During October, the CMS Office of Minority Health (OMH) recognizes Health Literacy Month. We encourage healthcare providers to make health information easier for their patients to understand and navigate.

Healthy People 2030—an initiative that identifies public health priorities to help individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States improve health and well-being across a 10-year timeframe—addresses both personal health literacy and organizational health literacy. According to Healthy People 2020:

• Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.
• Organizational health literacy is the degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

These definitions allow us to emphasize people’s ability to use health information rather than just understand it, focus on the ability to make “well-informed” decisions rather than just “appropriate” ones, incorporate a public health perspective into decision making, and acknowledge that organizations have a responsibility to address health literacy.

Hispanic adults have been shown to have the lowest level of health literacy among racial and ethnic groups, followed by Black adults and American Indian/Alaskan Native adults. Additionally, Spanish-speaking adults have an increased likelihood of inadequate health literacy, when compared to English-speaking adults.

Those with low health literacy are more likely to use the emergency department. And parents’ health literacy levels impact health outcomes for children.

The effects of low health literacy can be particularly pronounced for those over 65, with low health literacy possibly leading to poor physical functioning, pain, limitations of daily activities, and poor mental health status.

Resources

To mark Health Literacy Month, we’re highlighting resources that can help providers better explain the services that are available to their patients through their health coverage:

• Review and share Coverage to Care resources, which help patients understand their health coverage and connect to primary care and the preventive services that are right for them. Resources are available in Spanish.
• Download Coverage to Care Prevention Resources to explain the preventive services available to adults, teens, children, and infants for little or no cost under most health care plans. Resources are available in Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• Share Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities, which empowers patients with disabilities by explaining their rights to accessible care. This resource is available in  Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• View Improving Communication Access for Individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision and Improving Communication Access for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing , which outline how to assess practices for accessibility, develop communication plans, and be prepared to implement accessible services.
• Review Building an Organizational Response to Health Disparities – Resource Guide, which describes resources and concepts key to addressing disparities and improving healthcare quality throughout an organization.

Download the Guide to Developing a Language Access Plan, which helps assess programs and develop language access plans to ensure persons with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to care and services.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period of motherhood are times of great joy and great change. 

With this change can come stress, fear, and anxiety that can fuel feelings of depression and isolation and invasive thoughts. Alarmingly, nearly 60 percent of pregnancy-associated deaths happen between 42 days and one year after giving birth. Since taking office, Governor Wolf has prioritized expanding access to health care and supportive services that help parents through pregnancy and the postpartum period and gives children a strong, healthy start that can lead to continued good health, well-being and positive outcomes throughout their lives.

In 2020, the CDC released the first maternal mortality rates for the United States in roughly 10 years. It showed that the United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the industrialized world. The U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world whose mothers are dying at a higher rate than 25 years ago.

Pennsylvania mothers deserve more.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is taking a close look at maternal health practices. The American Rescue Plan Act allows states to implement a new Medicaid state plan option beginning in April 2022 that will expand the Medicaid coverage period for new moms to one year after giving birth. This extension will help mothers continue to access physical and behavioral health care necessary to keep themselves healthy and their families on a path to good health and well-being.

• About 3 in 10 births nationwide are paid for through Medicaid, but traditionally, coverage for people who qualify because they are pregnant ends 60 days following the birth of a baby unless their income or circumstances change.
• In Pennsylvania, pregnancy-related deaths grew by more than 21 percent between 2013 and 2018.
  Nationally, about 12 percent of pregnancy-related deaths occur between six weeks and one year postpartum, but almost 60 percent of those are preventable.
  Black women are almost two times more likely than white women to die after giving birth.
• Perinatal depression is the most common complication during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
  1 in 7 women experience depression during or following a pregnancy, but too often it can go undiagnosed.

The Wolf Administration and DHS are committed to improving the extent and quality of care for Pennsylvania families, especially our most vulnerable through a delicate and crucial period of their lives. The expansion of Medicaid initiative is part of a myriad of supports DHS has in progress to support perinatal and parenting families, which includes increasing maternal depression screenings and follow-through care, expanding home-visiting care and use of doulas, and engaging fathers as advocates and partners for mothers and children.

The Wolf Administration also recently announced that Pennsylvania will opt-in to extended postpartum coverage for birthing parents covered through Medicaid due to their pregnancy. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, states are able to extend the Medicaid postpartum coverage period from just 60 days to one year after giving birth.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Motherhood is a big step, and with life changes come stress, fear and anxiety. All of us can take steps to improve our mental health. This looks different for everyone. Perhaps you’d like to talk to someone, focus more on self care, consider medication, and/or seek other treatments. There are options to help you.

Crisis Help

• CALL 911: If there is an immediate risk of endangering oneself or others, contact 911. Inform the operator that you are calling about a mental health crisis.
• Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741 to start the conversation 24/7
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
  • If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the Lifeline. (Español: 888-628-9454)

PA Crisis Hotlines: Find a crisis line in your county.PA Resources

• PA Support & Referral Hotline: 1-855-284-2494 (TTY:724-631-5600)
  The Department of Human Services’ mental health support and referral helpline is available 24/7 and is a free resource staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions.
•  Call 2-1-1: The United Way of Pennsylvania can connect you to help in your area; Search crisis services, hotlines, and warmlines near you.
•  Office of Advocacy and Reform (OAR)  
  www.governor.pa.gov/about/office-of-advocacy-and-reform/
  A group of volunteers focused exclusively on setting guidelines and benchmarks for trauma-informed care across the commonwealth.
• Get Help Now Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357)  A toll-free helpline maintained through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) that connects callers looking for substance use treatment options for themselves or a loved one to resources in their community. Calls are anonymous and available 24/7.

People with Medicare can Review their Drug and Health Plan Options through December 7, 2021

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding people with Medicare that Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2021, and is the time to review their coverage options and make a choice that meets their health care needs. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period gives those who rely on Medicare the opportunity to make changes to their health plans or prescription drug plans, pick a Medicare Advantage Plan, or return to Original Medicare.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period occurs every year from October 15 through December 7, with coverage changes taking effect January 1. During this time, people can find a plan that better meets their needs, saves money, or both.

Medicare plans can change year to year – even an enrollee’s current calendar year 2021 plan may have changes for 2022. Medicare.gov makes it easier than ever to compare coverage options and shop for plans. People can do a side-by-side comparison of plan coverage, costs, and quality ratings to help them more easily see the differences between plans.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is an important time of year for people with Medicare and their families to review their options and make choices about the health care coverage that best meets their needs,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “It is also a time for people with Medicare to check their eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs, which can help with premiums and other costs. Enrollment assistance is available in your community and 24/7 at 1-800-MEDICARE to connect you to coverage that best fits your needs and budget.”

Here are some things to consider when shopping for Medicare coverage:

• Check if doctors are still in-network and prescriptions are on the plan’s formulary.
• Realize that the plan with the lowest monthly premium may not always be the best fit for specific health needs.
• Look at the plan’s deductible and other out-of-pocket costs that factor into total costs.
• Know that some plans offer extra benefits, like vision, hearing, or dental coverage, which could help meet individual health care needs.
• Consider whether Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan is the best choice.

Medicare is Here to Help -Here are four ways you can compare plans and look at savings options:

• Find plans at Medicare.gov and do side-by-side comparisons of costs and coverage.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends
• Access personalized health insurance counseling at no cost, available from State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiptacenter.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE for each SHIP’s phone number. Many SHIPs also offer virtual counseling.
• Check eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs. People with Medicare facing challenges paying for health care may qualify for Medicare Saving Programs run by their state. These programs can help save money on premiums, prescription drugs, and other health care costs. If your income for 2021 is below $18,000, it may be worth contacting your state’s Medicaid program about help that may be available to you. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE to find out where to apply.

CMS has social media, videos and general market materials available for your use and will continue to update these throughout the open enrollment period  HERE

CMS staff are available to answer questions, present at meetings on Medicare topics like Open Enrollment, Medicare Advantage, and to share CMS resources.  Please contact Debbie.feieman@cms.hhs.gov or at 215-901-6096.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) and Health Partners on Intimate Partner Violence and Exploitation for a free webinar on October 27th at 1 pm ET, “Supporting Patients Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: Opportunities for Oral Health Providers.” Oral health providers play an important role in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). They have the opportunity to offer patients information on IPV, reduce isolation, and increase safety by referring patients to community-based organizations for support.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Morgan Among 12 State Directors from Rural Development and the Farm Service Agency to be Appointed by the White House

Following a press release from President Joe Biden announcing the appointment of several regional appointments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointments of seven Rural Development (RD) State Directors and five Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors.

“These twelve individuals are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”

Included in the announcement is Bob Morgan a native of Mountain Top, Luzerne County, Pa. Morgan’s 25-year career spans from bank teller in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to current State Director of USDA Rural Development.

“I am honored to have been selected for this position, and I am committed to extending greater and equitable access to the federal programs designed to upgrade the economic engine driving investment in our rural communities,” Morgan said.

Morgan has proven experience in the investment, insurance and banking sectors assisting fellow Pennsylvanians in making decisions that impact and improve lives. He also worked for 8 years as Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director for Congressman Matthew A. Cartwright (PA-08) working with community leaders on several major economic development initiatives designed to enhance the communities of the Northeastern corner of the state.

As State Director, he will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs to provide greater economic opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. Morgan is a 1985 graduate of King’s College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Government. In addition, he is the former President of the Board of Directors for the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association.

RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of rural development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.

Pennsylvania Projects Receive $1.5 million

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $272 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for 270,000 people living in rural communities across 37 states and Puerto Rico.

“As people in many parts of the nation battle drought and fires brought on by climate change, there has never been a more urgent need for this assistance,” Vilsack said. “When we invest in rural infrastructure, we build opportunity and prosperity for people in rural communities. These investments support the local economy by making rural communities attractive, economically viable and safe places to live and work, therefore helping to create and save jobs by attracting and retaining employers and workers. Investing in rural water infrastructure is one of the many things the Biden-Harris Administration is doing to help the nation build back better during the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

USDA is financing 114 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. These investments will help improve rural infrastructure for 270,000 people and businesses.

In Pennsylvania, two projects are receiving funding:

• The Borough of Smethport Authority (BOSA) in McKean County is receiving a $1.2 million loan to replace and/or upgrade water distribution, sewer collection, conveyance lines and fire hydrants. These lines are more than 50 years old and need to be replaced due to high unaccounted water loss. This project will also allow for full fire emergency response, which is lacking in the area. The BOSA currently owns and operates the public water and wastewater system within Smethport Borough with users located in the borough and Keating Township.
• The Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority in Mercer County is receiving a $219,000 loan and $96,000 grant to install a mechanical bar screen at the Thompson Road pump station. The pump station requires continuous inspection and cleaning to remove debris buildup on the stationary bar screen and trash basket. Additionally, debris that is not being captured in the screening chamber, is entering the wet well and being pumped to the treatment plant resulting in excess debris in the aeration tanks. An open type shelter will be built as well to provide cover and protection for the equipment and control panel at the site.

Background:

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage. The program serves people and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

In addition, USDA announced investments today in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, contact a USDA Rural Development state office.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

The HHS Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) continues to accept applications for payment from Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) employing buprenorphine-waivered providers under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) Waiver Training Payment Program.

The program gives RHCs the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 payment for each eligible employed provider who attained a DATA 2000 waiver on or after January 1, 2019.  Approximately $1.5 million in program funding remains available for RHCs and will be paid on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

HRSA is collaborating with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to process these applications.

For more information, the program provides a video and FAQs.