Advocacy & Public Policy

We’re collaborating with policymakers to drive the transformation of healthcare by removing barriers and creating incentives to place care for every individual and community at the forefront.

Healthcare Experts Agree: We Must Move to Value-Based Care

The consensus is clear—advancing towards value-based care is critical to addressing our healthcare system's current challenges. The following article details this need and the desire to partner with providers to move our healthcare system forward.

Working with Policymakers to Expand Access to Affordable Coverage

by CareFirst | January 27, 2022 | Advocacy & Public Policy

See the specific actions CareFirst is recommending to policymakers to help curb rising healthcare costs for our members.

Event Recap: Addressing the Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage

by CareFirst | December 9, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

CareFirst recently hosted an event on a critical topic–the behavioral health workforce shortage.

Transforming DC Medicaid to Most Effectively Serve Enrollees

by CareFirst | November 12, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

As a District Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) with over 66,000 enrollees, CareFirst Community Health Plan DC (CHPDC) is committed to providing care to the District’s most vulnerable individuals, including low-income adults, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Below, you will find our recommendations for transforming the healthcare experience for our members and communities, focusing on quality, equity, affordability and access to care.

Biden Administration Takes Action to Protect Consumers and Reduce Costs

by CareFirst | October 14, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

The Biden administration recently took action to end surprise medical bills and protect consumers by issuing new rules called “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part 2.” CareFirst looks forward to partnering with the administration to safeguard consumers from surprise medical bills.

The Role Employers Have in Promoting Health Equity

by CareFirst | August 13, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Vice President of Community Health and Social Impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, recently authored an article for the Business Journals , sharing insights on the role employers have in Social determinants of health(SDOH).

Transforming Maryland Medicaid to Most Effectively Serve Enrollees

by CareFirst | July 16, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland is committed to providing care to Maryland’s most vulnerable populations, including low-income adults, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. The following article details our recommendations to transform healthcare, focusing on quality, equity, affordability, and access to care.

The State of Health Equity in Maryland

by CareFirst | June 11, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

A keynote panel on centering health equity in state policies, which included CareFirst’s President and CEO Brian D. Pieninck, closed out the State of Reform’s 2021 Maryland Health Policy Conference.

U.S. Supreme Court California v. Texas Decision on the ACA

by CareFirst | June 28, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

News of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in California v. Texas led to a great deal of reactions to the rulings. In a 7-2 ruling, the majority states that the plaintiffs have no legal right to sue the individual mandate of the ACA.

Data & Partnerships: Keys to Managing Access to Quality, Affordable, Equitable Healthcare

by CareFirst | June 11, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

The 2021 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference featured keynote sessions. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield provided industry expertise in three sessions, including discussions on managing affordability and healthcare costs.

Panel Discussion: Zooming in on Telehealth

by CareFirst | June 8, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

The following panel discussion featured industry experts sharing insights on the role of telehealth in the future of care delivery and what is most beneficial for patients and providers moving forward.

Leveraging Federal Funding to Impact Social Determinants of Health

by CareFirst | May 27, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

Given the significant funding distributed to state and local jurisdictions, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides a unique opportunity for policymakers to focus on key social determinants of health initiatives.

CareFirst Champions American Rescue Plan

by Brian D. Pieninck, President & CEO | April 2, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

Increasing the accessibility, affordability and quality of healthcare for all is at the heart of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which aligns perfectly with CareFirst’s mission as a not-for-profit organization.

Advancing Equity - Ensuring Overall Health and Well-Being of our Communities

by CareFirst | January 29, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

CareFirst outlines several ways policymakers can help advance equity and inclusion in healthcare.

How Policymakers Can Enable Value-Based Care

by CareFirst | January 7, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

CareFirst offers policymakers several areas of focus to help promote and accelerate the shift from volume- to value-based care.

Expanding Access to Care through Telehealth

by CareFirst | November 30, 2020 | Advocacy & Public Policy

As the use of telehealth skyrockets during the pandemic, CareFirst is encouraging policymakers to support its continued growth and affordability.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Addressing the Behavioral Health Crisis

by CareFirst | November 20, 2020 | Advocacy & Public Policy

Access to behavioral healthcare is shrinking. The time for policymakers to act is now.

Common-Sense Solutions for Rising Drug Prices

by CareFirst | November 13, 2020 | Advocacy & Public Policy

Prescription drug prices continue to rise at an unreasonable pace, straining many families’ ability to afford them. See what simple yet effective solutions we’re proposing to turn the tide.

Event Recap: Seize the Data, Spot the Disparities

by CareFirst | September 23, 2021 | Advocacy & Public Policy

The following panel discussion featured industry experts sharing insights on the importance of accessing and unlocking the potential of patient demographic data, including race, ethnicity and language.

Transformation