Draft Medicaid Expansion Plan Released for Public Comment

 

(Salt Lake City, UT) – During the 2016 Legislative Session a bill was passed providing the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) with funding to expand Medicaid coverage for adults. The bill directed UDOH to develop the criteria for three new eligibility groups of adults without dependent children, in addition to parents and submit a plan to the federal government to modify the current Utah Medicaid program accordingly. UDOH has released a draft of that plan and is accepting public comment on it through June 8.

The state is required to obtain approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) before implementing the proposed plan. Based on funding and approval from CMS, the program is designed to provide Medicaid coverage for the following adults:

• Parents with dependent children earning up to 60 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL)

• Adults without dependent children earning up to five percent of the FPL who are:

o Chronically homeless

o Involved in the justice system through probation, parole, or court-ordered treatment needing substance abuse or mental health treatment

o Needing substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment

The proposed plan is available online at http://health.utah.gov/MedicaidExpansion. At this phase of the waiver development, the public is encouraged to review the proposed plan and provide comment. Comments can be submitted online, by email (medicaidadultexpansion@utah.gov), or individuals can attend a public hearing to provide feedback and learn more about the newly expanded adult eligibility group. UDOH will be hosting the following public hearings before submitting the final waiver to CMS:

Thursday, May 19, 2016

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Cannon Health Building (288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City)

Room 125

Call-in Line: 1-800-319-9003, passcode 202989# 

[This hearing will be part of the regularly scheduled Medical Care Advisory Committee meeting]

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Cannon Health Building (288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City)

Room 125

Call-in Line: 1-888-329-8895, passcode 759181# 

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Bear River Health Department (655 East 1300 North, Logan)

Rooms 153 & 154 

Call-in Line:  1-877-820-7831, passcode 196690#

After collecting and responding to public comments, UDOH will finalize the waiver and submit it to CMS on July 1, 2016. If approved, UDOH expects to begin enrolling new members on January 1, 2017.

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Media Contact:

Kolbi Young

(o) 801-538-6847

(m) 801-231-6350

kolbiyoung@utah.gov

 

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Just Baby Blues, or a Dangerous Time for Mom and Baby? Free film screening to raise awareness, offer resources and hope

(Salt Lake City, UT) – More than just the “baby blues,” postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety can literally paralyze new mothers and put them and their newborns at risk. All women and the people who love them are invited to attend a free screening of a groundbreaking film that shines a light on the darkness of mental health problems related to pregnancy.

Recent Utah data show 13.8% – or 1 in 7 women – report having postpartum depression. Nationally, postpartum psychosis, a condition related to bipolar disorder affects, 1or 2 mothers for every 1,000 births and can endanger moms and newborns. “Depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. Women need to know what to look for and what to do at every stage of pregnancy as well as the first year postpartum,” says Amy-Rose White, LCSW. 

White is a perinatal psychotherapist and founder of the Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative (UMMHC). She has dedicated her life and career to serving postpartum women after going through PPD herself. She says the film, Dark Side of the Full Moon, is a must-see for women, their families, and providers as it will help them recognize the symptoms of PPD and anxiety which include: 

• Racing thoughts
• Constant worry about baby’s safety
• Irritability, anger, or rage
• Guilt about your feelings
• Tearfulness and sadness
• Intrusive images 

The film will be shown Friday, May 6 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the Intermountain Medical Center Doty Education Building #6, 5121 Cottonwood St., Murray, UT 84107. The film is a no-holds-barred unveiling of the depths of maternal depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Several experts and those who’ve dealt with postpartum depression will be available after the screening for comments. They include: 

• A mother who had postpartum depression
• William Cosgrove, MD, President, Utah Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
• Julie Frenette, Certified Nurse Midwife
• Amy-Rose White, LCSW, Perinatal Psychotherapist

“Women with postpartum depression are trapped in an awful silence,” says William Cosgrove, MD. “Our community must not contribute to this silence. We must raise our voices and reach out to every mom.”
 
“Mental health problems affect mom’s bonding with baby, marital relationships, and the child’s short- and long-term development if she doesn’t get help,” adds White. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the first year after a woman gives birth.”

Julia Robertson with the Utah Department of Health MotherToBaby project says women need to know that if they have mental health problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding, they can be safely treated with therapy and medication. “Depression and anxiety medications are among the most studied of all drugs, and their use continues to show that babies and moms are healthier when mom manages the illness with the help of her doctor.” For information on medications in pregnancy, visit http://health.utah.gov/prl/.

The UMMHC gives women and families information and resources via its website, www.utahmmhc.com. A care algorithm and treatment resources to guide medical practitioners is also available. The Collaborative offers training throughout Utah to improve prevention, awareness, screening, and detection of maternal mental health disorders. 

The film’s sponsors warn viewers that some of the images can be disturbing for women who have experienced postpartum depression and other mental health disorders in pregnancy.

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Media Contact:
Cyndi Bemis
(o) 801-538-6924 (m) 801-550-4228
cbemis@utah.gov 

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Just “Baby Blues” or a Dangerous Time for Mom? Film, special guests tell real-life stories of women, families, and mental illness

What: Screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon, a documentary chronicling real stories of postpartum depression (PPD) and psychosis.

Why: To show the true, sometimes deadly impact of maternal mental health conditions and the need for support for women and families.
  
Who: Presented by the Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. Speakers include:

• Women who have experienced postpartum depression
• Experts in the treatment of maternal depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis
• Dr. William Cosgrove, President, Utah Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
• Julie Frenette, Certified Nurse Midwife
• Conference organizer and therapist Amy-Rose White

When: Friday, May 6, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. (includes post-screening discussion)

Where: Intermountain Medical Center, Doty Education Building #6
5121 S. Cottonwood St., Murray, UT 84107

Media note: The screening begins at 6:00 p.m. Interviewees will be available beginning at 5:30 and again after the screening at 7:30. See the movie trailer at http://www.darksideofthefullmoon.com/home-1-1/.

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Media contact:
Cyndi Bemis
MotherToBaby Pregnancy Risk Line
(o) 801-538-6924
(m) 801-550-4228 
cbemis@utah.gov

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Just “Baby Blues” or a Dangerous Time for Mom?

What: Screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon, a documentary chronicling real stories of postpartum depression (PPD) and psychosis.

Why:  To show the true, sometimes deadly impact of maternal mental health conditions and the need for support for women and families. 

   

Who: Presented by the Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. Speakers include:

• Women who have experienced postpartum depression
• Experts in the treatment of maternal depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis
• Dr. William Cosgrove, President, Utah Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
• Julie Frenette, Certified Nurse Midwife
• Conference organizer and therapist Amy-Rose White 

When:  Friday, May 6, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. (includes post-screening discussion)

Where: Intermountain Medical Center, Doty Education Building #6 

                5121 S. Cottonwood St., Murray, UT 84107

-End-

Media note: The screening begins at 6:00 p.m. Interviewees will be available beginning at 5:30 and again after the screening at 7:30. See the movie trailer at http://www.darksideofthefullmoon.com/home-1-1/. 

Media Contact:

Cyndi Bemis

MotherToBaby/Pregnancy Risk Line

(o) 801-538-6924

(m) 801-550-4228

cbemis@utah.gov

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Schools Encourage Students to Bike to School Safely

(Salt Lake City) – As the weather warms up, many school-age children will begin walking or riding a bicycle to school and the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Safe Kids Utah, and local elementary schools want to remind parents and kids of the importance of getting to school safe. 

Approximately 600 students, parents, teachers, and community leaders from Silver Mesa Elementary School in Sandy, Utah will walk or ride a bike to school as part of National Bike to School Day on May 4, 2016.

“We are excited to partner with our local schools to create safer routes for bicycling and walking to and from school,” said Cambree Applegate, Safe Kids Utah Director at the UDOH. “Riding a bike is a great way for kids and their families to increase their physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and emissions from vehicles. And learning how to stay safe while doing so is key.” 

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there is an average of 764 bicyclists in crashes every year in Utah, an increase of 6.3% over the last 10 years. Nearly 35% of these crashes are school-age children aged 5-19. The summer months, June through September, have the highest bicycle-motor vehicle crashes.

“The most important thing parents and kids can do to stay safe while riding a bicycle is to wear a helmet. In Utah, only 30% of bicyclists in crashes were wearing a helmet and research shows that helmets are the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and deaths in a bicycle crash,” said Applegate.
   
Tips for staying safe while riding a bicycle include:

• Wear a helmet. Remember, “Use your head, wear a helmet” when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or long board, and when roller skating or in-line skating.
• Find the right helmet fit and make sure your child knows how to put it on correctly. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position and should not rock forward, backward, or side-to-side. The straps must always be buckled and in the form of a “V” under the ears when buckled. A quick helmet fit test can be found at http://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_type/video.
• Obey the rules of the road. Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers; use the right side of the road going with traffic not against traffic; how to use hand signals and respect traffic signals, including stopping at all stop signs and stoplights; and to stop and look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street.
• Maintain equipment and make sure your bike is the right fit.
• Be bright and be seen. When riding at dawn or dusk, it’s important to be seen. Wearing bright colors and making sure your bike has reflectors or lights make it easier for drivers to see you.

National Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for communities to join together to bicycle to school on the same day. The event builds on the success of the worldwide Walk to School Day event held in October each year.
   
For more information on how to get involved with National Walk and Bike to School Day, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org. Information on creating a safe route to school can be found at www.saferoutesinfo.org. Bicycle and pedestrian safety tips can be found at http://health.utah.gov/vipp.
   
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Media Contacts:
Cambree Applegate
Safe Kids Utah
(o) 801-538-6852 (m) 435-862-8773
capplegate@utah.gov

Katie McMinn
(o) 801-538-6156 (m) 801-856-6697
kmcminn@utah.gov

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Medically Complex Children’s Waiver Opens Enrollment: Medicaid Program Now Accepting Applications for 75 New Participants

What: The Utah Department of Health’s Medically Complex Children’s Waiver will open enrollment today and accept applications until Monday, June 6. This program is intended to serve children with disabilities and complex medical conditions, providing them access to respite services, as well as traditional Medicaid services.  

Why: During the 2016 General Legislative Session, the waiver was appropriated an additional $1 million to be spent over the next two years. The new funding will provide services to an additional 75 new applicants. Children currently participating in the program will not need to re-apply. 

Who: In order to qualify for this program, a child must:

• Be age 0-18
• Have three or more specialty physicians
• Have three or more organ systems involvement
• Demonstrate a level of medical complexity based on a combination of need for device-based supports, high utilization of medical therapies, and treatments and frequent need for medical intervention
• Have a disability determined by the State Medical Review Board 

When: The program will accept applications from May 2 through June 6. Applicants will not be selected on a first-come-first-served basis. Once the application period ends, if more applications are received than spots available, UDOH clinical staff will review the applications and base entrance into the program on the highest medical complexity and critical needs of the family, as identified through the application process.
   
Where: Apply online at www.health.utah.gov/ltc/mccw or print an application and submit by fax (801-323-1593) or by mail (UDOH, Medically Complex Children’s Waiver, DMHF, PO Box 143112, Salt Lake City, UT 84114). To be considered for the program, applications must be received or post-marked on or before Monday, June 6.

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Media Contact:
Kolbi Young
Public Information Specialist
801-538-6847 / 801-231-6350
kolbiyoung@utah.gov 

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Influenza Vaccination Coverage Remains High Among Utah Healthcare Workers

(Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) released the annual Healthcare Worker (HCW) Influenza Vaccination Coverage Report for HCWs in licensed* Utah hospitals. The report shows healthcare worker coverage rates have increased, from 75.5 percent in 2008 to 95.7 percent in 2016. 

The report lists all reporting licensed Utah hospitals, along with their influenza vaccination rates for hospital HCWs, for the 2015-2016 influenza season. It is available on the UDOH Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) website at http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/HAI/HCW_flu/2015-2016_HCW_Influenza_Rpt.pdf.

“Influenza is a serious infection, and unvaccinated healthcare workers who become infected can put patients at risk for serious complications,” said Karen Singson, HAI Program Manager, UDOH.

The UDOH and the Utah Healthcare Infection Prevention Governance Committee (UHIP GC) recognize that influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel is a critical patient safety practice. Both agree that mandatory influenza vaccination for HCWs should be implemented in all healthcare facilities unless a healthcare facility has achieved a vaccination rate of 95 percent or greater by some other means.

In November 2007, the UDOH adopted a Healthcare Associated Infections reporting rule (Rule‐386‐705, Epidemiology, Healthcare Associated Infection). This rule requires that hospitals report healthcare worker influenza vaccination rates.

This report was developed by the UDOH in partnership with the UHIP GC. It will allow Utahns to compare influenza vaccination rates for healthcare workers among licensed hospitals in Utah.

In April 2011, the UHIP GC recommended that all healthcare delivery facilities in Utah implement a policy of compulsory annual influenza vaccination for all healthcare personnel. While Utah hospitals are not required to have mandatory influenza vaccination programs for healthcare workers, 85 percent of Utah healthcare facilities that reported have compulsory programs in place; and of those, 91 percent have HCW influenza vaccination rates of 90 percent or greater. “It is clear that facilities that implement compulsory influenza vaccination policies for employees have higher HCW influenza vaccination rates than those who do not,” said Singson. Healthcare organizations that do not have an effective HCW influenza vaccination policy are strongly encouraged to develop one.

Visit http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/HAI/UHIP/ for more information about UHIP GC members.

*Licensed hospitals include acute care, long-term acute care, critical access, rehabilitation, psychiatric, government and children’s hospitals.

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Media Contact:

Charla Haley

(o) 801-273-4178

(c) 801-230-5927

chaley@utah.gov  

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