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Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● Jan. 9, 2025
Smart Brevity® count: 5.5 mins...1489 words
This week, read about:
- Next week’s State of the State address.
- The BCBS settlement platform going live.
- An AzHHA healthcare member announcing a new president and CEO.
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📢Tune in: Governor Hobbs’ State of the State address next Monday
On Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, Governor Katie Hobbs will deliver her annual State of the State Address to kick off the new legislative session.
Why it matters: This speech is a critical moment to learn about the Governor's priorities for the year ahead, including policies that could shape Arizona’s healthcare system.
What you need to know:
🗓 Date: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
⏰Time: 1 p.m.
🔗Live stream link: https://www.azleg.gov/liveproceedings/
The big picture: As healthcare community members, staying informed about legislative priorities is key to understanding potential changes and opportunities in the industry.
- We encourage all AzHHA members to tune in and hear firsthand how the Governor’s plans could impact hospitals, healthcare professionals and our communities.
Don’t miss this important event! Let’s stay engaged and ready to advocate for healthcare policies that make a difference.
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BCBS settlement platform goes live
In December, the official platform for Settlement Class Members in the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) antitrust litigation became available for facilities and providers.
Why it matters: In October, BCBS agreed to pay $2.8 billion to resolve an antitrust class lawsuit, the largest healthcare antitrust settlement in history.
- Of that amount, 92% will pay facility claims with the largest amount being paid to hospitals.
- The lawsuit alleged that BCBS fixed prices paid to providers through the BlueCard Program, resulting in lower reimbursement.
The big picture: Providers will automatically be included in the settlement unless they opt out by Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
- Additional information on the lawsuit can be found on the WhatleyKallas website, including a slide deck outlining the injunctive relief.
- Additionally, BCBS will create a platform that will improve member benefit and eligibility verification, improve the prior authorization process and allow providers to better track claims.
What’s next:
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Exclusion deadline: Eligible providers that want to sue the Settling Defendants must exclude themselves from the Class by Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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Objection deadline: File objections to the settlement by Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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Claim submission deadline: Submit a claim form online or by mail no later than Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
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AzHHA healthcare member announces new president and CEO
Donor Network of Arizona, an AzHHA healthcare member, recently announced Kathy Mills as the new president and CEO, effective January 2025.
- She has been with Donor Network of Arizona for 23 years - most recently as senior vice president and chief financial officer.
Why it matters: Kathy’s journey from CFO to CEO reflects a dedication to financial stewardship, organization growth and the mission of saving lives through organ and tissue donation.
Congratulations on the new role, Kathy, and we look forward to working with you!
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Call for presentations: Shape the future at AzPHA’s 2025 conference
Are you ready to help redefine public health for the future? The Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA) invites you to submit your ideas for presentations for its upcoming annual conference on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Why it matters: The 2025 conference focuses on modernizing public health infrastructure to meet emerging challenges and opportunities. AzPHA encourages submissions that explore topics in the following tracks:
- Using AI to enhance public health practice and patient population outcomes
- Data infrastructure and informatics
- Public health workforce
- Engaging public health professionals
What’s next: Submit your proposal by Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. If you have any questions, please email Will Humble or Lauriane Bellot Hanson.
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2024 State Health Assessment is now available!
The Arizona Department of Health Services has posted the 2024 State Health Assessment on its website.
Why it matters: This important document provides an in-depth look at the state of health in Arizona, combining data-driven insights with community feedback to ensure that our public health efforts align with the diverse needs of our residents.
- The State Health Assessment celebrates our achievements and addresses challenges.
- It also serves as the catalyst for future Arizona Health Improvement Plan efforts.
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Check out the ADHS Public Health Data Portal
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has a Public Health Data Portal (PHDP) available on its website.
Why it matters: The purpose of the PHDP is to consolidate data into one easily accessible location and allow you to search for public health data produced by the department.
In the portal, you’ll find:
- Data explorers
- Reports and catalogs
- Dashboards
- Maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) apps
- Public health data assets
- And more!
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Nominations open for the 2025 Trauma Awards
The Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of EMS & Trauma System is hosting the second annual Trauma Awards.
Why it matters: Eight individuals who have demonstrated dedication, leadership and excellence within their role in the Arizona trauma system will be recognized.
What’s next: Nominate an individual for a Trauma Award.
- Nominations are due Friday, March 7, 2025.
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Free virtual training - substance use disorders
Northern Arizona University is launching an interactive webinar series starting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
- Sessions will be held biweekly on Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Why it matters: Participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), with a special focus on meeting the needs of rural and underserved communities.
Topics covered include:
- Foundational knowledge of SUD
- Screening and diagnostic tools
- Medications and treatment protocols
- Specialized populations and care considerations
- Legal, policy and ethical aspects
Learn more and register.
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Member spotlight: Valleywise Health
The Diane and Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center within Valleywise Health is caring for six patients who were hit in an accidental fireworks explosion in Honolulu, Hawaii on New Year’s Eve.
Hawaii’s only burn center is located on Oahu, where the incident took place, but beds are limited.
- Valleywise Health leaders stepped in and said their burn center, Arizona’s only burn center and one of the largest in the country, could help.
- The burns covered between 45% and 80% body surface area on the patients.
- Transportation was coordinated with the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserves and the Phoenix Fire Department.
- Family members of the patients are beginning to arrive in Phoenix and the hospital and some foundations associated with the hospital will be providing housing for them. Some employees have also volunteered to host family members in their homes.
Thank you, Valleywise Health, for providing exceptional care to these patients.
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Tuesday, Jan. 28 - Hospital assessments and HEALTHII payments 101
AzHHA will host this annual event for members interested in learning about the two hospital assessments and the quarterly HEALTHII payments. Learn why the assessments were created, which types of hospitals are exempt from the assessments, how the amounts have changed over time, why hospitals receive quarterly HEALTHII payments, HEALTHII reconciliations and HEALTHII quality metrics. AzHHA members who have not received an invitation but are interested in attending may contact Amy Upston, director of financial policy and reimbursement, at [email protected].
Friday, Jan. 31 - 2025 Winter State of the State
This event includes The Hertel Report’s bi-annual healthcare market update. Topics include Medicare Advantage, the ACA Marketplace, Medicaid (AHCCCS), accountable care organizations and the industry’s shift to value-based payments. AzHHA members receive $15 off their registration with code “azhha2025.” Register now.
Feb. 5-6 - Medical Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Response Virtual Conference
This two half-day virtual conference will bring together individuals who have a medical direction role during disasters to discuss the spectrum of medical leadership responsibilities and some of the specific challenges of the role. Medical education credits will be available through ACEP for attendees. Learn more and register.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 - Introduction to POLST
Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment paradigm (POLST) for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 - 2025 AzCHER medical response surge exercise
The targeted groups for this exercise include acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health stakeholders and county and tribal emergency management professionals. AzCHER regional managers will send exercise invitations directly. Questions? Reach out to your AzCHER regional manager or Jamie Beauvais.
April 15-16 - 2025 Arizona Immunization Conference
This one-of-a-kind event provides education and resources so you can better understand the challenges around vaccine confidence and leave the conference encouraged by the success stories from around the state. Join over 500 attendees at the 2025 conference. Learn more and register.
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