Contact: Steven Maviglio, 916-607-8340
For Immediate Release
Health Organizations Laud Initial Data Exchange Investment in Revised Budget, Urge More Funding to Create Statewide Health Information Exchange Network
SACRAMENTO – The Connecting for Better Health coalition has issued the following statement in response to the governor’s revised budget proposal:
“The governor’s revised 2022-23 budget proposal includes a two-year, $50 million educational and technical grant program to participate in health information exchange (HIE). While we appreciate this wise initial investment, more funding will be needed to ensure the long-term viability of a quality-based, equity-driven statewide health information exchange network in California. We look forward to working with state leaders to secure funding for participation in statewide health information exchange that will improve health outcomes, help to improve California’s Medi-Cal delivery system, address health disparities amplified amidst the COVID pandemic, and leverage federal funds that California is leaving on the table.”
AB 133 calls on the state to create the first-ever statewide Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework, a set of guiding principles, single data-sharing agreement and common set of policies and procedures governing the exchange of health information among health care entities and government agencies. As of January 31, 2024, most health care providers and health plans are required to sign the Data Sharing Agreement to facilitate seamless and secure data sharing.
In a recent letter, Connecting for Better Health urged a $100 million investment to establish incentives for providers to participate in a qualified health information exchange (HIE); and enable qualified health information organizations to provide infrastructure to support CalAIM and other Medi-Cal priorities.
Connecting for Better Health is a coalition representing diverse health care stakeholders including consumers, providers, and health plans, that supports the advancement of health data exchange policy in California. Our vision is that every Californian and their care team have the information and insights they need to make health care seamless, high quality, and affordable. One of our policy priorities for 2022 is to ensure that we collectively secure an ongoing source of funding for health data exchange. Key to this work is ensuring our state leverages federal Medicaid match dollars available for health information technology activities.
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