Smart Benefits: OHIC Grant Will Mean More Transparency for Rhode Islanders
Amy Gallagher, GoLocalProv Business/Health Expert
Smart Benefits: OHIC Grant Will Mean More Transparency for Rhode Islanders
One of 21 states to receive a grant this year, OHIC says the funds will allow it to continue to enhance the state’s rate review program, efforts to improve price transparency, and ability to analyze information about Rhode Island’s health care system.
Specific projects OHIC plans to execute with the grant money include:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST-effective rate monitoring and market conduct review programs
-standardization of issuer price transparency requirements
-coordination of rate review with form review
-increased form transparency and consumer support
-expansion of the All Payer Claims Database (APCD) analytic and reporting activities
“Rate Review Cycle IV Grant funding will provide needed support as OHIC works to enhance the effectiveness of our rate review process, as well as increase our capacity to collect, analyze, and report relevant data,” said Health Insurance Commissioner, Dr. Kathleen Hittner.
With this latest $1.1 million award, Rhode Island has been awarded a total of $8.6 million from the CCIIO.
Amy Gallagher has over 21 years of healthcare industry experience guiding employers and employees. As Vice President at Cornerstone Group, she advises large employers on all aspects of healthcare reform, benefit solutions, cost-containment strategies and results-driven wellness programs. Amy speaks regularly on a variety of healthcare-related topics, and is often quoted by national publications on the subject matter. Locally, Amy is a member of SHRM-RI, the Rhode Island Business Group on Health, and the Rhode Island Business Healthcare Advisory Council.
New England's Healthiest States 2013
6. Rhode Island
Overall Rank: 19
Outcomes Rank: 30
Determinants Rank: 13
Diabetes Rank: 26
Smoking Rank: 14
Obesity Rank: 13
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. High immunization coverage among adolescents
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians
Challenges:
1.High rate of drug deaths
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in heath status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/RI
5. Maine
Overall Rank: 16
Outcomes Rank: 25
Determinants Rank: 12
Diabetes Rank: 23
Smoking Rank: 29
Obesity Rank: 28
Strengths:
1. Low violent crime rate
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Low prevalence of low birthweight
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High rate of cancer deaths
3. Limited availability of dentists
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME
4. Connecticut
Overall Rank: 7
Outcomes Rank: 15
Determinants Rank: 4
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 4
Obesity Rank: 12
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of smoking
2. Low incidence of infectious diseases
3. High immunization coverage among children & adolescents
Challenges:
1. Moderate prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low high school graduation rate
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/CT
3. New Hampshire
Overall Rank: 5
Outcomes Rank: 7
Determinants Rank: 5
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 11
Obesity Rank: 22
Strengths:
1. Low percentage of children in poverty
2. High immunization coverage among children
3. Low infant mortality rate
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High incidence of pertussis infections
3. Low per capita public health funding
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/NH
2. Massachusetts
Overall Rank: 4
Outcomes Rank: 14
Determinants Rank: 3
Diabetes Rank: 10
Smoking Rank: 7
Obesity Rank: 2
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians & dentists
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/MA
1. Vermont
Overall Rank: 2
Outcomes Rank: 12
Determinants Rank: 1
Diabetes Rank: 4
Smoking Rank: 9
Obesity Rank: 5
Strengths:
1. High rate of high school graduation
2. Low violent crime rate
3. Low percentage of uninsured population
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low immunization coverage among children
3. High incidence of pertussis infections
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/VT
