HHS Proposes Rule to Advance Health Equity

A rule has been proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advance health equity and support whole-person care. The proposed rule would also strengthen primary care, expand access to behavioral health, oral health and caregiver training services, maintain telehealth flexibilities and expand access to screening for colorectal cancer and vaccinations for hepatitis B.

“This proposed rule strengthens the care people with Medicare receive, advancing HHS’s goal of a healthcare system that not only treats those who are sick but also keeps people well,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The law lowers costs for seniors and people with disabilities and uses rebates from drug manufacturers to strengthen Medicare. It also increases access to behavioral and dental care, expands access to cancer screenings and supports caregivers.”

“Whole-person care means moving toward a healthcare system that recognizes each unique aspect of a person and their well-being, including physical health, behavioral health, oral health, social determinants of health and caregiving supports, and it all starts first with a foundation of primary care that can integrate these components,” said Meena Seshamani, MD, PhD, deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and director of the Center for Medicare. “We are taking lessons learned from numerous CMS Innovation Center models to strengthen primary care teams and accountable care organizations, allowing them to better meet the unique needs of every person with Medicare.”