Communications

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June 7, 2024

President's Perspective – KHA Board Retreat and Meeting Highlights
Last week, the KHA Board met for its annual retreat and board meeting. The event allows time for KHA board members to delve deeper into issues impacting Kansas hospitals and the health care industry.

Celebrate CHI Week – June 10-14
CHI Week is next week, June 10-14. Be sure to save the date, plan ways to celebrate and inspire others to build stronger, healthier communities.

Refresher on the Basics of Managed Care Contracting Educational Webinar – June 12
This webinar will provide a basic overview of managed care contracting, a review of critical elements contained in the draft Healthy Blue contracts, tips for negotiating favorable terms and anti-trust implications of coordinated negotiations.
 

Allan Thomas Channels Values into Health Care Career
KHA's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. This week, KHA honors Allan Thomas, Ascension Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita, for his service and contributions to health care.

HRSA Grants Workshop – June 12
This workshop will discuss the federal grant application process, HRSA funding opportunities, common mistakes and tips for writing a strong application. Hospitals are encouraged to participate.

Adam Galindo Models Exceptional Care for Behavioral Health Care Patients
KHA's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. This week, KHA honors Adam Galindo, Newman Regional Health in Emporia, for his service and contributions to health care.

Medicare Advantage Contracting Survey Results
In May, KHA conducted a survey asking hospitals if they are currently contracted with Medicare Advantage plans and if they plan to drop any MA contracts in the next year. 
 

KHA Submits Comment Letter on Medicare Advantage RFI
On May 29, KHA submitted comments to a CMS request related to Medicare Advantage program concerns.

Kansas Broadband Planning Meeting – June 18
The Kansas Office of Broadband is hosting a virtual planning workshop to equip and empower you and your communities.

Grant Funds Available for Broadband Activities – June 21
The Kansas Office of Broadband is offering grant funds to support equal access to high-speed internet, provide devices to underserved Kansans and expand digital skills training for communities across Kansas.

KHA Data Intern Position Available
KHA is searching for an intern to support the KHA data department. Located in Topeka, this is a paid, part-time internship requiring 20-34 hours per week.

KHA HIDI Advantage Optics® Update
Advantage Optics was recently updated with the March 2024 data and now contains October 2018 – March 2024 inpatient, outpatient and emergency department discharges.

Region VII Common Survey Citations Compiled for CAH and PPS Hospitals
Two new documents compiling the 2024 survey citations using the CMS database for Region VII are now available on KHA's website.

Sunflower Chapter HFMA Medicare Cost Report Workshop
The Sunflower (Kansas) Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association invites you to attend the July 17-18 workshop at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan. 

KHA Property Insurance Update
According to AM Best, the United States property casualty insurance industry recorded aggregate underwriting losses of $21.2 billion in 2023. As bad as that may sound, it's an improvement over total industry losses of $24.9 billion in 2024.

Federal and National News
This week's topics include 2024 MLR Rebate Analysis, Revised ICR for IRA Rebate Reduction Requests, Medicaid Managed Care Prior Authorization Oversight Recommendations, MLN Connects Provider eNews, Before You Go.