Advancing health equity and enhancing chronic disease care with key CMS letters

by Glenn Mones

The Coalition for Hemophilia B (CHB) continues to strengthen its relationships with larger advocacy coalitions to support the needs of the chronic disease community. Just this past week, CHB signed onto three letters addressed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), focusing on the needs of the broader advocacy community. A common theme throughout these letters is the advancement of health equity for underserved populations.

The first letter addresses the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which is the list Medicare uses to reimburse physicians and providers for services under the program. The schedule covers payment rates for over 12,600 services. The letter, drafted by Families USA—a national healthcare advocacy coalition—and endorsed by several patient groups, emphasizes the importance of creating payment codes that promote health equity and deliver high-value primary care services. It also highlights the increased financial support needed for providers participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), particularly those serving under-resourced communities. Lastly, it focuses on enhancing the connection between patients and providers accountable for both the cost and quality of care delivered.

The second letter pertains to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), which governs payments hospitals and community health centers receive for outpatient care provided to Medicare patients. Developed by the Community First Coalition, the comments focus on two key areas: improving hospital quality measurement to ensure accountability in advancing health equity, and addressing the maternal health crisis by establishing federal quality standards for obstetric services.

The third letter also relates to the OPPS and calls for the codification of 12 months of continuous coverage for children up to 19 years old in Medicaid and CHIP, while removing state authority to disenroll children for non-payment of enrollment fees or premiums. The letter advocates for extending the Medicaid “Four Walls” exception for Indian Health Services (IHS), tribal clinics, behavioral health services, and rural providers. It also calls for the eligibility and enrollment of formerly incarcerated individuals into Medicare.

The Coalition for Hemophilia B is eager to continue partnering with national advocacy coalitions, lending our voice and support to these critical issues that aim to improve the health of all Americans.