Around the Agencies

• SAMHSA releases FY 2016 grant opportunities forecast
• CDC draft opioid prescribing guideline available for public comment
• CMS releases instructional videos on ICD-10 coding
• CMS finds that more than 1 million new consumers have signed up through HealthCare.gov
• CMS updates Hospital and Physician Compare websites
• CMS releases results of FY 2016 Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program
• CMS releases 2016 updates to Child and Adult Core Health Care Quality Measurement, including measure of high dosage opioid use in persons without cancer

In the News

• White House announces community forums on opioid use disorders

News from NASADAD

• NASADAD presents on law enforcement & opioid issues to the National Conference on State Legislatures
• NASADAD attends briefing on healthcare for incarcerated individuals reentering society
• NASADAD attends conference on The Excellence Act and criminal justice reform

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA releases advanced notice of FY 2016 grant opportunities forecast
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released an advanced notice of FY 2016 grant opportunities last week. The notice will eventually be posted to the SAMSHA website. The forecast includes many grant funding opportunities provided by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)

CDC draft opioid prescribing guideline available for public comment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is developing an opioid prescribing guideline to help primary care providers offer safer, more effective care for patients with chronic pain while reducing misuse, abuse, and overdose from these drugs. The guideline will provide recommendations to primary care providers about the appropriate prescribing of opioid pain medications to improve pain management and patient safety. Recommendations focus on the use of opioids in treating chronic pain. The public comment period opened December 14^th and closes January 13^th.

To review and comment, please visit: www.Regulations.gov and enter the docket number CDC-2015-0112.

CMS releases instructional videos on ICD-10 coding
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an instructional video on ICD-10 coding basics last week. The video features Nelly Leon-Chisen, Director of Coding and Classification at the American Hospital Association (AHA), and Sue Bowman, Senior Director of Coding Policy and Compliance at the American Health Information Management Association. Both speakers discuss several examples of how to properly utilize ICD-10 codes, including a review of valid versus invalid codes. ICD-10 code usage was made mandatory on October 1^st following the implementation of a final rule.

Access additional ICD-10 implementation resources here.

CMS finds that more than 1 million new consumers have signed up through HealthCare.gov
The Centers for Medicare  and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the most recent iteration of the open enrollment snapshot last week, finding that more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for healthcare through HealthCare.gov. The snapshot further states that 1.8 million individuals have returned to HealthCare.gov to renew healthcare coverage during the same period. CMS reports that 2.84 million individuals have made plan selections since open enrollment began on November 1^st. Open enrollment concludes on December 15^th.

CMS updates Hospital and Physician Compare websites
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the Hospital and Physician Compare websites last week. The websites provide performance data on hospitals and providers for consumers. The Physician Compare website now includes performance scores for preventive care, diabetes, cardiovascular care, and patient safety for over 275 group practices, including data from Medicare’s Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS). The Hospital Compare website now includes data from the Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) program on safe surgery practices.

CMS releases results of FY 2016 Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the results of the FY 2016 Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program last week. The results found that 758 out of 3,308 hospitals monitored under the HAC program were in the worst performing quartile. These poor performers will be subject to a one percent payment reduction for Medicaid charges occurring between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016. CMS estimates that $364 million in savings occurred as a result of the program.

CMS releases 2016 updates to Child and Adult Core Health Care Quality Measurement, including measure of high dosage opioid use in persons without cancer
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Center for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services (CMCS) released the 2016 updates to the Child and Adult Core Health Care Quality Measurement last week, including a new measure tracking “use of opioids from multiple providers at high dosages in persons without cancer” to the Adult Core Set. The tracking of high dosages of opioids will allow CMCS and States to better track quality of care for adults with substance use disorders.

In the News

White House announces community forums on opioid use disorders
The White House announced that the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director, Michael Botticelli, will hold several community forums across the country on evidence-based policies to prevent and treat prescription and heroin use disorders this past week. The announcement followed news that opioid overdose deaths rose significantly between 2013 and 2014, with prescription opioid-related overdoses increasing 16 percent to 18,893 total deaths in 2014. The increase is partially attributed to the rise of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Heroin-related overdose deaths increased 28 percent to 10,574 total deaths in 2014. The first community forum hosted by ONDCP will be held on Oklahoma on December 16, and will be followed by forums in Connecticut and several other States early next year.

News from NASADAD

NASADAD presents on law enforcement & opioid issues to the National Conference on State Legislatures
On December 10^th, Rob Morrison presented at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Capitol Forum on criminal justice and addiction policy. He presented on a panel in the NCSL Law, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee Track, along with Rep. Eric K. Hutchings of the Utah House of Representatives, and Mary Lou Leary of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). In the presentation, Mr. Morrison highlighted law enforcement & opioid issues, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and Drug, Family, and Veterans Courts in the States. View the presentation slides here.

NASADAD attends briefing on healthcare for incarcerated individuals reentering society
Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern, attended the briefing hosted by the Alliance for Health Reform on Friday, December 11^th. The briefing included panelists involved in researching the healthcare needs of incarcerated individuals reentering society after the conclusion of their sentence. Healthcare costs within the criminal justice system have substantially increased over the past ten years, growing from 10% of criminal justice expenditures in 2001 to 20% in 2011. Speakers highlighted ongoing efforts at the State level to enroll incarcerated individuals into Medicaid and other healthcare plans, focusing on the successes of Ohio’s pre-release enrollment program. Strong stakeholder partnerships and cultural competency were stressed as key factors in successful program implementation.

Panelists:

• Matt McKillop; The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Kara Miller; Ohio Department of Medicaid
• Saroya Friedman-Gonzalez; The National Urban League

NASADAD attends conference on The Excellence Act and criminal justice reform
Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern, attended the conference hosted by the Community Oriented Correctional Health Services (COCHS) and the National Council for Behavioral Health on Tuesday, December 8^th. The conference featured several panels discussing the intersections between the criminal justice system, mental health, and substance use disorders. Speakers stressed the wide health disparities experienced by minorities both inside and outside the criminal justice system, and suggested increased investment in certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) as a possible response. Justice-involved individuals experience higher rates of illnesses including hypertension, hepatitis, and mental and substance use disorders compared to the general population.

CCBHCs are clinics designed for individuals experiencing serious mental health and substance use disorders, providing evidence-based treatment, peer support services, and 24/7 crisis response to those in need. CCBHCs were created through the provisions in the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (H.R. 4302) referred to as the Excellence in Mental Health Act (The Excellence Act). The Excellence Act initially designed a CCBHC demonstration grant program for a total of eight States. The demonstration grants provide two years of funding for the eight demonstration programs.

Panelists:

• Steven Rosenberg; President, Community Oriented Correctional Health Services
• Linda Rosenberg; MSW, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Council for Behavioral Health
• Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI); Co-Sponsor of the Excellence Act (S. 264)
• Jeff Richardson; Chief Executive Officer, Mosaic Group; Second Vice Chair, Board of Directors, National Council for Behavioral Health
• Lisa Puglisi; MD, MAS, Assistant Professor, Yale School of Medicine
• Gary Puckrein; PhD, Chief Executive Officer, National Minority Quality Forum
• Malvise A. Scott; Senior Vice President for Partnership and Resource Development, National Association of Community Health Centers
• Judith Solomon; JD, Vice President for Health Policy, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• Kana Enomoto; Acting Administrator Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Dan Mistak; JD, MS, MA, General Counsel, Community Oriented Correctional Health Services
• Robert Davison; MA, LPC, Executive Director, Mental Health Association of Essex County, New Jersey
• Jean Peters Baker; JD, Prosecutor, Jackson County, Missouri
• Captain Mark Neuman; Administrative Commander at Kent County Correctional Facility, Kent County, Michigan Sheriff’s Department
• Carson Fox; JD, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Drug Court Professionals
• Dina Passman; MPH, Public Health Advisor at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Karen Chrisman; JD, MA, CHP, CSCS, Staff Attorney, Governor’s Office of Electronic Health Information for the State of Kentucky
• Kamala Mallik-Kane; MPH, Research Associate at the Justice Policy Enter, The Urban Institute

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Morrison, Executive Director, (202) 293-0090 or Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Public Policy Associate, at (202) 293-0090.

News from the States

• Missouri health organizations endorse new opioid prescribing recommendations
• Ohio announces $2.5 million in grant funding for recovery housing

Around the Agencies

• SAMHSA names Peggie Rice as new Legislative Director
• AHRQ reports 17 percent decline in hospital acquired conditions since 2010
• NIDA announces 2016 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
• CMS reports 5.3% growth in healthcare spending during 2014

In the News

• NGA announces Scott Pattison as new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
• White House releases updated federal HIV/AIDS strategy
• National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse releases new guide on best policies for reducing substance use disorders at the State and federal level

Upcoming Events

• SAMHSA announces new quarterly Health IT Webinar series
• SAMHSA announces webinar on increasing health insurance marketplace open enrollment

News from the States

Missouri health organizations endorse new opioid prescribing recommendations
A group of Missouri health providers announced a a new policy recommendation on opioid use. The strategy for reduced misuse and abuse of opioids includes a comprehensive pain assessment prior to prescribing opioids, among nine other suggestions. The sponsoring organizations include the Missouri Hospital Association, the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians, the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians, the Missouri Dental Association, and the Missouri State Medical Association.

Ohio announces $2.5 million in grant funding for recovery housing
Last week the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction (OhioMHAS) announced $2.5 million in grants for the improvement and expansion of recovery housing for Ohio residents with substance use disorders. The grants will support 25 projects in 18 counties in an effort to add 200 new beds to Ohio’s recovery housing system. Tracy Plouck, OhioMHAS Director and NASADAD member, outlined the importance of recovery housing stating, “Recovery housing provides a safe, supportive environment where a person in recovery can adjust to sobriety, rebuild shattered relationships, obtain employment and seek permanent housing.” Ms. Plouck noted that funding was prioritized for high-need communities that have previously not received State funding for recovery housing.

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA names Peggie Rice as new Legislative Director
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) selected Peggie Rice as its new Legislative Director late last month. The Legislative Director position serves as SAMHSA’s primary Congressional liaison and works with constituency organizations to improve the country’s health care systems. Ms. Rice joins SAMHSA following years of experience working with Congress. She previously worked as Legislative Analyst with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and most recently served as a health policy analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Washington, D.C. office. SAMHSA also announced the hiring of Brian Payne as a new Legislative Analyst.

AHRQ reports 17 percent decline in hospital acquired conditions since 2010
A new Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) report indicates that a 17 percent decline in hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) occurred between 2010 and 2014. A total of 2.1 million fewer HACs were experienced by patients, saving approximately 87,000 patient lives and $19.8 billion in health care costs. The cause of the decline in HACs remains unclear, yet AHRQ asserts that increases in hospital safety as a result of Medicare payment incentives may be partially responsible.

NIDA announces 2016 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) announced the dates for the 2016 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week this past week. The week-long observance will be held from January 25-31, 2016. NIDA encourages organizations to plan and promote educational events or activities for teens during the week. NIDA will offer support for registered events, including free science-based materials and activity ideas.

CMS reports 5.3% growth in healthcare spending during 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports that healthcare spending in the United States grew 5.3% during 2014. CMS attributes the growth to major coverage expansions generated by the Affordable Care Act, especially for Medicaid and private insurance populations. New Hepatitis C drugs drove a 12.2% increase in prescription drug spending. Medicaid spending increased 11% in 2014, yet Medicaid spending per enrollee decreased 2%. The report also notes that overall hospital care spending increased 4.1% in 2014, yet hospital prices increased at a slower rate. Federal government healthcare spending grew more quickly in 2014 than other healthcare spending sources, “creating a 2 percentage-point increase in total healthcare spending between 2013 and 2014.”

In the News

NGA announces Scott Pattison as new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
The National Governors Association (NGA) announced Scott Pattison as the new NGA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer last month. Mr. Pattison previously worked as the Executive Director of the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) since 2001, and has also served within the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget and in the office of the Virginia Attorney General. Mr. Pattison began his new position at the NGA on December 1^st.

White House releases updated federal HIV/AIDS strategy
The White House released an updated federal plan for addressing HIV/AIDS last week. The plan includes four main goals: 1) reducing new HIV infections through increased prevention efforts and evidence-based approaches, 2) increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, 3) reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities, and 4) achieving a more coordinated national response to the HIV epidemic. The plan sets new short- and long-term goals for federal agencies to meet within the next three to five years.

National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse releases new guide on best policies for reducing substance use disorders at the State and federal levels
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse released a new guide last week. The Guide for Policymakers: Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment of Risky Substance Use and Addiction outlines best policies and practices for dealing with substance use disorders at the State and federal levels. The guide is the result of more than 20 years of work at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Use, and contains resources and references for individuals working within the substance use disorder field in both the public and private sectors. Contemporary topics such as marijuana legalization, e-cigarettes, and medication-assisted treatment are discussed in depth.

Upcoming Events

SAMHSA announces new quarterly Health IT Webinar series
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a new series of webinars, the first of which will be held on Tuesday, December 8^th from 2-3PM EST. The series will partner with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to discuss new developments in health information technology. The first installment will concentrate on the integration of substance use disorders and mental health into health information exchanges (HIE), and will feature several speakers from SAMHSA, ONC, the Colorado Regional Health Information Organization (CORHIO) and the Quality Health Network (QHN) of Colorado.

SAMHSA announces webinar on increasing health insurance marketplace open enrollment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA) announced a new webinar focusing on increasing health insurance marketplace enrollment for States targeting substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. SAMHSA has partnered with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to present the webinar, and will discuss strategies for increasing health insurance enrollment for individuals with substance use disorders. Kana Enomoto, Acting Administrator of SAMHSA; Michael Botticelli, Director of ONDCP; and Tom Hill, Acting Director of CSAT will speak during the webinar. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, December 8^th from 2-3:30PM EST.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Morrison, Executive Director, (202) 293-0090 or Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Public Policy Associate, at (202) 293-0090.

Around the Agencies

• NIAAA releases analysis finding increasing similarities between male and female alcohol consumption
• SAMHSA appoints Amy Haseltine as Acting Principal Deputy Administrator
• SAMHSA announces FY 2016 grant program focusing on treatment for adolescent and transition aged youth
• CSAP announces e-learning course on prevention set-aside of SAPT Block Grant
• NREPP accepting submissions of substance use and mental health interventions

In the News

• White House seeks nominations for Champions of Change program highlighting substance use disorder advocates
• NAIC approves model State-level legislation for ensuring health insurance provider network adequacy
• Kaiser Family Foundation survey looks at effects of prescription painkiller abuse

Around the Agencies

NIAAA releases analysis finding increasing similarities between male and female alcohol consumption
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) released a study examining similarities between male and female alcohol consumption last week. The study examined data from national surveys conducted between 2002 and 2013, finding that differences between male and female alcohol consumption have decreased over the past decade. NIAAA found that alcohol consumption in the past 30 days increased from 44.9 percent to 48.3 percent among females and decreased from 57.4 percent to 56.1 percent among males. The average number of drinking days in the past month experienced a similar pattern, with female drinking days increasing from 6.8 to 7.3 days and male drinking days decreasing from 9.9 to 9.5 days. NIAAA recommends additional studies to determine the causes behind the changing patterns.

SAMHSA appoints Amy Haseltine as Acting Principal Deputy Administrator
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the appointment of Amy Haseltine as Acting Principal Administrator, effective December 13, 2015. Ms. Haseltine will oversee the management of SAMHSA’s budget and grant management in her new position. Ms. Haseltine previously worked for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR), and currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for HHS’s Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability (OGAPA) where she oversees policies and procedures related to grant programs.

SAMHSA announces FY 2016 grant program focusing on treatment for adolescent and transitional aged youth
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the opening of applications for the FY 2016 Cooperative Agreements for Adolescent and Transitional Aged Youth Treatment Implementation this past week. The grant program will offer two awards of up to $800,000 a year for up to three years to eligible State governments and tribal organizations. Grant funds should be used to improve the treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders for adolescent and transitional aged youth through the implementation of evidence-based treatment models and recovery support services. Applications are due by Tuesday, January 26, 2016.

CSAP announces e-learning course on prevention set-aside of SAPT Block Grant
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) has created an e-learning course for State agencies on the primary prevention component of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant. The goal of the course is to provide participants with the basic knowledge they will need to successfully apply for and plan for the use of the primary prevention set-aside of the SAPT Block Grant.

The course includes nine modules that are broken down into three sections. The modules include examples from the field and opportunities for viewers to test their knowledge of grant requirements. The first three modules provide an overview of the statutory and regulatory requirements of the SAPT Block Grant and, in particular, the primary prevention set-aside. The second three modules provide further detail about the primary prevention programmatic requirements. Finally, the last three modules review primary prevention performance and expenditure reporting.

NREPP accepting submissions of substance use and mental health interventions
The National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP), developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is accepting submissions of substance use and mental health interventions until January 26^th, 2016. NREPP is a searchable online database of more than 350 mental health and substance use interventions. The minimum requirements for submission are listed on the SAMHSA website.

In the News

White House seeks nominations for Champions of Change program highlighting substance use disorder advocates
The White House continues to seek nominations for its Champions of Change program highlighting substance use disorder advocates. The Champions of Change Program aims to recognize friends, family, colleagues, and advocates of individuals with substance use disorders working to improve access to treatment and recovery. The selected Champions of Change will be honored during a Spring 2016 event. The Obama Administration requires that all nominations be submitted by midnight on Sunday, December 19^th.

NAIC approves model State-level legislation for ensuring health insurance provider network adequacy
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) approved a model State-level legislation for ensuring health insurance provider network adequacy last week. The approval follows an 18-month examination of and engagement with health plans, providers, and consumer advocates working within healthcare. The model law aims to increase State regulation and oversight of provider networks in an effort to increase health insurance plan transparency. One portion of the model legislation creates a “structured mediation process” for reconciling large costs unexpectedly incurred by patients using out-of-network physician and specialists. New definitions for tiered networks and new requirements for provider directories are also included in the draft.

Kaiser Family Foundation survey looks at effects of prescription painkiller abuse
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that nearly four in 10 people know someone who has been addicted to prescription painkillers, including 25 percent who say it was a close friend or family member and 2 percent who acknowledge their own substance use disorder. According to the survey, 6 percent said they had taken a prescription painkiller that was not prescribed to them, 16 percent reported knowing a person who died from an overdose of pain medication, and 9 percent said they had lost a relative or good friend to an overdose. Large majorities say a number of efforts would be effective in reducing painkiller abuse, including treatment programs, monitoring doctors’ prescribing habits, public education programs, training doctors, and encouraging people to appropriately dispose of leftover medication.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Morrison, Executive Director, (202) 293-0090 or Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Public Policy Associate, at (202) 293-0090.

Around the Agencies

• GAO issues report on group home and institution care for foster children
• FDA approves nasal spray formulation of naloxone
• CMS announces more than 1.08 million people have selected health plans through federal exchanges since the beginning of open enrollment this month

In the News

• New State PDMP profile reports posted on TTAC website
• 2016 Health Insurance Marketplace opens enrollment period
• National Academy of Science study finds increasing mortality of middle-aged white men and women associated with drug and alcohol poisonings
• Congresswoman Suzan DelBene organizes bipartisan letter in support of NIH funding
• UnitedHealthcare warns of possible exit from ACA exchanges within next two years

Upcoming Events

• SAMHSA announces webinar discussing behavioral health outreach to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans

Around the Agencies

GAO issues report on group home and institution care for foster children
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report on the usage of group home or institutional care for foster children. The report examined the prevalence of group home or institutional foster care, commonly referred to as congregate care, throughout the country. Many States have worked towards placing foster children in family-based settings instead of congregate care over the past decade. The GAO report examined eight States’ foster care systems, finding that usage of congregate care declined 47 percent from FY 2004 to FY 2013 using data available from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report notes that the States examined still retained many children within the congregate care system, ranging from 5 percent to 34 percent of foster children within each respective State in FY 2013. The GAO recommends that HHS continue to support State efforts to reduce congregate care.

FDA approves nasal spray formulation of naloxone
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its approval of intranasal naloxone last week. Intranasal naloxone is a new formulation of naloxone that administers the medication via a nasal spray. First responders and primary caregivers have long suggested that intranasal naloxone presents a preferable alternative to the usage of syringes or auto-injectors, as nasal sprays are easier to deliver to overdose patients and carry a lower risk of contamination. The FDA’s approval follows a public-private partnership organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to speed development of and conduct clinical trials for intranasal naloxone. Clinical trials found the nasal spray as or more effective as traditional naloxone, with the FDA eventually fast-tracking its review for the nasal spray.

CMS announces more than 1.08 million people have selected health plans through federal exchanges since the beginning of open enrollment this month
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that more than 1.08 million people have signed up for healthcare coverage through the federal exchanges since the beginning of open enrollment earlier this month. CMS made the announcement as part of a weekly “Open Enrollment Snapshot” released at the end of each week during open enrollment. These snapshots provide real-time estimates of plan selections, call center activity, and traffic to HealthCare.gov. CMS notes that two-thirds of plan selections were made by individuals renewing coverage or selecting a new plan, with one-third of selections made by individuals without current marketplace coverage.

In the News

New State PDMP profile reports posted on TTAC website
New State prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) reports were recently posted on the PDMP Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) website. The new reports were compiled using data from TTAC surveys and contact with PDMP administrators, and contain updated contact information, technological capabilities, policies and procedures, available reports, and authorized requestors for each respective PDMP. TTAC also created several new maps and tables designed to illustrate PDMP processes throughout the country.

2016 Health Insurance Marketplace opens enrollment period
The 2016 enrollment period for health insurance began on November 1^st. Individuals seeking insurance may now visit Healthcare.gov to apply for a 2016 plan, renew their current plan, or pick a new plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

National Academy of Science study finds increasing mortality of middle-aged white men and women associated with drug and alcohol poisonings
The National Academy of Science published a study finding that the increasing mortality of middle-aged white men and women is associated with drug and alcohol use. The study suggests that increased prescribing of opioid painkillers beginning in the late 1990s led to significant misuse and mortality from 1999 to 200, finding that “for every prescription painkiller death in 2008, there were 10 treatment admissions for abuse, 32 emergency department visits for misuse or abuse, 130 people who were abusers or dependent, and 825 nonmedical users,” according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. The National Academy of Science notes that more stringent regulation of prescription painkillers may have pushed individuals with substance use disorders to use heroin, further increasing to mortality.

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene organizes bipartisan letter in support of NIH funding
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) organized and submitted a bipartisan letter in support of increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last week. The letter asks the House Appropriations Committee to provide at least $32 billion in funding for the NIH in any forthcoming appropriations bills, and outlines the importance of the NIH in researching diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Supporters of increased NIH funding assert that federal appropriations for NIH research has stagnated over the past decade, with the agency’s purchasing power decreasing more than 20 percent since 2013. The current House bill (H.R. 3020) allocates $31.2 billion for the NIH in FY 2016, compared to $32 billion in the Senate appropriations bill. One hundred and forty-five members of the House signed on to the letter in support.

UnitedHealthcare warns of possible exit from ACA exchanges within next two years
UnitedHealthcare warned of its possible exit from healthcare exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during a shareholder meeting last week. Stephen Hemsley, UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, stated that the recent closures of healthcare co-ops may increase risks and costs for the company. UnitedHealthcare’s projects its fourth-quarter revenue will be $425 million less than expected, and plans to eliminate 2016 marketing plans in response. The company will continue to monitor the insurance exchange marketplace throughout 2016 to determine its participation in 2017 and beyond.

Upcoming Events

SAMHSA announces webinar discussing outreach to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently announced a new webinar discussing outreach to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. The webinar will focus on the need for increased cultural competency among mental health and substance use disorder providers when dealing with these communities, including better knowledge of tribal health practices and increased federal and State coordination with tribal community health programs. Best practices for enhancing outreach and increasing access to treatment will also be examined. The webinar will be held on Friday, December 11^th from 3-4 PM EST.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Morrison, Executive Director, (202) 293-0090 or Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Public Policy Associate, at (202) 293-0090.