UA professor to study bias with $3.4 million federal grant

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Anastasia Makhanova, a psychology professor at the University of Arkansas, has been awarded a $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. She will use the money to lead a five-year study on how stress and illness may cause bias in healthcare workers.

“Most people tend to focus on individual differences when it comes to looking at bias,” Makhanova said. “There’s been a lot less attention to the fact that the same people can make more biased decisions in particular situations.”

Research shows that, on average, patients from racial and ethnic minority groups receive worse care than white patients. By identifying situations that could cause a medical provider to act with increased bias, Makhanova’s research can show health care workers the more effective times to use existing anti-bias strategies. The results could also lead to systematic changes that reduce burnout and encourage health care providers to not work when they are sick.

UA professor to study bias with $3.4 million federal grant

CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, and his opponent Democrat Risie Howard of Pine Bluff agreed on some key issues but were diametrically opposed on others during their Fourth Congressional district, PBS Arkansas debate on Thursday (Oct. 10).

If elected, Howard said she would support and protect the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. About one in three Arkansans are on Medicaid and it was expanded through the act. If the act were repealed, something that former President Donald Trump has suggested if he’s re-elected, many would be without health insurance, she said.

Westerman said he wouldn’t vote to repeal the act, but the Medicaid expansion is driving up federal and state debts. He supports the Fair Care Act, legislation that fixes some of the problems with the act, but he didn’t give any specifics.

CD4 debate: Healthcare, economy, Middle East conflicts discussed

State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Medical providers pinched by disparity in costs, payments

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Arkansas health care providers are facing increasing costs without matching payment increases from government payers and insurance companies. It’s a major issue in a state that ranks near the bottom in maternal and infant mortality rankings.

Dr. Joe Thompson, president and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, a healthcare research and policy development organization, said the state is “still in a recovery mode from the acute effects of COVID.” Thompson was referring to inflationary pressures caused by the pandemic, when labor and supply costs increased dramatically. While hospitals are no longer relying on high-paid traveling nurses, the use of that resource during the pandemic has driven up labor costs for full-time staff.

At the same time, Medicaid, which serves primarily lower-income individuals, hasn’t increased payments, while Medicare, which serves older Arkansans, hasn’t increased them enough. Commercial insurance, the health care system’s other primary payer, is trying to limit reimbursement increases.

State of the State Mid-Year 2024: Medical providers pinched by disparity in costs, payments

Consumer Alert: Resources available to Arkansans affected by change healthcare cyberattack

Griffin: 'Because Change Healthcare has not yet provided notice to individuals, the safest course of action is for Arkansans to use some of the resources available such as free credit monitoring'

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement alerting Arkansans to the availability of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services after Change Healthcare’s February data breach:

“In March, I launched an investigation into the cyberattack against Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group, Inc., to determine whether Arkansans’ confidential medical and personal information was compromised and whether other laws were violated.

“Unfortunately, after publicly stating that the data breach could impact up to one-third of all Americans, Change Healthcare has not yet provided individual notice to consumers. The delay in notifying Arkansans affected by the breach is unacceptable, and I am issuing this alert regarding Change Healthcare’s public offer of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.

"Because Change Healthcare has not yet provided notice to individuals, the safest course of action is for Arkansans to use some of the resources available such as free credit monitoring."

Change Healthcare is the nation’s biggest electronic data clearinghouse. Change Healthcare’s technological infrastructure is used by tens of thousands of providers, pharmacies, and insurers to verify insurance, confirm pre-authorization of procedures or services, exchange insurance claim data, and perform other administrative tasks essential to the delivery of health care.

Change Healthcare is offering all Arkansas residents who believe they may have been impacted free credit monitoring and identity theft protections for two years. The dedicated website and call center will not be able to provide details to individuals about whether their data was impacted, and Change Healthcare has not determined the actual number and identity of affected consumers. Griffin encourages Arkansans to use the following resources Change Healthcare has offered:

• For information on the breach, visit http://changecybersupport.com. 
   

• To enroll in credit monitoring, visit http://changecybersupport.com or call (888) 846-4705.
   

• For additional support from Change Healthcare, call (866) 262-5342. 

Griffin also encourages consumers to be aware of potential warning signs that someone is using their medical information. The signs include:

• A bill from their doctor for services that they did not receive;
   

• Errors in their Explanation of Benefits statements;
   

• A call from a debt collector about a medical debt that they do not owe;
   

• Medical debt collection notices on their credit report that they do not recognize;
   

• An unexpected notice from their health insurance company indicating they have reached their benefit limit;
   

• Denial of insurance coverage because their medical records show a pre-existing condition that they do not have.

Ryan Cork named UAMS NWA vice-chancellor, starts Sept. 1

Ryan Cork, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s healthcare transformation division since 2021, is headed to a new role in the region.

In a memo to employees obtained by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and Talk Business & Politics, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced that Cork will become its new Northwest Arkansas vice-chancellor.

“Ryan Cork, MSHA, has accepted our offer to be vice chancellor for the Northwest Arkansas Region, effective Sept. 1.,” noted a memo from UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson. “Ryan has extensive experience in leadership and health care administration combined with knowledge about the health care needs and opportunities in Northwest Arkansas. These qualities will be critical as UAMS continues to expand its academic, clinical and research presence in the region — whether it’s our effort to add more graduate medical education slots or completion of the UAMS Health Orthopaedics & Sports Performance Center that we broke ground on last year.”

Ryan Cork named UAMS NWA vice-chancellor, starts Sept. 1

Ryan Cork

Venture Center, UAMS BioVentures launch healthcare accelerator

KUAR | By Talk Business & Politics Staff

From Talk Business & Politics:

UAMS’ BioVentures has launched the ACTIVE Program in partnership with Little Rock-based The Venture Center to give socially and economically disadvantaged innovators (SEDI) in healthcare and technology opportunities to develop businesses.

Interested entrepreneurs are invited to apply at bioventures.tech/active before April 15.

This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes throughout Arkansas, creating an environment for the growth of innovative ideas and entrepreneurs. It aims to position Arkansas as a key center for healthcare solutions, backing early-stage companies with the potential to influence markets both locally and globally.

Venture Center, UAMS BioVentures launch healthcare accelerator

UAMS.Edu/UAMS

Economic Development Administration will invest $7 million in projects in NEA

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced Tuesday (Feb. 6) the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $7 million in projects in Arkansas. These investments will support healthcare workforce development and infrastructure improvements for businesses.

Arkansas State University – Newport will receive a $5 million EDA grant to support construction of a 24,000-square foot Nursing and Health Sciences workforce training center. The project will be matched with $1.3 million in local funds and is expected to create 225 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

The city of Trumann will receive a $2 million EDA grant for construction of a new water treatment facility and ground water storage tank, to support current residents and businesses while providing capacity for future industrial growth. The project will be matched with $500,000 in local funds.

Economic Development Administration will invest $7 million in projects in NEA

State of the State Mid-Year 2023: Unwinding of the health care system

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

While the COVID-19 pandemic is considered by the federal government to be over, its effects on the health care system remain. In many ways, the state of the state’s health care might best be described as “unwinding.”

That’s especially the case with Medicaid, where “unwinding” is the word often used to describe what is happening. Throughout the pandemic, states halted their typical redetermination process because the federal government provided them extra money if didn’t cut their rolls. As a result, Arkansas’ Medicaid population increased by 230,000.

That changed in April, the month that states could resume redeterminations. Under state law, Arkansas has six months to complete its process.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/state-of-the-state-mid-year-2023-unwinding-of-the-health-care-system/

Medical industry to move from ‘sick’ care to focus on ‘health’ care

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

A paradigm shift in the way medical care is paid for and administered will occur during the next decade or so, healthcare consultant Eric Shell told Talk Business & Politics.

Shell recently gave a lecture, “The Future of Healthcare: Strategies for Success,” at the Fowler Center on the Arkansas State University campus. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted the event.

Shell is the chairman of Stroudwater Associates, a Maine-based healthcare consulting firm that provides research and strategy for rural and community hospitals, health systems and large physician practices. He is the leader of the firm’s rural practice and chairman of the firm’s board of directors.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/medical-industry-to-move-from-sick-care-to-focus-on-health-care/

UAMS Selected for Schwartz Center’s Inaugural Healing Healthcare Initiative

LITTLE ROCK — The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare selected the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as one of only six health organizations across the United States to participate in the center’s inaugural Healing Healthcare Initiative (HHI).

UAMS began its relationship with The Schwartz Center by offering Schwartz Rounds sessions in 2019. These are now held virtually, and UAMS has partnered with Schwartz to additional support services for clinical employees.

By Kate Franks

The Schwartz Center, a national nonprofit dedicated to putting compassion at the heart of health care, developed this initiative to guide organizational leaders in reimagining how their workplace can better support the mental health and well-being of health workers, allowing them to focus on delivering equitable and compassionate patient care.

“The past three years have been incredibly difficult ones for health care professionals around the world, and UAMS is no exception,” said Michelle W. Krause, M.D., MPH, senior vice chancellor for UAMS Health and chief executive officer for UAMS Medical Center at UAMS. “We partnered with the Schwartz Center to begin Schwartz Rounds at UAMS Medical Center in June 2019. More than 150 employees typically participate in these sessions to talk in an open, supportive environment about different emotionally challenging aspects of health care.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/03/08/uams-selected-for-schwartz-centers-inaugural-healing-healthcare-initiative/

The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare selected UAMS as one of only six health organizations across the United States to participate in the center’s inaugural Healing Healthcare Initiative (HHI).

The Supply Side: More retailers focusing on healthcare in 2023

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Retailers seem to agree that one sector that’s ripe for disruption is healthcare. Multiple companies are making moves to fill the gaps they see by investing in providing health and wellness services for their customers.

Scott Benedict, an executive at Rogers marketing agency WhyteSpyder, said healthcare is another battleground for retailers given the continued state of disarray in the sector. He said healthcare services are traffic drivers and also a way for retailers to provide solutions that their customers need and appreciate.

“There is a halo effect that can result from the pharmacy and health and wellness services provided by retailers,” Benedict said. “It can take time to profit from these services themselves, but with the customer loyalty you can build and trip occurrence, you can add to the profits and eventually support an extra revenue stream.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/the-supply-side-more-retailers-focusing-on-healthcare-in-2023/

Budget puzzle awaits price tags for education, public safety, healthcare

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Closing out the first month of the regular session, legislative leaders have no clarity on Gov. Sarah Sanders administration’s price tag for education, public safety or healthcare, much less a blueprint for the state’s anticipated $6 billion balanced budget.

Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, chairman of the Joint Budget Committee, said he’s waiting to see first drafts of new school policy and prison and sentencing reform legislation.

“I haven’t seen the education plan, so I don’t have any ballpark figures on what that’s going to cost, what we’re going to do. We do know that there is a portion that’s going to be for increasing teacher pay. Again, that’s going to have a direct impact. But again, I have no idea, if I’m just being transparent, on what that’s going to look like, and that’s why you see me being hesitant in regards to the budget,” he said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/budget-puzzle-awaits-price-tags-for-education-public-safety-healthcare/

Medicaid’s future looms with health care, budget ramifications for legislators, new governor

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Big factors affecting Arkansas’ Medicaid program loom in the near future and this legislative session will require clear health care and fiscal policy direction from Gov. Sarah Sanders and the new GOP supermajority at the state capitol.

Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, the chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, discussed those ramifications in an appearance on this week’s Capitol View program.

For starters, the state’s health care system is fragile right now. Many hospitals, particularly in rural parts of the state, are in critical condition as pandemic funds are drying up, but personnel and supply costs remain extraordinarily costly. Federal Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates have remained unchanged for years, to the point that hospital administrators contend Congress has to approve higher rates in order to keep up with inflation and decades of increased costs or else they will have no choice but to close.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/medicaids-future-looms-with-health-care-budget-ramifications-for-legislators-new-governor/

Abortion, healthcare on the agenda for 2023 Arkansas legislative session

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

With the midterms officially over, and a newly-expanded Republican supermajority in the state House and Senate, state lawmakers have begun filing bills for the upcoming general session of the Arkansas General Assembly.

Lawmakers will return to the state Capitol in Little Rock on Jan. 9, 2023, to begin considering bills touching on a wide variety of topics. GOP leaders have said they plan to focus on education and tax reform, including Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ plan to phase out the state’s individual income tax.

As of Monday, 12 pieces of legislation have been proposed since the bill filing period opened last week. The first two were filed by Sen. Ben Gilmore, R-Crossett, and Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, R-Paragould. The so-called “shell bills” are identical and more or less serve as a placeholder, but their titles suggest they’ll deal with parole and sentencing guidelines.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-11-22/abortion-healthcare-on-the-agenda-for-2023-arkansas-legislative-session

Jacob Kauffman/KUAR

Lawmakers will return to the Arkansas State Capitol on Jan. 9, 2023 for a legislative session.

Walmart issues $5 billion in new debt; partners with UnitedHealth Group

Walmart seeks to raise $5 billion in operating capital through four separate bond issues ahead of expected Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Also, the Bentonville-based retailer announced Wednesday (Sept. 7) a partnership with UnitedHealth Group.

A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission showed the bonds include $1.75 billion at 3.9% due in 2025, $1 billion at 3.95% due in 2027, $1.25 billion at 4.15% due 2032 and $1 billion at 4.5% due 2052. Walmart should net roughly $4.971 billion from the bonds. Walmart debt is rated AA by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s, each seen as Prime credit level quality.

Other retailers have also issued debt to raise capital ahead of higher interest rates many think are coming when the Federal Open Market Committee meets Sept 20. Wall Street expects the Fed to raise rates 0.75% following the meeting. Target recently issued $1 billion in bonds due in 2032, and McDonald’s announced bond issues totaling $1.5 billion due in 2032 and 2052. In April, Amazon sold $12.75 billion of investment-grade bonds for general corporate purposes.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/walmart-issues-5-billion-in-new-debt-partners-with-unitedhealth-group/

A Walmart Health Clinic coming to Rogers at Store No. 1 at 2110 W. Walnut Street.

ACLU pleased with appeals court decision on transgender healthcare

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The American Civil Liberties Union is preparing for a lawsuit to go to trial challenging an Arkansas law banning gender-affirming healthcare for children. The suit was filed on behalf of the families of four transgender children and two doctors.

Last week, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a judge’s decision blocking the law from going into effect until the lawsuit could be heard. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is asking the full 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the decision.

Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, says she is confident they will prevail at trial.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-09-02/aclu-pleased-with-appeals-court-decision-on-transgender-healthcare

Arkansas to receive about $61 million from tobacco companies in 2022

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced Monday (April 25) that money from the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with tobacco companies will be distributed, with Arkansas receiving nearly $61 million.

“Tobacco companies are paying into this settlement for engaging in bad business practices by misleading the public on the dangers of tobacco,” Rutledge said. “These funds will be used for healthcare research and other vital programs impacting Arkansas children and families.”

With the 2022 disbursement of $60.9 million, the total amount received since 2001 to fund various public health programs in Arkansas is $1.282 billion. The MSA imposed health-related and advertising restrictions on tobacco companies which required the settling manufacturers to make annual payments to the settling states.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/04/arkansas-to-receive-about-61-million-from-tobacco-companies-in-2022/

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Whether it was due to a job loss, reduction in income or increased costs in healthcare, many homeowners fell behind in mortgage payments and utilities during the pandemic.
If you or someone you know is behind on payments, we want to direct your attention to a resource that could help.
Recently, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) announced it is now distributing the state’s $54 million to homeowners who were impacted by COVID-19.

Arkansas was one of the first states to gain the US Treasury approval for the funds. The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund https://apply.arkansashaf.com/loginis a federally-funded program helping Arkansas residents who are behind on their mortgages, electricity, gas and/or internet payments.
Eligibility is determined by need and household income. Homeowners must have a total annual household income of less than 150% of the area median income of their county. The maximum total annual household income for a family of four ranges from $81,150 to $112,350, depending upon the county in which they live. To determine eligibility for a specific county, go to arkansashaf.com/qualifyhttps://arkansashaf.com/qualify
Funds for qualified recipients will be provided directly to mortgage companies, internet companies, and utility providers.
Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply through the online portal at: apply.arkansashaf.comhttps://apply.arkansashaf.com/login or contact our call center at 888.698.0964. Call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Applicants will need the following to apply:

1) Valid ID for applicant (spouse or co- borrower if applicable)
2) Proof of homeownership
3) Income documentation
4) Documents showing mortgage delinquency
The income limits vary based on the county and the number of occupants in your household. When you apply online, after entering some basic information, you will see the income limitations specific to you.
We’ve posted links for more information on our website www.arkansashouse.orghttp://www.arkansashouse.org

U.S. Department of Commerce Awarding $2 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Support Healthcare and Workforce Training at UA Cossatot

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to UA Cossatot. This grant supports a Medical Mobile Unit and creates a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space at all four campuses. This EDA grant is expected to create 105 jobs.

“President Biden is committed to harnessing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Cossatot Community College will provide rural communities with access to healthcare and healthcare training programs to prepare students for good-paying, quality jobs.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will create a Wellness Education Learning and Living (WELL) community with a Medical Mobile Unit to provide urgent care and create a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space to train workers in high-demand healthcare fields.”

“This grant is a real benefit to rural Arkansas,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more healthcare options in rural Arkansas and the benefit of telemedicine. The funds will make a positive impact on the economy and the health of Arkansans.”

“Congress came together in a bipartisan way to pass the CARES Act to strengthen our communities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent challenges it presents,” said Senator John Boozman. “I am pleased the EDA recognizes the need for expanded health care access and training in Southwest Arkansas and is making this investment to help the region better meet existing and future needs that will also result in more good jobs.”

“Rural America is too often overlooked for federal grants,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “That’s why I’m so grateful that the bipartisan CARES Act is making this critical health care investment possible. The residents of De Queen and the students at Cossatot Community College will benefit greatly from the jobs and training opportunities this grant will support. Smart, targeted investment like this greatly aids rural America’s post-pandemic recovery.”

“We feel this grant will impact Medical Education in Southwest Arkansas like nothing ever before, said UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole. “This WELL grant will allow UA Cossatot to establish four medical simulation/telemedicine labs on each of our four campuses in DeQueen, Lockesburg, Nashville, and Ashdown, two Ambulance Simulators on two campuses, the establishment of a new Medical Lab Technician program, and we will be purchasing a complete mobile medical unit that our medical faculty and students will be using to assist with health care needs around our service area. It is truly a game-changer for our college, and we can’t be more thankful to our Federal Delegation for helping see this through”.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District (SWAPDD). EDA funds SWAPDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development road map to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

VIDEO: "What's Up, Doc?" with Dr. Randy Walker

This week on "What's Up Doc?", Dr. Randy and Cody Gallagher of Pilgrim's Pride announce a new partnership between Pilgrim's and the Walker Clinic that will enable Pilgrim's employees and their families to save money on healthcare.