The Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia University School of Public Health released a major plan this week to improve the state’s healthcare system.
The two agencies recommend that a third, independent nonprofit group be founded. This nonprofit would coordinate state and federal healthcare resources and oversee the transition from fee-for-service payment (you pay based on the services you receive) to value-based healthcare (you pay based on your health outcomes).
The WVU School of Public Health developed the plan on behalf of the DHHR over the course of 18 months. The two agencies submitted the plan to the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which originally awarded funds for the plan’s development. The CMS federal grant program provides funding so states can develop plans to improve quality of care and reduce costs to consumers. West Virginia received almost 2 million dollars.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from the Benedum Foundation.