Community health workers (CHW) can improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities and contain costs, according to a brief authored by health policy experts at UMass Medical School and released by the Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health).

The  Emergency Department Safety Assessment & Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE) examines the feasibility and potential impact of screening emergency department patients for suicide risk as well as the effect of an emergency department-initiated intervention to reduce suicidal behavior and associated problems.

A presentation about insurance coverage for health care services and supports for people with disabilities who work. “Wrap-around” coverage (or other policy) options may be a viable solution and support employment among people with disabilities.

The LTSS Policy Lab, a collaboration among the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Office of Medicaid, is a resource to aid in program planning and fiscal forecasting, not just for the immediate budget cycle but also for the next five to 10 years and beyond.

UMass Medical School researchers outline solutions to New Hampshire's rising health care spending based on a report, Health Care Payment Reform: Options and Recommendations, they co-authored with Compass Health Analytics of Portland, Maine. The public forum was hosted by the New Hampshire Insurance Department.

This report examines the serious implications for Massachusetts if federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program is not extended.

This report details the behavioral health elements required in achieving recognition as a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Advancing Behavioral Health Integration Within NCQA Recognized Patient-Centered Medical Homes aims to support safety-net providers across the country by outlining the newest NCQA PCMH standards as they relate to integrating behavioral health into primary care.

An analysis of proposed Medicaid changes in Connecticut was conducted by our health policy experts. Using research literature and the recent experience of other states, we estimated the number of persons who would be left uninsured if the proposal is implemented, and discussed effects on access to care for parents, pregnant women, and children.

The poster helps practices recognized as PCMH identify and manage the care of the highest-risk, complex and costly patients. Clinical care management has helped patient-centered medical homes reduce costs and hospital admissions and stays, while increasing patient satisfaction.

This presentation describes the possible benefits and risks associated with the concomitant use of opiate and benzodiazepine medications.