Funds from the Department of Health and Human Services are intended to increase access to telehealth, remote patient monitoring and other digital tools among underserved populations, Modern Healthcare reported.
Modern Healthcare: HHS Gives $55 Million to Community Health Centers for Virtual Care Access
The Health Resources and Services Administration has distributed $54.6 million to 29 community health centers as part of its efforts to increase access to telehealth, remote patient monitoring and other digital tools among underserved populations, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday. “Virtual care has been a game-changer for patients, especially during the pandemic,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a press release. “This funding will help health centers leverage the latest technologies and innovations to expand access to quality primary care for underserved communities.” (Devereaux, 2/15)
In other healthcare industry news –
Axios: Hartford HealthCare faces antitrust lawsuit over insurance contracts
A Connecticut citizens’ group is suing Hartford HealthCare, alleging the large hospital system has accumulated monopoly power “to extract higher prices from insurers, employers and patients.” This is another class action lawsuit arguing that hospital consolidation has crushed everyone’s bank accounts and led to the rise of anti-competitive contracts that force insurers and employers to agree to terms to take or to leave. (Hermann, 02/16)
Modern Healthcare: Anthem Partners with Digital Therapeutic for Virtual COVID Care
Anthem has partnered with a digital therapy startup to launch a care navigation program for patients with COVID-19. The insurer, which manages Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 states, has partnered with game developer Sidekick Health to create COVID Concierge Care, an app that offers members daily symptom and results tracking, messaging on-demand with a Clinical Care Manager, and articles, videos and other educational information to help enrollees better manage their COVID symptoms. (Tepper, 2/15)
Modern Healthcare: ProMedica Raises $20 Million to Invest in Underserved Michigan
Nonprofit health system ProMedica has pledged to raise $20 million over ten years to invest in a small town in southeast Michigan to spur community development in an effort to reduce disparities health matter. The Toledo, Ohio-based organization has partnered with two local organizations. … According to a press release, the main investments will be in education, housing, finance and social services, policies and community infrastructure. The funding will serve a community of approximately 11,000 people in the East Corridor of Adrian, Michigan, which faces high levels of chronic health conditions and poverty. (Hartnett, 2/15)
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