BHM Healthcare Solutions

12/30/2025

CMS just set aside $50 billion to strengthen rural hospitals and clinics, funding broadband, care-team training, and new value-based payment pilots in 15 states. For local patients, that can mean quicker telehealth visits and fewer long drives for specialty care. See our brief for what payers should track next:

CMS announces a $50B Rural Health Transformation Program starting in 2026, reshaping rural care, technology, and value-based models with major implications for payers.

12/26/2025

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 (𝗡𝗧𝗗) 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟯𝟬:
As part of the BHM Healthcare Awareness Series, this article helps organizations prepare for World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day campaigns with curated, evidence-based resources, leadership actions, and toolkits for internal and external engagement.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), World NTD Day raises global awareness of 20 parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases that disproportionately impact people in low-income, tropical regions. Since its launch in 2020, the initiative (led by Uniting to Combat NTDs, The END Fund, and WHO) has united partners worldwide to “Light Up the World” in solidarity, track progress on the WHO NTD roadmap, and drive equitable access to prevention and treatment.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

- Established in 2020 and officially recognized by WHO.
- 1.6 billion people require NTD interventions each year (WHO, 2024).
- 47 countries have eliminated at least one NTD since 2012.
- Every $1 invested in key NTD interventions yields $25–$42 in economic benefits (World Bank).
- 80% of those needing NTD services live on less than $2 per day.

Access WHO and Uniting to Combat NTDs resources to strengthen global-health, ESG, and health-equity initiatives: https://zurl.co/dpY0B

12/22/2025

CMS has proposed a mandatory Medicare Part B drug payment model that would link inflation rebates to international pricing benchmarks.

The 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 would apply to select physician-administered drugs, affect roughly 25% of Medicare beneficiaries, and create new operational and compliance requirements for payers, providers, and utilization management organizations.

If finalized, the proposal could significantly change how Part B drug costs are managed, both within the Medicare program and in day-to-day operations.

CMS has proposed the GLOBE Model, a mandatory Medicare Part B drug payment demonstration that ties inflation rebates to international pricing benchmarks, with implications for payers, providers, and utilization management oversight.

12/18/2025

𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟯:
As part of the BHM Healthcare Awareness Series, this article helps organizations prepare for Maternal Health Awareness Day campaigns with curated, evidence-based resources, leadership actions, and toolkits for internal and external engagement.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Founded in 2017 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Maternal Health Awareness Day spotlights the urgent need to prevent pregnancy-related deaths and improve outcomes for birthing people across the United States. Each January 23, organizations join ACOG, CDC, and AIM to promote safer pregnancy care, reduce disparities, and support families through training, awareness, and the campaign.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

- Established in 2017 by ACOG.
- Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable (CDC, 2022).
- Cardiovascular conditions and hemorrhage are leading causes.
- Severe maternal morbidity adds ~$32K per delivery (HRSA).
- Black women are 2.6x more likely to die from pregnancy complications.

Access ACOG, CDC, and AIM toolkits to advance safer, more equitable maternal health initiatives: https://zurl.co/eoUwX

12/15/2025

💉 This CRNA Week (Jan 19–25), healthcare leaders are celebrating Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) for their critical role in patient safety and surgical access.

Honoring CRNAs not only acknowledges their clinical excellence but also helps retain a workforce projected to grow 9% by 2032.

12/15/2025

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗥𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟵–𝟮𝟱:
As part of the BHM Healthcare Awareness Series, this article helps organizations prepare for National CRNA Week campaigns with curated, evidence-based resources, leadership actions, and toolkits for internal and external engagement.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Launched in 2000 by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), National CRNA Week recognizes more than 61,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists who safely deliver over 50 million anesthetics in the U.S. each year. The week highlights their essential contributions to patient safety, surgical access, and cost-effective care, especially in rural and critical-access hospitals where CRNAs provide more than 80% of anesthesia services.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

- Established in 2000 by the AANA.
- 61,000+ practicing CRNAs; 4,000 SRNAs graduate each year.
- CRNAs provide >80% of anesthesia services in rural hospitals.
- Studies show comparable outcomes to physician anesthesiologists in similar cases.
- CRNA-only models can reduce delivery costs by up to 25% (CMS).

Access the AANA National CRNA Week toolkit to strengthen your recognition and engagement efforts: https://zurl.co/4h9oo

12/11/2025

𝗧𝗵𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆:
As part of the BHM Healthcare Awareness Series, this article helps organizations prepare for Thyroid Awareness Month campaigns with curated, evidence-based resources, leadership actions, and toolkits for internal and external awareness efforts.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Established in the early 2000s by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and partner endocrinology groups, Thyroid Awareness Month highlights the prevention, detection, and treatment of thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and cancer. What began as a clinician-focused campaign has expanded to national screenings, educational webinars, and social-media activations that promote early detection, symptom awareness, and equitable access to endocrine care.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

- Launched in the early 2000s by the American Thyroid Association (ATA).
- 20 million Americans live with thyroid disease; women are 5–8× more likely to be affected.
- 60% of thyroid disorders remain undiagnosed.
- Hypothyroidism contributes to ~$2 billion in annual productivity losses (Endocrine Society, 2023).
- Targeted TSH screening in high-risk groups is cost-effective (USPSTF, 2024).

Learn more and access ATA and CDC resources to strengthen your Thyroid Awareness Month campaigns: https://zurl.co/lmQE7

12/10/2025

Ferrum Health’s new partnership brings Avicenna.AI imaging models directly into PACS nationwide.
What does that mean for us?

Imaging AI is moving into routine emergency care. Avicenna.AI and Ferrum Health formed a nationwide partnership that expands access to AI-supported CT tools for stroke, PE, trauma, and spine cases. Learn how this development affects payer costs, utilization trends, UM workflows, and independent exte...

12/09/2025

A federal judge recently struck down a rule aimed at reclaiming billions in overpayments. Now, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking the case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

🔍 What does this mean for the industry?
📈 How could this impact future regulations?

A federal judge struck down the rule that would have clawed back billions of dollars in overpayments in September. Now, the HHS wants to take the case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

12/08/2025

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆:
As part of the BHM Healthcare Awareness Series, this article helps organizations prepare for National Birth Defects Awareness Month campaigns with curated, evidence-based resources, leadership actions, and toolkits for internal and external awareness efforts.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Established in 1999 by the CDC, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), and March of Dimes, National Birth Defects Awareness Month emphasizes prevention, early detection, and lifelong support for infants with birth defects. Throughout January, health systems, public-health agencies, and community partners use toolkits and campaigns to educate clinicians and families, promote folic-acid supplementation, and reduce equity gaps in prenatal care.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

- Began in 1999 via CDC, NBDPN, and March of Dimes.
- 120,000 U.S. infants born with birth defects each year (~3% of births).
- Daily 400 µg folic acid can prevent up to 70% of neural-tube defects.
- Hospital costs for birth-defect–related care exceed $3 billion annually (CDC 2024).
- Pregnant people in rural counties are 30% less likely to receive first-trimester prenatal care.

Learn more and access CDC and NBDPN toolkits to strengthen your birth-defects awareness campaigns: https://zurl.co/0AGL7

12/04/2025

𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆:
As part of the BHM Healthcare Awareness Series, this article helps organizations prepare for Cervical Health Awareness Month campaigns with curated, evidence-based resources, leadership actions, and toolkits for internal and external awareness efforts.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
Established in 1996 by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), Cervical Health Awareness Month highlights the lifesaving impact of routine Pap/HPV screening and HPV vaccination. Throughout January, healthcare organizations host screening drives, vaccine clinics, and staff-education events to advance early detection, close equity gaps, and move toward cervical cancer elimination.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

- Began in 1996 via the NCCC to spotlight Pap/HPV screening and HPV vaccination.
- 13,960 U.S. women projected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and ~4,310 deaths in 2025 (ACS).
- Pap/HPV screening can detect precancerous changes up to 10 years before cancer develops.
- ≥80% HPV-vaccine coverage reduces HPV 16/18 infections by up to 87% (WHO).
- Screening rates are 10–15% lower among rural, uninsured, and Black/American Indian women.

Learn more and access CDC and NCCC toolkits to strengthen your cervical-health campaigns: https://zurl.co/rcOCS

12/03/2025

Price transparency is now a central tenet of U.S. healthcare policy, transitioning from state-level initiatives to a coordinated federal effort led by CMS, impacting hospitals and insurers nationally. This evolution highlights that compliance is not just regulatory, but crucial for a more transparent, competitive, and patient-centered healthcare system.

A clear timeline of U.S. healthcare price transparency, from early state actions and ACA mandates to today’s CMS rules and enforcement.