Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
29 Community Health Centers Get Nearly $55M To Improve Virtual Care
Modern Healthcare: HHS Gives $55M 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 Health and Human Services Department announced Tuesday. "Virtual care has been a game-changer for patients, especially during the pandemic," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release. "This funding will help health centers leverage the latest technology and innovations to expand access to quality primary care for underserved communities." (Devereaux, 2/15)
In other health care industry news —
Axios: Hartford HealthCare Faces Antitrust Lawsuit Over Insurance Contracts
A group of citizens in Connecticut is suing Hartford HealthCare, alleging the large hospital system has amassed monopoly power "to extract higher prices from insurers, employers, and patients." This is another class-action lawsuit arguing hospital consolidation has crushed everyone's bank accounts and has led to the rise of anti-competitive contracts that force insurers and employers to accept take-it-or-leave-it terms. (Herman, 2/16)
Modern Healthcare: Anthem Partners With Digital Therapeutic For Virtual COVID Care
Anthem has partnered with a digital therapeutics startup to launch a care navigation program for COVID-19 patients. The insurer, which runs 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 a daily symptom and outcome tracker, on-demand messaging with a clinical care manager, and articles, videos and other education information to help enrollees best manage their COVID symptoms. (Tepper, 2/15)
Modern Healthcare: ProMedica Fundraising $20M To Invest In Underserved Michigan City
Nonprofit health system ProMedica has committed to fundraising $20 million over a ten-year period to invest in a small city in Southeast Michigan to drive community development with an aim to reduce health disparities. The Toledo, Ohio-based organization has partnered with two local organizations. ... According to a press release, the main investments will center around education, housing, finance and social services, policy and community infrastructure. The funding will serve a community of approximately 11,000 people in the eastern corridor of Adrian, Michigan, which faces high levels of chronic health conditions and poverty. (Hartnett, 2/15)
