elderly, disabled, dual eligible, and other beneficiaries. Outlines policy implications. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Aging Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(33 pages; 826KB; PDF)
Roma Health Mediators: Successes and Challenges Open Society Institute Published: October 2011 Examines the achievements and remaining issues for a program that trains health mediators as liaisons between Roma communities and health systems in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and the Ukraine. Makes program and policy recommendations. Funder(s): Open Society Institute Subject(s): Health; Health, Public Health; Minorities Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(84 pages; 1.85MB; PDF)
Examining Medicaid Managed Long-Term Service and Support Programs: Key Issues to Consider Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: October 2011 Examines key considerations for states in shifting to Medicaid managed long-term services and support programs, including limited evidence of cost savings and issues for program design, the role of community-based organizations, and state oversight. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Aging Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(20 pages; 538KB; PDF)
How Can We Move Clinical Genomics Beyond the Hype? Urban Institute Millenson, Michael L. Published: October 2011 Examines the debate over increased use of genetic testing, due in part to lax regulation, and its consequences: wasteful spending, patient harm, and health system challenges. Makes recommendations for implementation of and data on promising technologies. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Science/Technology; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(13 pages; 256KB; PDF)
Why Employers Will Continue to Provide Health Insurance: The Impact of the Affordable Care Act Urban Institute Published: October 2011 Examines the likelihood of employers dropping coverage under healthcare reform, given factors such as the need to attract good employees, financial costs, and difficulty assessing employee preferences between employer-sponsored coverage and the exchange. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 242KB; PDF)
Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Global Health: Overview & Considerations for U.S. Government Participation Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Published: October 2011 Defines, classifies, and inventories innovative financing mechanisms for global health such as front-loading funds, public-private research partnerships, and performance incentives. Examines U.S. government involvement and policy considerations. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): International Affairs/Development; Health; International Affairs/Development, Humanitarian Relief/Assistance Publication Type: Best Practice PubHub Link(30 pages; 1.16MB; PDF)
Electronic Consultations Between Primary and Specialty Care Clinicians: Early Insights Commonwealth Fund Horner, Kathryn; Jim Tufano; Ed Wagner Published: October 2011 Outlines how e-consultation enables clinicians and specialists to communicate more easily and reduce the need for in-person referrals; experiences for patients, clinicians, and health systems; benefits such as continuity of care; and barriers to adoption. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Science/Technology, Internet Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(14 pages; 1.13MB; PDF)
Mapping the Gaps: Ideas for Using GIS to Enhance Local Health Department Priority Setting and Program Planning RAND Corporation Published: October 2011 Presents case studies and models for enhanced use of geographic information systems in planning local health department services, including mapping primary and specialty healthcare services and locating chronic disease prevention education activities. Funder(s): Quantum Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Science/Technology; Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(70 pages; 4.20MB; PDF)
Why Not the Best? Results From the National Scorecard on U.S. Health System Performance, 2011 Commonwealth Fund Published: October 2011 Assesses the U.S. healthcare system's average performance in 2007-09 as measured by forty-two indicators of health outcomes, quality, access, efficiency, and equity compared with the 2006 and 2008 scorecards and with domestic and international benchmarks. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(84 pages; 4.63MB; PDF)
Making the Grade: A Scorecard for State Health Insurance Exchanges U.S. PIRG Education Fund Russo, Mike; Melissa Cubria; Laura Etherton; Brian Imus Published: October 2011 Assesses states' progress in creating exchanges and grades established exchanges on policies regarding governance and structure, negotiating power and ability to drive value, consumer experience, and stability, including protection from adverse selection. Funder(s): California Wellness Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Kinsman Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(46 pages; 447KB; PDF)
"Good Health at Low Cost" 25 Years On: What Makes a Successful Health System? London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Balabanova, Dina; Martin McKee; Anne Mills, eds. Published: October 2011 Updates a 1985 report and presents case studies of five developing countries' progress toward achieving well-functioning health systems. Examines common factors including good governance, innovation, scaled-up workforce mobilization, and fair financing. Funder(s): Rockefeller Foundation Subject(s): Health; International Affairs/Development; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(399 pages; 5.65MB; PDF)
How Competitive Are State Insurance Markets? Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Published: October 2011 Assesses the competitiveness of state health insurance markets for individuals and small groups. Explains how market competitiveness will affect state policy decisions on insurance exchange design, new market rules, and rate review. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(9 pages; 755KB; PDF)
Promoting the Integration and Coordination of Safety-Net Health Care Providers Under Health Reform: Key Issues Commonwealth Fund Ku, Leighton; Holly Mead; Marsha Regenstein; Peter Shin Published: October 2011 Outlines provisions to promote accountable care organizations and medical homes among safety-net providers, as well as issues such as the dominance of managed care in Medicaid and the difficulty of creating incentives to coordinate care for the uninsured. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(14 pages; 1.08MB; PDF)
Better-For-You Foods: It's Just Good Business Hudson Institute Published: October 2011 Highlights the 2007-11 rise in total sales, operating profits, shareholder returns, and reputations of consumer packaged goods companies with high proportions of product sales in the healthier foods category compared with those of other companies. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Agriculture/Food; Health; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 551KB; PDF)
The Uninsured: A Primer 2011 Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Published: October 2011 Provides an overview of sources of health coverage, characteristics of the uninsured, factors behind their number, implications for access and financial burden, roles of employer-sponsored coverage and Medicaid, and impact of healthcare reform. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(46 pages; 2.14MB; PDF)
Reform in Action: Can Measuring Physician Performance Improve Health Care Quality? Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: October 2011 Provides examples of how publicly reporting on physician and hospital care quality measures changed processes of care in communities participating in RWJF's Aligning Forces for Quality initiative. Highlights best practices in developing public reports. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(3 pages; 214KB; PDF)
Adolescent Health: Coverage and Access to Care Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Published: October 2011 Reviews health risk factors for teenagers such as obesity, sexual activity, use of violence, victimization, substance abuse, sexting, and thoughts of suicide. Outlines contributing factors, including insurance coverage, and implications for policy reform. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Children and Youth; Children and Youth, Youth/Adolescents Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 950KB; PDF)
Ensuring Equity: A Post-Reform Framework to Achieve High Performance Health Care for Vulnerable Populations Commonwealth Fund Schor, Edward L.; Julia Berenson; Sara R. Collins; Cara Dermody; Pamela Riley; Cathy Schoen; Anthony Shih Published: October 2011 Offers strategies to close the healthcare gap: ensure that coverage provides adequate access and financial protection, strengthen the care delivery system for vulnerable populations, and coordinate with community resources such as public health services. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(50 pages; 3.61MB; PDF)
2010 Annual Report California Wellness Foundation Published: 2011 Contains message from the board chair and the president, 2010 highlights, an analysis of California's healthcare workforce shortages, program information, application guidelines, grants list, financial statements, and lists of board members and staff. Funder(s): California Wellness Foundation Subject(s): Philanthropy and Voluntarism; Health; Community Improvement/Development Publication Type: Annual Report PubHub Link(60 pages; 2.51MB; PDF)
Health Affairs/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Brief: Achieving Equity in Health Health Affairs; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: October 2011 Summarizes research on health and healthcare disparities for racial/ethnic minorities; costs; economic, educational, environmental, and other factors such as lower-quality care and limited access; and efforts to narrow gaps. Makes policy recommendations. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Minorities; Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(6 pages; 596KB; PDF)
Refocusing Responsibility for Dual Eligibles: Why Medicare Should Take the Lead Urban Institute Feder, Judy; Lisa Clemans-Cope; Teresa Coughlin; John Holahan; Timothy Waidmann Published: October 2011 Examines the federal share of costs for those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, potential savings from better management of Medicare-funded care, and risks of greater state responsibility for spending. Calls for federally led efforts to cut costs. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(4 pages; 244KB; PDF)
Hunger in America: Suffering We All Pay For Center for American Progress Shepard, Donald S.; Donna Cooper; Elizabeth Setren Published: October 2011 Estimates the recession's impact on food insecurity and the national and state-by-state cost of hunger from hunger-induced illnesses, including depression; poor educational outcomes and reduced lifetime earnings, and private charity to help feed families. Funder(s): Walmart Foundation Subject(s): Social Science; Health; Philanthropy and Voluntarism Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(24 pages; 387KB; PDF)
Challenges to Value-Enhancing Innovation in Health Care Delivery RAND Corporation Published: October 2011 Offers a framework for identifying innovations in drugs, medical devices and healthcare delivery that realize enhanced social value worth the costs. Outlines market- and policy-based obstacles, including lack of effective competition and budget pressures. Funder(s): Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, RAND Corporation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(51 pages; 320KB; PDF)
The Dental Access Gap: Findings From a National Survey W.K. Kellogg Foundation Published: October 2011 Presents findings about adults' access to dental care by income, race/ethnicity, dental insurance status, and education; reasons for delaying care; and views on the lack of affordable care and on dental therapy by licensed practitioners as an alternative. Funder(s): W.K. Kellogg Foundation Related Organization(s): Lake Research Partners Subject(s): Health; Health, Dental Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(7 pages; 531KB; PDF)
Quality of Care Facts and Figures 2011: Clinical Areas California HealthCare Foundation Published: October 2011 Provides data on quality of care in California, compared with national trends, by clinical area and patient condition on measures in maternal, neonatal, and child health; chronic conditions; diabetes; cancer; heart conditions; pneumonia; and vaccines. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Reproductive Health Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(33 pages; 1.50MB)
Quality of Care Facts and Figures 2011: Settings of Care California HealthCare Foundation Published: October 2011 Compares trends in the state's measures of healthcare quality and safety with national averages in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care, and end-of-life care. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Palliative Care/End of Life Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(25 pages; 1.16MB; PDF)
Medicaid and HIV: A National Analysis Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Kates, Jennifer Published: October 2011 Analyzes federal spending for HIV care by Medicaid and other programs, demographics and health status of Medicaid enrollees with HIV, and per-capita spending and spending on prescription drugs compared with other enrollees. Considers policy implications. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, HIV/AIDS; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(28 pages; 1.61MB; PDF)
Guide to Health Programs 2011-1012 Edition California Department of Health Care Services Published: September 2008 Provides a guide for families and community organizations to public and private low-cost healthcare programs such as Medi-Cal and Healthy Kids. Lists each program's eligibility criteria and services and other resources. Also available in Spanish. Funder(s): Blue Shield of California Foundation, California Endowment, California HealthCare Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Human Services Publication Type: Toolkit PubHub Link(16 pages; 636KB; PDF) Spanish Version
Ten Criteria for Meaningful and Usable Measures of Performance Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: September 2011 Outlines requirements for healthcare delivery performance measures and their rationale, including prioritizing consumer and purchaser needs, using direct feedback, creating a comprehensive dashboard of measures, and measuring performance at all levels. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(11 pages; 364KB; PDF)
Safe Routes to School: Helping Communities Save Lives and Dollars: 2011 Policy Report Safe Routes to School National Partnership Published: September 2011 Highlights the financial and health benefits of the federal program to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists; promote healthy, active lifestyles for children; and improve environmental conditions near schools, as well as implementation issues. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Athletics/Sports; Health Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(24 pages; 3.18MB; PDF)
2010 Annual Report DentaQuest Foundation Published: September 2011 Contains mission statement, message from the board chair and the president, program information, 2010 grantees list, financial statements, and lists of board members and staff. Funder(s): DentaQuest Foundation Subject(s): Philanthropy and Voluntarism; Health; Health, Dental Health Publication Type: Annual Report PubHub Link(15 pages; 1.36MB; PDF)
The Arizona KidsCare CHIP Enrollment Freeze: How Has It Impacted Enrollment and Families? Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: September 2011 Outlines the implementation of Arizona's enrollment freeze on its Children's Health Insurance Program and its impact on the number of children on waiting lists, families facing losses in income and employer-sponsored coverage, and federal matching funds. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(9 pages; 731KB; PDF)
Managing Medicaid Pharmacy Benefits: Current Issues and Options Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Smith, Vernon K.; Robin Rudowitz Published: September 2011 Examines issues and considerations for state reforms of Medicaid prescription drug reimbursement, pharmacy management, and cost sharing and other best practices for realizing savings. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(36 pages; 1.13MB; PDF)
Transforming Community Health Centers Into Patient-Centered Medical Homes: The Role of Payment Reform Commonwealth Fund Ku, Leighton; Brian Bruen; Emily Jones; Peter Shin Published: September 2011 Outlines federally qualified health centers' involvement in medical home initiatives, adoption of relevant standards, payment incentives, and how payment reform could support their transformation into patient-centered medical homes. Makes recommendations. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(44 pages; 426KB; PDF)
The Role of Exchanges in Quality Improvement Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Volk, JoAnn; Sabrina Corlette Published: September 2011 Explores state options and considerations for driving healthcare quality improvement and delivery system reform at the plan and provider levels through insurance exchanges, including the need to involve all stakeholders in developing and executing policy. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(18 pages; 336KB; PDF)
Employer Health Benefits 2011 Annual Survey Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Published: September 2011 Analyzes 2011 trends in employer-sponsored health plans, including premiums, offer rates, coverage, eligibility, enrollment, plan types and market shares, employee cost-sharing, prescription drug and retiree benefits, and the effects of health reform. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Social Science, Workforce/Labor Issues Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(225 pages; 3.56MB; PDF)
Innovative Medicaid Initiatives to Improve Service Delivery and Quality of Care: A Look at Five State Initiatives Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Published: September 2011 Outlines initiatives in Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington to implement patient-centered medical home models designed to coordinate and improve quality of care; strategies; key lessons; and new opportunities under healthcare reform. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(30 pages; 871KB; PDF)
Poll: Retirement and Health NPR; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Harvard School of Public Health Published: September 2011 Presents survey findings about the experience of retirees and expectations of pre-retirees, steps taken to stay healthy, and views on when to retire, the role of Medicare and Medicaid, what makes a community healthy for retirees, and nursing homes. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Aging; Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage Publication Type: Survey PubHub Link(7 pages; 54KB; PDF) Topline
Health Affairs/RWJF Health Policy Brief: Putting Limits on 'Medigap' Health Affairs; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: September 2011 Outlines the debate over proposals to limit coverage for Medicare enrollees who buy supplemental private coverage, given their higher utilization of medical services, to slow the growth of Medicare spending. Examines arguments for and against. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(5 pages; 263KB; PDF)
Stressed and Strapped: Caregivers in California UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Hoffman, Geoffrey J.; Carolyn Mendez-Luck Published: September 2011 Profiles the demographics and self-reported physical and mental health status of informal caregivers caring for a family member or friend, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease; psychological distress; and unhealthy behaviors. Funder(s): SCAN Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Health, Mental Health Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 183KB; PDF)
Five Facts About the Uninsured Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; Health Management Associates Published: September 2011 Outlines the reasons why 49.1 million people, including low incomes and the lack of employer-sponsored insurance, as well as the effects of being uninsured, including unmet healthcare needs and medical debt. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Related Organization(s): Health Management Associates Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(10 pages; 778KB; PDF)
A Profile of Medicaid Managed Care Programs in 2010: Findings From a 50-State Survey Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; Health Management Associates Gifford, Kathy; Julia Paradise; Vernon Smith; Dyke Snipes Published: September 2011 Examines types of Medicaid managed care organizations and contracts by state, including managed care organizations and primary care case management programs; issues for measuring, monitoring, and improving quality; and implications of health reform. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Related Organization(s): Health Management Associates Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(100 pages; 2MB; PDF)
Reducing Hospital Readmissions in New York State: A Simulation Analysis of Alternative Payment Incentives Mathematica Policy Research Chollet, Deborah; Allison Barrett; Timothy Lake Published: September 2011 Examines strategies to reduce hospital readmissions, including improving discharge processes, post-discharge support, and payment incentives. Estimates payers' and hospitals' cost savings from pay-for-performance and episode-based payments. Funder(s): New York State Health Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(51 pages; 3.32MB; PDF)
The Veterans Health Administration: Implementing Patient-Centered Medical Homes in the Nation's Largest Integrated Delivery System Commonwealth Fund Klein, Sarah Published: September 2011 Describes the implementation of a model that organizes care around an interdisciplinary team of providers who work to identify and remove barriers to access and clinical effectiveness in primary care clinics. Outlines two case studies and lessons learned. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Social Science, Military Publication Type: Case Study PubHub Link(24 pages; 820KB; PDF)
How IT Triggers Better Care in Nursing Homes California HealthCare Foundation Published: September 2011 Describes the On-Time Quality Improvement program's clinical decision-making tools to address common problems in nursing homes and help staff improve risk identification and care coordination. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Science/Technology; Science/Technology, Internet Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 533KB; PDF)
Strategic Restructuring for California Community Clinics: Self-Assessment Workbook California HealthCare Foundation Published: September 2011 Offers a tool for assessing clinics' capacities, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs and assets of potential partner organizations; compatibility; and restructuring strategies that maximize innovation, flexibility, and impact. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform Publication Type: Toolkit PubHub Link(20 pages; 636KB; PDF) Resources
Raising Expectations: A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People With Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers AARP; Commonwealth Fund; SCAN Foundation Reinhard, Susan; Ari Houser; Enid Kassner; Robert Mollica Published: September 2011 Ranks long-term services and supports systems for affordability and access, choice of setting and provider, quality of life and care, and family caregivers support. Explores contributing factors and roles of public policy and private-sector actions. Funder(s): AARP Foundation, Commonwealth Fund, SCAN Foundation Subject(s): Disabilities; Aging; Health Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(108 pages; 5.01MB; PDF)
Is Physician Education Effective in Promoting Antibiotic Stewardship? Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Extending the Cure Published: September 2011 Reviews current research on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the amount of antibiotics physicians inappropriately prescribe. Recommends combining active education strategies that include physicians, patients, and communities. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy Subject(s): Health; Health, Public Health Publication Type: Literature Review PubHub Link(6 pages; 664KB; PDF)
Breaking Down the Chain: A Guide to the Soft Drink Industry Public Health Law & Policy; National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity Published: September 2011 Provides an overview of the soft drink industry's earnings, structure, markets, and determinants of demand; major players; supply chain; marketing strategies; and policy and legislative actions in response to the sugar-sweetened beverage tax. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Related Organization(s): National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity Subject(s): Health; Agriculture/Food; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(104 pages; 2.27 MB; PDF)
Income Volatility Creates Uncertainty About the State Fiscal Impact of a Basic Health Program (BHP) in California Institute for Health Policy Solutions; California HealthCare Foundation Curtis, Rick; Ed Neuschler Published: September 2011 Based on an analysis of Survey of Income and Program Participation data, explores issues for projecting income to determine eligibility for the Basic Health Plan and fluctuations in eligibility and enrollment due to changes in employment and income. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(15 pages; 137KB; PDF)
Fiscal Risks From Differences in BHP vs. Federal Tax Credit Income-Test Timing Institute for Health Policy Solutions Published: September 2011 Outlines implications for states of the gap between Basic Health Plan subsidy levels, which would be based on incomes at the time of application, and federal funding, which would be based on annual incomes. Funder(s): California HealthCare Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(2 pages; 48KB; PDF)
The Budget Control Act of 2011: Implications for Medicare Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Published: September 2011 Outlines how the timeline for and process of lowering the federal deficit in exchange for raising the debt ceiling could affect Medicare spending through sequestration, including cuts in payments to Medicare Advantage plans, Part D, and providers. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(6 pages; 446KB; PDF)
Ready, Set, Go: The Costs of Prerequisites for National Voluntary Accreditation of Public Health Agencies Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Thielen, Lee; Marilyn Leff Published: August 2011 Analyzes the cost for a public health agency to complete a community or statewide needs assessment, public health improvement plan, and strategic plan in order to apply for voluntary accreditation. Considers factors that facilitate completion. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Public Affairs Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(35 pages; 179KB; PDF)
Implementing the IOM Future of Nursing Report — Part I: How to Dramatically Increase the Formal Education of America's Nursing Workforce by 2020 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Published: August 2011 Outlines strategies for realizing calls for competency-based curricula; seamless educational progression; more funding for accelerated programs, educational capacity building, and student diversity; and stronger employer incentives. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Higher Education Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 760KB; PDF)
Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs): An Interim Assessment of Their Prospects Urban Institute Gray, Bradford H. Published: August 2011 Provides an overview of nonprofit, member-governed plans that will create innovative care delivery and payment models to compete in states' individual and small group health insurance markets. Outlines challenges and potential effect on the market. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(9 pages; 348KB; PDF)
2010 Annual Report Saint Luke's Foundation Published: 2011 Contains board chair and president's message, 2010 highlights, "Make It Stick" initiative grantee profiles, grant guidelines, grants list, financial summary, and lists of board members and staff. Funder(s): Saint Luke's Foundation Subject(s): Philanthropy and Voluntarism; Community Improvement/Development; Health Publication Type: Annual Report PubHub Link(26 pages; 2.75MB; HTML)
The Link Between Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Abuse and Mental Health in California UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Zahnd, Elaine; May Jawad Aydin; David Grant; Sue Holtby Published: August 2011 Presents findings about how Californians who have been victims of intimate partner violence as adults are more likely to report serious psychological distress, violence-related substance abuse, and need for mental health and/or substance abuse services. Funder(s): Blue Shield of California Foundation Subject(s): Health; Substance Abuse; Health, Mental Health Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(8 pages; 160KB; PDF)
Drug Policy in Portugal: The Benefits of Decriminalizing Drug Use Open Society Institute Domoslawski, Artur Published: August 2011 Based on interviews, examines the outcomes of Portugal's prevention efforts and decriminalization of drug possession and use, including changes in the number of drug users and incidences of drug-related diseases. Outlines lessons learned. Funder(s): Open Society Institute Subject(s): Substance Abuse; Public Affairs; Health Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(52 pages; 441KB; PDF)
Realizing Health Reform's Potential — When Unemployed Means Uninsured: The Toll of Job Loss on Health Coverage, and How the Affordable Care Act Will Help Commonwealth Fund Doty, Michelle M.; Sara R. Collins; Tracy Garber; Ruth Robertson Published: August 2011 Examines how the 2010 healthcare reform will significantly expand affordable health coverage options for the unemployed who cannot afford COBRA. Calls for re-establishing COBRA premium subsidies to bridge coverage gaps until it is implemented in 2014. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(18 pages; 996KB; PDF)
Increasing EHR Use for Quality Improvement in Community Health Centers: The Role of Networks Commonwealth Fund Miller, Robert H.; Chris E. West Published: August 2011 Describes how five community health center networks helped implement electronic health records to improve chronic and preventive care, as well as the obstacles they faced, including limited software capabilities, funding, and ability to share resources. Funder(s): Commonwealth Fund Subject(s): Health; Health, Healthcare Access/Reform; Science/Technology, Internet Publication Type: Program Evaluation/Lessons Learned PubHub Link(14 pages; 1.02MB; PDF)
2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book Annie E. Casey Foundation Published: August 2011 Offers state-by-state 2000-10 data on ten indicators of children's health, education, and economic security by race/ethnicity. Finds increases in low-birthweight, unemployed parents, and poverty. Outlines two-generation strategies for children's success. Funder(s): Annie E. Casey Foundation Subject(s): Children and Youth; Health; Education Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(88 pages; 9.06MB; PDF)
Coverage Gains for Children: Increased Participation in Medicaid and CHIP in 2009 Urban Institute; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Kenney, Genevieve M.; Christine Coyer; Jennifer Haley; Michael Huntress; Victoria Lynch; Dean Resnick Published: August 2011 Updates analyses of patterns in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollment by state, including increases due to eligibility expansion and those due to income declines. Offers insights into Medicaid expansion under healthcare reform. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Children and Youth Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(25 pages; 1.40MB; PDF)
Improving the Quality and Efficiency of the Medicare Program Through Coverage Policy Urban Institute Tunis, Sean R.; Robert A. Berenson; Penny E. Mohr; Steve E. Phurrough Published: August 2011 Outlines Medicare coverage and payment policy on new technologies and recommends changes that could help achieve the Triple Aim goals of enhancing the individual experience of care, improving population health, and reducing per capita costs of care. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(18 pages; 235KB; PDF)
Financing the Response to AIDS in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: International Assistance From Donor Governments in 2010 Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation; UNAIDS Kates, Jennifer; Carlos Avila; Benjamin Gobet; Eric Lief; Adam Wexler Published: August 2011 Presents 2010 data on international AIDS assistance from donor governments, including trends by donor country and funding channel, aid per $1 million GDP by country, and gaps between needs and resources and between commitments and disbursements. Funder(s): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, HIV/AIDS; International Affairs/Development, Humanitarian Relief/Assistance Publication Type: Research Report PubHub Link(18 pages; 484KB; PDF)
HHS Proposed Rules on Exchange Implementation Requirements Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Bachrach, Deborah; Patricia Boozang; Melinda J. Dutton; Alice Lam Published: August 2011 Highlights provisions of the new regulations and commentary on state health insurance exchanges that clarify or amplify the 2010 healthcare reform or offer insight into federal guidance or consensus on their establishment, functions, and other issues. Funder(s): Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Subject(s): Health; Health, Health Insurance/Coverage; Public Affairs Publication Type: Issue Brief PubHub Link(6 pages; 196KB; PDF)
Analysis of HHS Proposed Rules on Reinsurance, Risk Corridors and Risk Adjustment Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Winkelman, Ross; Patrick Holland; Syed Mehmud; Julie Peper; James Woolman Published: August 2011 Offers questions and answers about rules for lessening the financial risk of health insurance issuers and exchanges under healthcare reform. Outlines steps for states and health plans, outstanding issues, and operational impact on states.
