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Examining the impact of Medicaid-managed care home-based and community-based service (HCBS) alternatives to institutional care is critical given the recent rapid expansion of these models nationally.We analyzed the effects of STAR+PLUS, a Texas Medicaid-managed care HCBS waiver program for adults with disabilities on the quality of chronic disease care.We compared quality before and after a mandatory transition of disabled Medicaid enrollees older than 21 years from fee-for-service (FFS) or primary care case management (PCCM) to STAR+PLUS in 28 counties, relative to enrollees in counties remaining in the FFS or PCCM models.Person-level claims and encounter data for 2006-2010 were used to compute adherence to 6 quality measures. With county as the independent sampling unit, we employed a longitudinal linear mixed-model analysis accounting for administrative clustering and geographic and individual factors.Although quality was similar among programs at baseline, STAR+PLUS enrollees experienced large and sustained improvements in use of β-blockers after discharge for heart attack (49% vs. 81% adherence posttransition; P0.01) and appropriate use of systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators after a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease event (39% vs. 68% adherence posttransition; P0.0001) compared with FFS/PCCM enrollees. No statistically significant effects were identified for quality measures for asthma, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.In 1 large Medicaid-managed care HCBS program, the quality of chronic disease care linked to acute events improved while that provided during routine encounters appeared unaffected.

E of racial and ethnic health disparities associated with socioeconomic differences is remarkably consistent across chronic illnesses and health care services. In 1985, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services released the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health.1 This report was one of the first federal documents to highlight disparities in health and health care between the majority and racial and ethnic minority populations. Subsequent research demonstrates an increased burden of disease for our vulnerable homeless, impoverished rural, migrant, and public housing communities, which suffer greater morbidity and mortality than the general population.2 Health care reform efforts targeted toward these diverse underserved populations must capitalize on advances in health information technology (IT) and best practices. Health IT is a vital tool in achieving the goals of health care reform to increase health care access, improve care delivery systems, engage in culturally competent outreach and education, and enhance workforce development and training. The first national survey of federally funded community health centers shows that although 26% reported some electronic health record (EHR) capacity and 13% have the minimal set of EHR functionalities, the centers serving the most poor and uninsured patients were less likely to have a functional HER system.3 Community health centers, free clinics and other safety net organizations aim to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, culturally competent, efficient, high quality health care to underserved populations. Electronic health records can help the health delivery system achieve those goals.

The objectives of this project were to (a) assess hypertension and diabetes screening data collection practices and guidelines and (b) develop and test standardized screening forms for use at minority community- and faith-based screening events. Project Phase I involved resource assessment and the development of a set of screening forms and guidelines containing a core data set for both hypertension and diabetes. These were then tested during Phase II at predetermined communitybased screening events throughout the United States. Community- and faith-based health screening programs are important in reaching and informing individuals in selected communities about their health and health risks. This study demonstrated the development of a standard tool that was effective in conducting African American community-based screening programs for hypertension and diabetes by community-based organizations. These activities are effective to obtain standardized information on individuals within the communities served.

Over the past 20 yr there has been a significant evolution in the role of the Federal government in addressing the problem of health disparities in the United States. In this chapter, the nature of health disparities among minorities and underserved populations in this country, and early governmental approaches to the problem are described in brief. A historical and descriptive overview of the government’s efforts, since 1985, to eliminate health disparities in the United States will be concentrated on.

Abstract 4834 Over the past half century, the course of sickle cell disease has been transformed in the United States through the conduct of rigorous biomedical research and broad application of the results. Universal newborn screening with comprehensive medical care has dramatically reduced death and disability in childhood, and increased the numbers of patients surviving into adulthood. However, access to health care has not kept up with the changing demographics of those affected by sickle cell disease. Health care often becomes fragmented when patients transition from pediatric to adult health care providers. Access to comprehensive care has impeded both conduct of clinical and implementation of research results. To address these needs in this changing environment, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has charged six agencies of HHS – NIH, CDC, HRSA, FDA, AHRQ and CMS – and the Offices of Minority Health and Planning and Evaluation, to improve the health of people with SCD. The agencies are coordinating their programs and collaborating with the Office of the Secretary, to achieve the following goals:create a comprehensive database of individuals with SCD to facilitate the monitoring of health outcomes and clinical research;improve the care of adults and children through development and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines, which are anticipated in Spring, 2012, with broad implementation plans;identify measures of quality of care for individuals with SCD and incorporate them into quality improvement programs at HHS;increase the availability of medical homes to improve patient access to quality primary and specialty care;provide State Medicaid officials, health care providers, patients, families and advocacy groups with information about resources related to SCD care and treatment;work with the pharmaceutical industry and academic investigators to increase the development of effective treatments for patients with SCD;support research to improve health care for people with SCD;support research to understand the clinical implications of SC trait;engage national and community-based SCD advocacy organizations and experts in ongoing discussions to ensure that issues of importance to persons affected are addressed. Organizational and strategic actions are being taken at each agency to enhance implementation of research advances; provide evidence-based guidelines to families, health care providers, and payers; facilitate new drug development; and provide public health data to impact both the health care delivery and research agendas. The enthusiastic support of the American Society of Hematology and its members is essential for long-term success of this endeavor. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.