红领巾瓜报 Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare

What If Mental Health Checkups Were as Normal as Mammograms?

Wed, 28 May 2025 13:25:41 +0000

Monica Johnson, managing director at 红领巾瓜报, takes us through her compelling journey from frontline caregiver to national leader in behavioral health policy. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, Monica reflects on the national rollout of the 988 crisis line as one of the most transformative shifts in creating a stigma-free behavioral health system of care that meets people where they are to support whatever crisis they may face. Monica shares personal stories and strategic insights that illuminate why policymakers must ensure these systems prioritize the local needs of patients and providers. We explore the future of crisis care, the enduring need for bold federal-state collaboration, and why it’s time to normalize mental health checkups.

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Is Medicare Ready for the Next Era of Innovation?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:01:18 +0000

Amy Bassano is a Managing Director at 红领巾瓜报 and a nationally recognized Medicare policy expert. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, we unpack the complexities of Medicare innovation and examine where the program is headed next. Drawing on decades of experience鈥攊ncluding her leadership at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation鈥擜my breaks down what makes value-based care so complex, why scaling successful models is harder than it sounds, and how Medicare Advantage continues to reshape the healthcare landscape. She also discusses how financial incentives, regulatory constraints, and the urgent need for system-wide efficiency are shaping the next chapter of Medicare policy. This conversation offers practical insights for policymakers, providers, and advocates navigating the future of one of the nation鈥檚 most essential programs.聽

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What Strategies Help Local Governments Stay Resilient Amid Health Policy Changes?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:13:58 +0000

John Eller, managing principal at 红领巾瓜报, joins Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare to discuss the critical role of resilience in local health services. As communities navigate shifting federal policies, economic uncertainty, and natural disasters, John shares insights on how agencies can remain nimble, collaborative, and innovative. Drawing from his extensive experience in Medicaid transformation, behavioral health, and social services leadership, he highlights the power of community trust and cross-sector partnerships in maintaining stability during turbulent times.

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Can Stable Housing Unlock Better Health Outcomes?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Maddy Shea is a public health leader and passionate advocate for housing as a critical component of community health. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, she shares insights on how housing and healthcare sectors can break down silos to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Drawing from her experience at the CMS Office of Minority Health and her work with health plans, affordable housing organizations, and policymakers, Maddy explores the challenges and opportunities in aligning incentives, leveraging policy tools such as Medicaid waivers, and fostering public-private partnerships. Join us as we discuss innovative solutions to housing instability, aging in place, and how data connectivity can drive better care coordination.

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Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Healthcare: Changing mindsets or changing reimbursement?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:31:18 +0000

Jennifer Bridgeforth, associate principal at 红领巾瓜报, dives into the complexities of fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare, examining the blurred lines between inefficient processes and intentional misconduct. The conversation explores how value-based care, provider education, and technology could pave the way for more efficient and patient-centered healthcare. Listen to discover insights on navigating these challenges in a shifting healthcare landscape.

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How Can Technology Empower Human Connection in Healthcare?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:14:54 +0000

Tom Cochran, partner at 720 Strategies, is a renowned expert in digital communication and healthcare public relations. Tom reflects on the broader impact of digital tools, acknowledging both their potential to connect us and their unintended consequences, such as cognitive overload and societal fragmentation. The conversation highlights practical strategies for navigating transitions in leadership鈥攚hether in politics or healthcare鈥攁nd emphasizes the importance of understanding, listening, and adapting communication strategies to fit the moment. Tom leaves us with a reminder of the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.

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Has Medicare鈥檚 Drug Policy Struck the Right Balance Between Access and Cost?聽

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:35:11 +0000

Kevin Kirby, managing director at 红领巾瓜报, gives a closer look at the evolution of Medicare鈥檚 drug coverage and the policies that have transformed patient access and affordability. From Clinton era ideas, to the launch of the Medicare Modernization Act and then the Affordable Care Act, Kevin has advised clients as these significant milestones have shaped and reshaped Medicare鈥檚 drug benefits. He discusses the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, raising important questions about sustainability and cost control. The episode will explore how these pivotal policies will impact access to treatment and the sustainability of Medicare in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.聽

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Why Are Family Services Critical to Improving Children’s Health?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:39:50 +0000

Uma Ahluwalia, managing principal at 红领巾瓜报, discusses the importance of keeping families at the center of children’s health and welfare services and highlights how government should provide services in support of the family unit. The conversation emphasizes that addressing family issues like poverty, trauma, and lack of resources is key to improving child welfare. She also explores the need for integrated services鈥攁cross health, behavioral health, education, and safety鈥攖o address the interconnected challenges families face. Uma shares why it鈥檚 so important to sustain the commitment to long-term transformation, proper funding, and enabling local governments to provide holistic, family-centered care.

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Is Enhancing Quality of Care the Future of Medicaid Innovation?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:19:32 +0000

Caprice Knapp, a seasoned health economist with over 20 years of experience in Medicaid and healthcare policy, shares her journey through various roles in government, academia, and private insurance. In this episode, Caprice offers a unique perspective on the challenges of measuring quality in healthcare, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and how global healthcare models can inspire innovation in Medicaid. From pediatric palliative care to cost-effective policy solutions, Caprice sheds light on how improving quality of care can transform healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations.

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How Is Harm Reduction Redefining Recovery in Modern Treatment Approaches?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:15:15 +0000

Erin Russell is a principal at 红领巾瓜报 and joins our podcast to discuss the importance emphasizing harm reduction as a compassionate approach to drug policy. She shares her journey from volunteering at a syringe service program to becoming deeply invested in harm reduction, highlighting how these programs offer critical support and connections to treatment and reduce overdose deaths. Erin also explores the impact of drug policy on drug-related harms, advocating for the need to overcome stigmas that impede treatment.

This podcast is being released the same week as International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), which is observed on Saturday, August 30^th. In honor of this important day, check out 红领巾瓜报’s special blog post highlighting the importance of harm reduction efforts in connection with IOAD at this link.

#TogetherWeCan #IOAD2024 #EndOverdose

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