Welcome to this week's update on the latest news and developments from the Department of Health and Human Services. This week, we're focusing on significant updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other key initiatives.

Starting off, CMS has announced the third and final cohort of states participating in the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model. Rhode Island and a sub-state region of New York join Maryland, Vermont, Connecticut, and Hawaii in this initiative aimed at curbing healthcare cost growth, improving population health through primary care investments, and advancing health equity by addressing disparities in health outcomes. These states will have the opportunity to receive up to $12 million to support model implementation activities over the next five to six years.

Additionally, CMS has updated the Care Compare listing of hospitals designated as Birthing-Friendly Hospitals. This designation identifies hospitals that participate in statewide or national perinatal quality improvement collaborative programs and implement evidence-based care to improve maternal health. Given that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and certain racial and ethnic groups have higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths, this initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring high-quality maternity care for all.

In other news, CMS has released a Sickle Cell Disease Provider Toolkit, focusing on strengthening care infrastructure, improving care management, and supporting the needs of individuals with Sickle Cell Disease. This toolkit includes information on how CMS program coverage can assist people with SCD and educational materials for individuals and community partners.

The Biden-Harris Administration has also proposed expanding coverage of birth control and other preventive services, emphasizing affordability and choice in healthcare. This includes the launch of window-shopping for the 12th HealthCare.gov Marketplace Open Enrollment, aiming to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans.

Furthermore, the U.S. Surgeon General has released a new report on eliminating tobacco-related disease and death, addressing health disparities. This report underscores the importance of public health initiatives in protecting and promoting the health of all Americans.

Looking at the broader impact, these developments aim to improve healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for American citizens. For businesses and organizations, these initiatives offer opportunities for collaboration and innovation in healthcare delivery. State and local governments will play a crucial role in implementing these programs, ensuring that healthcare services meet the needs of their communities.

In terms of next steps, citizens can engage by staying informed about these initiatives and providing feedback during open enrollment periods or public comment sessions. For more information, visit the CMS website or the HHS news page. Stay tuned for upcoming events and updates from the Department of Health and Human Services. Thank you for listening.