Telehealth Resources

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on March 23, 2021 at 3:11am in Public Service Announcement (PSA)

New C2C Telehealth Resources Available

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

New C2C Telehealth Resources Available

In response to the increased use and expanded coverage of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, From Coverage to Care (C2C) released two new resources to support providers and patients in making the most of virtual care:

Telehealth for Providers: What You Need to Know – Providers can learn how and when to use telehealth. Topics include how to set up telehealth services, how to conduct a successful visit, and how to keep up to date on telehealth payment (particularly for Medicare and Medicaid).
Telehealth: What to Know for Your Family – Patients can find out the types of care they can receive through telehealth, how to prepare for an appointment, what to expect during a visit, and more. This resource is also available in Spanish.

Providers and partners can download graphics to post on their social media channels and help spread the word about these new resources. All of these resources can be downloaded at go.cms.gov/c2ctelehealth.

Find COVID-19 information and links to patient resources in additional languages at go.cms.gov/omhcovid19.

Want to receive updates on From Coverage to Care? Subscribe to the C2C listserv. To learn more or download C2C resources, please visit go.cms.gov/c2c or email CoverageToCare@cms.hhs.gov.

APPLY NOW! Funding For Health Equity

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on March 23, 2021 at 2:59am in News

Administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH), the Minority Research Grant Program (MRGP) is proud to release a notice of funding opportunity for researchers at minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

The funding opportunity allows researchers at MSIs to build their portfolios while funding studies pertinent to the health care needs of racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, and rural populations. Two awards up to $250,000 will be made to one or more eligible institutions to further health equity research and help CMS better meet the needs of minority populations.

Review the notice of funding opportunity CMS-1W1-21-002. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, June 11, 2021, at 3:00 pm ET.

Eligible minority-serving institutions include:

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

To learn more about CMS OMH and the MRGP, visit go.cms.gov/minorityresearch, watch the MRGP overview video, or email HealthEquityTA@cms.hhs.gov.

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources-What Partners Need To Know NOW

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on March 23, 2021 at 2:47am in Blogs

Dear Partners,

Please share with your members, listservs on your websites and social media. Thank you for your continued partnership!

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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: What Partners Need to Know Now

Monday, March 22

As COVID-19 vaccines continue rolling out across the country, CMS is taking action to protect the health and safety of our nation’s patients and providers and keeping you updated on the latest COVID-19 resources from HHS, CDC and CMS.

With information coming from many different sources, CMS has up-to-date resources and materials to help you share important and relevant information on the COVID-19 vaccine with the people that you serve. You can find these and more resources on the COVID-19 Partner Resources Page and the HHS COVID Education Campaign page. We look forward to partnering with you to promote vaccine safety and encourage our beneficiaries to get vaccinated when they have the opportunity. For more information visit the CMS COVID-19 Policies and Guidance page.

If you are a healthcare provider:

Both the CDC and CMS have useful resources for your practice. Look to CDC for the latest science, vaccine administration information and patient-focused resources. We update these resources regularly, so follow them for current information.

Follow the CDC Resource for Health Care Providers Page and check out the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit For Medical Centers, Pharmacies, and Clinicians. This resource provides ready-made materials to educate healthcare teams and staff and to give them tools they can use to educate patients and answer their questions about the vaccines. Also, navigate to the CDC COVID-19 vaccination page which has information for a number of audiences.

What’s New?

On March 15th, CMS announced an increase with the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. This new and higher payment rate will support important actions taken by providers to increase the number of vaccines they can furnish each day, including establishing new or growing existing vaccination sites, conducting patient outreach and education, and hiring additional staff. For more information, see the press release and additional information including billing codes and payment allowances.
The MLN Connects® Newsletter is also a great source of Medicare updates, including the latest information about vaccines as they become available. This March 15 Special Edition describes recent payment increases and steps through reimbursement information by type of coverage (Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
CMS released a NEW resource: Talking to People with Medicare about the COVID-19 Vaccine. It can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Policies & Guidance page.

Additional Resources

CMS maintains a COVID-19 Provider Toolkit to ensure health care providers have the necessary tools to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The toolkit includes information on:

How health care providers can enroll in Medicare to bill for administering COVID-19 vaccines;
The COVID-19 vaccine Medicare coding structure;
The Medicare payment strategy for COVID-19 vaccine administration;
Up to date payment allowances for COVID-19 vaccine administration, including the new Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.
How health care providers can bill correctly for administering vaccines, including roster and centralized billing;
Monoclonal antibody infusion for treating COVID-19; and
New COVID-19 Treatments Add-on Payment (NCTAP).

You can also review the set of COVID-19 FAQs, which has information specific to health care providers who bill Medicare for administering COVID-19 vaccines.

Here's what else you should know:

Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there will be no cost to your patients with Medicare. Medicare will reimburse you for administering the vaccine.
State governments are handling the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Look for updates from your state and local officials as more doses of the vaccine become available for additional priority groups.
For individuals who are uninsured, providers may submit claims for reimbursement for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals without insurance through the Provider Relief Fund, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
CMS also published guidance to group health plans and health insurance issuers regarding COVID-19 related benefits.
Most professional associations have pages devoted to COVID-19 vaccination. Your association may have advice tailored to your discipline, specialty and/or location.

How can you help educate your patients?

You are a trusted source…encourage your patients to get the vaccine when it is available to them.
Let them know the vaccine is no cost and will help keep them from getting COVID-19. Learn more about the benefits of the vaccine.
Let them know the vaccine is safe and that safety is a top priority for COVID-19 vaccines.
Remind them to continue practicing the 3Ws (Wear a Mask, Watch your distance, Wash your hands).

Questions? Please e-mail us: Partnership@cms.hhs.gov

Vaccine Resources for Vulnerable Populations Webpage

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on March 18, 2021 at 7:06am in Blogs

Check Out the New CMS OMH COVID-19 Vaccine Resources for Vulnerable Populations Webpage

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minority and vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the spread of the virus and help end the public health emergency. Community partners working with racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, sexual and gender minorities, and rural populations are critical in helping consumers understand how and when they can receive the vaccine, vaccine safety and confidence, and the important ongoing precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19.

To assist our partners, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) has developed a COVID-19 Vaccine Resources website of the many Federal resources and organized them for health care professionals, partners, consumers, and for assistance in additional languages.

To view the page, visit: go.cms.gov/omhcovid19vaccine.

We encourage you to visit the website regularly, as we will continue to update the page with new resources. You can also share this page within your networks to prepare others to get the vaccine as soon as it’s available to them.

For additional COVID-19 information, visit our general COVID-19 website for Federal resources focusing on vulnerable populations: go.cms.gov/omhcovid19 and From Coverage to Care COVID-19: go.cms.gov/c2ccovid19 webpage.

CMS NTP Medicare Update & Education Webinar - January 14, 2021

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on January 12, 2021 at 2:54am

National Training Program

NTP Medicare Update & Education Webinar

January 14, 2021

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET

Join us as we share Medicare updates, tips for training preparation, and demonstrate how to use our NTP website to maximize your Medicare training experience. To register for this webinar, go to

CMSnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/moodle/course/view.php?id=116

After registration, you'll get an email with a calendar appointment. This webinar will be recorded. You don’t need to register to access the recording.

National Training Program, Office of Communications

CMS OMH Recognizes National Diabetes Month

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on November 19, 2020 at 9:15am

Take Action Against Diabetes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Diabetes Month in November. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it. Diabetes occurs because of the body’s inability to produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. If the body doesn’t make enough insulin, sugar can’t get into the cells and blood sugar levels can rise. High blood sugar can lead to health problems including heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and blindness.

CMS has added a new “Insulin Savings” filter on Medicare Plan Finder to display plans that will offer the capped out-of-pocket costs for insulin. Beneficiaries use the Medicare Plan Finder to view plan options and look for a participating plan in their area that covers their insulin at no more than a $35 monthly copay.

Diabetes is an important issue to CMS OMH because racial and ethnic minorities are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Many who are diagnosed experience challenges managing their diabetes and are more likely to experience complications. Several factors including lack of access to health care, quality of care received, and socioeconomic status are all barriers to preventing diabetes and having effective diabetes management once diagnosed.

Below are several additional resources that can help health care professionals, patients, and their families manage diabetes:

Consumer Resources

Use the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov with more than 1,600 prescription drug plans to choose from that will offer insulin at no more than a $35 monthly copay beginning in January. Read more here: https://www.medicare.gov/blog/find-medicare-plans
Download Managing Diabetes: Medicare Coverage and Resources, a new resource to help patients with managing their diabetes and health coverage. This resource is also available in Spanish.
Watch Connecting the Dots, an animated video that provides chronic care management services information for Medicare patients living with multiple chronic conditions.

Partner Resources:

Read CMS OMH’s Diabetes Management: Directory of Provider Resources, which identifies resources on the management of type 2 diabetes that could be useful for providers and care teams.
Review our data snapshot, Diabetes Disparities in Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries that provides an overview of diabetes diagnoses data by race, ethnicity, and gender among Medicare beneficiaries.
Review the data highlight Chronic Kidney Disease Often Undiagnosed in Medicare Beneficiaries.
Read CMS OMH’s Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Prevalence, Self-Management, and Health Outcomes among Medicare Beneficiaries, which examines the prevalence of diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries based on a variety of factors.
View CMS OMH’s A Culturally and Linguistically Tailored Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Resources Inventory, which identifies resources for providers and care teams focusing on prevention and evidence-based lifestyle intervention.
Download the Connected Care Toolkit, a chronic care management (CCM) resource that contains educational materials to raise awareness about the importance of CCM services for Medicare and dual-eligible patients with multiple conditions.
Learn more about the new “Insulin Savings” filter on Medicare Plan Finder to display plans that will offer the capped out-of-pocket costs for insulin.

To learn more about CMS OMH and to download resources, please visit https://go.cms.gov/omh or contact us at OMH@cms.hhs.gov.

CD



Cecil Doggette

Sat 11/14/2020 7:56 AM

(No message text)

CMS Urging Nursing Homes!

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on November 19, 2020 at 9:11am

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Today, in advance of the approaching holiday season, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is urging nursing home staff, residents and visitors to follow established guidelines for visitation and adherence to the core principles of infection prevention. These guidelines include remaining six feet apart from individuals, wearing a face covering, and limiting the number of visitors in the nursing home at any one time. Adherence to these principles is critical in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in America’s nursing homes. While the holiday season is typically a time for family and friends to gather, CMS implores staff, residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution this year.

To view the alert, please visit: CMS’ current emergencies page: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-

Information/Emergency/EPRO/Current-Emergencies/Current-

Emergencies-page

or here: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-facility-holiday-recommendations.pdf

A copy of the press release can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-urging-nursing-homes-follow-established-covid-guidelines-holiday-season

Medicare Update & Education Webinar

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on November 3, 2020 at 8:50am

National Training Program

NTP Medicare Update & Education Webinar

November 12, 2020

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET

Join us as we share updates related to this year’s Marketplace Open Enrollment and what you need to know if you have a Marketplace Plan and become eligible for Medicare.

To register for this webinar, go to

CMSnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/moodle/course/view.php?id=112

After registration, you'll get an email with a calendar appointment. This webinar will be recorded. You don’t need to register to access the recording.

Healthcare.gov in other languages

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on November 3, 2020 at 8:00am

Dear Partners,

I would like to provide a link to our Healthcare.gov information in other languages. If applicable, please feel free to select the appropriate language that meets the needs of your audiences. Thank you!

https://www.healthcare.gov/language-resource/

Kindest regards,

Felicia Verrett, M.S., FAC-COR II

Office of Communications

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

7500 Security Blvd.

Baltimore, MD. 21244

410-786-3848

S1-05-18

felicia.verrett@cms.hhs.gov

New Listserv Topic for Rural Populations

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on November 2, 2020 at 11:14am

New Listserv Topic for Rural Populations

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a new rural health care listserv dedicated to sharing information about programs, policies and resources to help ensure rural populations have access to quality health care.

To subscribe to the new topic, click here and enter your email! Look for Outreach and Education, then Rural Health.

Our goal at CMS is to develop programs and policies that ensure rural Americans have access to high quality care, support rural providers and not disadvantage them, address the unique economics of providing health care in rural America, and reduce unnecessary burdens in a stretched system to advance our commitment to improving health outcomes for Americans living in rural areas. Rethinking Rural Health is a vital part of CMS's push to transform the health care delivery system to a model that delivers high quality, affordable, and accessible health care for every American.

Subscribe to the rural health care listserv to receive the latest information and resources on:

CMS Rural Health Strategy
Maternal health care
Payment and billing
Policies and regulation
Resources for partners

In order to find more information on rural health activities at CMS, please visit go.cms.gov/ruralhealth or contact RuralHealth@cms.hhs.gov.

Finding Nursing Homes and other health care providers on Care Compare on Medicare.gov

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 26, 2020 at 9:00am

Find Nursing Homes and other health care providers on Care Compare on Medicare.gov

Last month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releasedCare Compare on Medicare.gov, streamlining our 8 existing health care compare tools.

Since those 8 original compare tools – like Nursing Home Compare – will be retired soon, we urge you to:

· Use Care Compareand encourage the people with Medicare and their caregivers you work with to start using it, too.

· Update any links to the 8 original care toolson yourpublic-facing websites so they’ll direct your audiences to Care Compare.

Care Compare offers a new design that makes it easier to find the same information that’s on the original compare tools. It gives you, patients, and caregivers one user-friendly place to find cost, quality of care, service volume, and other data to help make informed health care decisions.

Now, instead of having to search through many compare tools, with just one click on Care Compare, you’ll find easy-to-understand information about nursing homes, hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers.

Start using Care Compare on Medicare.gov today.

Direct links to the tools & additional resources

Care Compare on Medicare.gov -https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

Care Compare resources for consumers and partners –Medicare blog,Promotional video,Conference card

Full Press Release:https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-care-compare-empowers-patients-when-making-important-health-care-decisions

Finding Nursing Homes and other health care providers on Care Compare on Medicare.gov

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 26, 2020 at 9:00am

Find Nursing Homes and other health care providers on Care Compare on Medicare.gov

Last month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releasedCare Compare on Medicare.gov, streamlining our 8 existing health care compare tools.

Since those 8 original compare tools – like Nursing Home Compare – will be retired soon, we urge you to:

· Use Care Compareand encourage the people with Medicare and their caregivers you work with to start using it, too.

· Update any links to the 8 original care toolson yourpublic-facing websites so they’ll direct your audiences to Care Compare.

Care Compare offers a new design that makes it easier to find the same information that’s on the original compare tools. It gives you, patients, and caregivers one user-friendly place to find cost, quality of care, service volume, and other data to help make informed health care decisions.

Now, instead of having to search through many compare tools, with just one click on Care Compare, you’ll find easy-to-understand information about nursing homes, hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers.

Start using Care Compare on Medicare.gov today.

Direct links to the tools & additional resources

Care Compare on Medicare.gov -https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

Care Compare resources for consumers and partners –Medicare blog,Promotional video,Conference card

Full Press Release:https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-care-compare-empowers-patients-when-making-important-health-care-decisions

Community Health News

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 24, 2020 at 12:07am

Friends, Wise words from our IEA team leader this week, “We know that as the weather turns cold, outdoor options for gathering decrease while family/neighbor gatherings increase with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. All of this means there is even more reason to followthe 3 “Ws.” Mask skeptics remain, but the data is strong: wearing a mask decreases your exposure to the virus and increases protection for those around you. With theincrease in young adultswho are often asymptomatic, it is all the more important thatwe all erron the side of caution and wear a mask, social distance, and wash hands. I know it is not fun, but no one wants to unknowingly spread COVID and see illness or death as a result. Thatwould be a terrible thing on one’s conscience.”

Share theCDC’s Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activitieswith your community to stay healthy while trick or treating.

COVID-19 Related News

Johnson & Johnson Pauses Dosing of COVID-19 Vaccine

Johnson & Johnson announced yesterday that they have temporarily paused further dosing in all COVID-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including thePhase 3 ENSEMBLEtrial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant. HHS Secretary Alex Azarstressedthat Johnson & Johnson is ‘being scrupulously careful’ and is ‘looking out for patient safety.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Appears Well-Tolerated and Effective in Developing Antibodies in Small Study of Older Adults

NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins released a blogpost on vaccine effectiveness in older adults.Recent findingsshow encouraging results from an early Phase 1 clinical trial that was expanded to include 40 adults over age 55.

COVIDView Weekly Summary

CDC updated its weekly surveillance summary of U.S. COVID-19 activity. Nationally, indicators that track COVID-19 activity continued to decline or remain stable. However, one region reported a slight increase in the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 and four regions reported slight increases in the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI). Mortality attributed to COVID-19 declined but remains above the epidemic threshold.

E-Learning

Webinar “Facing Eviction with Facts, Not Fear”

Tomorrow! Wed., Oct. 15, 2020, 3:00 p.m. EDT, Registerhere.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is hosting this webinar to learn about how you can help those in your community facing eviction. Panelists from the real-estate industry, faith-based organizations, and HUD's Office of Housing Counseling will participate in sharing practical information on what you and your organization can do to assist these hurtingindividuals andfamilies.

Apoyando el bienestar emocional y salud mental de los estudiantes hispanos y latinos y sus cuidadores durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Registrarseaquí.

El National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center ha organizado una serie de seminarios web de 3 partes sobre el bienestar emocional y mental de los estudiantes hispanos y latinos y sus cuidadores durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Este seminario web tiene lugar 3 veces.

· Mar., 13 de Oct. de 2020 13:00 - 14:30 EDT (Register for recording)

· Mar., 20 de Oct. de 2020 13:00 - 14:30 EDT

· Mar., 27 de Oct. de 2020 13:00 - 14:30 EDT

Finally, this week isNational Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week (NWBPAW)highlighting the importance of blood pressure control and monitoring among all women, with an emphasis on women ages 18-44. The hope is to empower women to take control of their health by sharing everyday actions they can take to maintain a healthy blood pressure and improve their overall heart health.

Community Health News

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 24, 2020 at 12:07am

Friends, Wise words from our IEA team leader this week, “We know that as the weather turns cold, outdoor options for gathering decrease while family/neighbor gatherings increase with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. All of this means there is even more reason to followthe 3 “Ws.” Mask skeptics remain, but the data is strong: wearing a mask decreases your exposure to the virus and increases protection for those around you. With theincrease in young adultswho are often asymptomatic, it is all the more important thatwe all erron the side of caution and wear a mask, social distance, and wash hands. I know it is not fun, but no one wants to unknowingly spread COVID and see illness or death as a result. Thatwould be a terrible thing on one’s conscience.”

Share theCDC’s Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activitieswith your community to stay healthy while trick or treating.

COVID-19 Related News

Johnson & Johnson Pauses Dosing of COVID-19 Vaccine

Johnson & Johnson announced yesterday that they have temporarily paused further dosing in all COVID-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including thePhase 3 ENSEMBLEtrial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant. HHS Secretary Alex Azarstressedthat Johnson & Johnson is ‘being scrupulously careful’ and is ‘looking out for patient safety.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Appears Well-Tolerated and Effective in Developing Antibodies in Small Study of Older Adults

NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins released a blogpost on vaccine effectiveness in older adults.Recent findingsshow encouraging results from an early Phase 1 clinical trial that was expanded to include 40 adults over age 55.

COVIDView Weekly Summary

CDC updated its weekly surveillance summary of U.S. COVID-19 activity. Nationally, indicators that track COVID-19 activity continued to decline or remain stable. However, one region reported a slight increase in the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 and four regions reported slight increases in the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI). Mortality attributed to COVID-19 declined but remains above the epidemic threshold.

E-Learning

Webinar “Facing Eviction with Facts, Not Fear”

Tomorrow! Wed., Oct. 15, 2020, 3:00 p.m. EDT, Registerhere.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is hosting this webinar to learn about how you can help those in your community facing eviction. Panelists from the real-estate industry, faith-based organizations, and HUD's Office of Housing Counseling will participate in sharing practical information on what you and your organization can do to assist these hurtingindividuals andfamilies.

Apoyando el bienestar emocional y salud mental de los estudiantes hispanos y latinos y sus cuidadores durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Registrarseaquí.

El National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center ha organizado una serie de seminarios web de 3 partes sobre el bienestar emocional y mental de los estudiantes hispanos y latinos y sus cuidadores durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Este seminario web tiene lugar 3 veces.

· Mar., 13 de Oct. de 2020 13:00 - 14:30 EDT (Register for recording)

· Mar., 20 de Oct. de 2020 13:00 - 14:30 EDT

· Mar., 27 de Oct. de 2020 13:00 - 14:30 EDT

Finally, this week isNational Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week (NWBPAW)highlighting the importance of blood pressure control and monitoring among all women, with an emphasis on women ages 18-44. The hope is to empower women to take control of their health by sharing everyday actions they can take to maintain a healthy blood pressure and improve their overall heart health.

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today!!!!!

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 24, 2020 at 12:01am

Medicare Open Enrollment begins TODAY!!! Please find enclosed in this email, resources for your membership, audiences and listservs to help them navigate Medicare Open Enrollment and for you to share through your various communication mediums. We ask, if you can, to please share on your social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Also, if your organization has a webpage, to please post this information on your website. As always, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services thanks you for your continued partnership to get this useful information to those who need it most!

Medicare OE Outreach Materials

Medicare Open Enrollment Period outreach & media materials - https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Reach-Out/Find-tools-to-help-you-help-others/Open-Enrollment-Outreach-and-Media-Materials.html
Open Enrollment materials for Spanish speakers - https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Reach-Out/Find-tools-to-help-you-help-others/Open-Enrollment-materials-for-Spanish-speakers.html
Open Enrollment materials for other audiences - https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Reach-Out/Find-tools-to-help-you-help-others/Open-Enrollment-materials-for-other-audiences
NEW Medicare Plan Finder Walk-Thru Video: https://youtu.be/QgXmY8-gEHk

CMS COVID-19 Calls

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 15, 2020 at 10:42am

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CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Calls - October

CMS hosts varied recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to the agency’s response to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended to provide updates, share best practices among peers, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions of CMS and other subject matter experts.

Call details are below. Conference lines are limited so we highly encourage you to join via audio webcast, either on your computer or smartphone web browser. You are welcome to share this invitation with your colleagues and professional networks. These calls are not intended for the press.

Calls recordings and transcripts are posted on the CMS podcast page at: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/OpenDoorForums/PodcastAndTranscripts

CMS COVID-19 Office Hours Calls (twice a month on Tuesday at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern)

Office Hour Calls provide an opportunity for hospitals, health systems, and providers to ask questions of agency officials regarding CMS’s temporary actions that empower local hospitals and healthcare systems to:

Increase Hospital Capacity – CMS Hospitals Without Walls;
Rapidly Expand the Healthcare Workforce;
Put Patients Over Paperwork; and
Further Promote Telehealth in Medicare

Next Office Hours:

Tuesday, October 13th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern

Toll Free Attendee Dial In: 833-614-0820;

Access Passcode: 6379959

Audio Webcast link: https://engage.vevent.com/rt/cms2/index.jsp?seid=2607

Tuesday, October 27th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern – save the date, dial in to be provided

Weekly COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls

CMS hosts calls for certain types of organizations on an intermittent basis to provide targeted updates on the agency’s latest COVID-19 guidance. One to two leaders in the field also share best practices with their peers. There is an opportunity to ask questions of presenters if time allows.

Nursing Homes

Wednesday, October 14th at 4:30 – 5:00 PM Eastern

Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820;

Access Passcode: 1897041

Audio Webcast Link: https://engage.vevent.com/rt/cms2/index.jsp?seid=2622

Wednesday, October 28th at 4:30 – 5:00 PM Eastern – save the date, dial in to be provided

For the most current information including call schedule changes, please click here: https://www.cms.gov/outreach-education/partner-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-partner-toolkit

To keep up with the important work the White House Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19 click here: https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=36fa2226-6aae0b0d-36fa1319-0cc47a6d17cc-2d06c219f858d641&u=http://www.coronavirus.gov/.

For information specific to CMS, please visit the Current Emergencies Website.

Get My Flu Shot!!!!

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 15, 2020 at 10:38am

Dear Partners,

Please share with your members, audiences and constituency.

http://getmyflushot.adcouncilkit.org/

Is Spirituality a Catalyst to Post-Trauma Resilience?

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 12, 2020 at 11:06am

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Web Version

HHS Partnership Center Logo

WEBINAR 2 OF 6
Spirituality and Post-Traumatic Growth:

Spirituality as Catalyst for Resilience

Research demonstrates that personal spirituality and religious observance carry great impact in the recovery from trauma and its related mental health consequences — including recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and even risk for suicide. For many people, post-traumatic growth has even been propelled by a deepening growth of personal spirituality.

The process of post-traumatic spiritual growth can be supported through spiritually integrated treatment, as well as by partnerships between clergy and mental health providers. Given the increasing levels of trauma and related prevalence of mental health diagnoses and sub-clinical struggles, the need for innovative partnerships is urgent.

PRESENTERS

Chaplain (Major Gen.) Thomas L. Solhjem, Chief of Chaplains., U.S. Army
Joseph M. Currier, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of Training, Clinical Psychology, University of South Alabama

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

REGISTER NOW: Spirituality & Post-Traumatic Growth

REGISTER for the Spirituality and Mental Health Series

REGISTER FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES

Understanding the critical intersections of spirituality and mental health can increase the overall effectiveness and quality of treatment across an individual’s continuum of care.

Faith leaders and mental health practitioners are working together, developing strong and successful examples of what can be replicated around the nation.

This webinar series seeks to share:

Research demonstrating the outcomes possible when considering spirituality and mental health together, rather than as separate areas of study.
Testimonies of personal and lived experiences, highlighting what can be achieved, and engaging diverse communities.
Examples of spirituality and mental health being addressed together to improve the health and wellness outcomes for clients and their families.

WEBINAR SCHEDULE:

Sept. 29, 12:00 pm — Spirituality in Treatment: Systemic Treatment Models Bridging Faith and Mental Health Professionals WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Oct. 13, 12:00 pm — Spirituality and Post-Traumatic Growth: Spirituality as Catalyst for Resilience REGISTER NOW
Oct. 27, 12:00 pm — Spirituality and Severe Mental Illness: Questions of Recovery versus Purposeful Renewal REGISTER NOW
Nov. 10, 12:00 pm — Spirituality and the Life-time Course of Mental Illness: Support for Patients, Caregivers, and Family by the Faith Community REGISTER NOW
Nov. 19, 12:00 pm — Spirituality and Relationships: Contributions to Faith and Forgiveness in Recovery REGISTER NOW
Dec. 8, 12:00 pm — Spirituality and Community-wide Crisis: Building Systems to Support Connection and Recovery REGISTER NOW

If you have any questions about this new series, please email us at partnerships@hhs.gov.

Did you get your FLU SHOT yet?

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on October 12, 2020 at 10:49am

Getting a flu shot is an essential part of protecting your health and your family's health this year. Reducing the spread of illnesses like the flu is more important than ever.

Remember, the flu shot is covered for people with Medicare from providers that accept Medicare or your Medicare plan. You can safely get a flu shot at multiple locations, like at your doctor's office or pharmacy.

Learn More

All places offering flu shots should be following CDC guidance to ensure you have a safe place to get vaccinated. This includes that patients wear a face covering and maintain social distance in areas like waiting rooms.

Getting your annual flu shot as soon as possible gives you and your loved ones the best protection throughout the flu season.

The Flu Shot is your best protection from the flu

Posted by Cecil H. Doggette on September 25, 2020 at 11:33am

The flu shot is your best protection from the flu

Now's the time to get your flu shot. The flu shot is covered for people with Medicare from providers that accept Medicare or your Medicare plan. You can safely get a flu vaccine at your doctor's office, pharmacy, or other local provider.

Learn More

The flu can be very serious for people who are 65 years and older. A flu shot is your best protection from getting and spreading the virus. Getting the shot can help you stay healthy and, if you do get sick with the flu, your symptoms likely won't be as bad or last as long.

All places offering flu shots should be following CDC guidance to ensure you have a safe place to get vaccinated. This includes that patients wear a face covering and maintain social distance in areas like waiting rooms. Visit CDC.gov for more information on how to safely get your flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

u s department of health and human services This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Kindest regards,

Felicia Verrett, M.S., FAC-COR II

Office of Communications

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

7500 Security Blvd.

Baltimore, MD. 21244

410-786-3848

S1-05-18

felicia.verrett@cms.hhs.gov

Cecil H. Doggette's Posts (55)

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Get My Flu Shot!!!!

Is Spirituality a Catalyst to Post-Trauma Resilience?

REGISTER FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES

WEBINAR SCHEDULE:

Did you get your FLU SHOT yet?

Learn More

The Flu Shot is your best protection from the flu

The flu shot is your best protection from the flu

Learn More

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