A new study from CVS Health examines the type of health care experience people seek in a post-pandemic environment. The 2022 Health Care Insights Study says patients are seeking support and guidance on medication adherence, mental health needs and other areas. Sixty percent of consumers who are taking a specialty medication for complex conditions indicated communication between their primary care physician and specialist was very important and 32% said it was somewhat important. 

Addressing Racial and Health Disparities 
PQA members across all sectors are taking steps to address racial and health disparities, including AMCP, who convened an advisory group to develop consensus statements using the perspectives gathered during the Partnership Forum to reduce health disparities. AMCP and the AMCP Foundation have included measurable health equity goals in their strategic plans and initiatives. These include an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement to guide planning. In addition, discussions on potential sources of racial health disparities and inequities in benefit design conversations are prevalent. 

Taking Steps to Address SDOH
Elevance Health, Aetna and Cigna have taken steps to address social determinants of health (SDOH), demonstrating the broad range of strategies payers have employed and partnerships payers have engaged in order to reduce SDOH barriers. Several Elevance Health plans have launched strategies to address food insecurity. Aetna CVS Health health plans addressed a variety of issues, including food insecurity, access to mental healthcare, housing, and employment. Cigna sought to address environmental safety during summer heat waves by funding members’ transportation to air-conditioned locations.  

COPD Treatment Ratio Measure Technical Expert Panel
PQA is accepting self-nominations from members to serve on a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Treatment Ratio (CTR) measure development technical expert panel (TEP) to assist in the refinement of a health plan performance measure concept.