As is the case each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have updated guidelines and how they pertain to users. Those CMS guidelines are now available for calendar year 2017 and represent changes that will aid health insurance providers in addressing the needs of those underserved, including those who are facing language […]
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Understanding Section 1557 of the ACA
On May 18, 2016, the final rule of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act was implemented to prohibit healthcare and coverage discrimination based on a person’s race, skin color, national origin, sex, age, and disability. (source) The new rules apply to any entities (“covered entities”) that operate a health program or activity that receives […]
Understanding the ICT Refresh
The U.S. Access Board approved the updated requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) on September 14th so we at CQ fluency want to make sure healthcare and coverage providers are aware of the ICT Refresh and what it means for the healthcare industry. In February of 2015, the United States Access Board proposed changes to […]
What you need to know about Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act
Health and Human Services (HHS) published its final proposed rule implementing the anti-discrimination provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which includes regulations for serving Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients. This proposed rule is intended to advance health equity and reduce disparities in health care. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 1. Covered entities are [...]
Understanding Cultural Adaptation and When to Use It
What Is Cultural Adaptation? Cultural adaptation: What is it, and why is it so important to be successful in the marketplace? Cultural adaptation is a process in which any company that markets their services to more than one language or culture group must be fluent to obtain success considering the current state of the global [...]
The Importance of Being Culturally Competent
The scene is a familiar one: A conversation is underway about a topic or issue in which you have minimal, if any, knowledge. You want to contribute, show you’re involved, give your audience the impression the discussion isn’t lost on you. Unfortunately, it is. You nod and smile, but you’re not up to par on [...]
Understanding Cultural Differences in a Global Marketplace
Understanding Cultural Differences Culture - It’s simply defined, but incredibly complex to explain and understand. Cultural differences can be marked by objects as uncomplicated as hairstyle variations or as straightforward as countries in different hemispheres. Without understanding the former, we’ll never connect with the latter. In a global marketplace understanding your neighbor – whether they [...]
CMS releases draft of the 2017 Medicare Marketing Guidelines
CMS has proposed an important update to the chapter 3 of the Medicare Marketing Guidelines regarding the Summary of Benefits. Here is the proposed guideline: “Beginning CY 2017, HPMS will no longer generate the SB. Plans/Part D Sponsors must develop their own SB based on their bid data in HPMS and within the parameters of […]
CMS Equity Plan for Medicare: Priority 5
The CMS Equity Plan for Medicare contains 6 priorities, developed to advance health equity by improving the quality of care provided to minority and other underserved Medicare beneficiaries. Priority 5 focuses on understanding and raising awareness of barriers to the provision of communication and language access services, and disseminating solutions to enable action from providers [...]
Why Using a Single Vendor for Translation and 508/WCAG 2.0 Compliance is Best
Like the universe, healthcare is rapidly expanding. More and more players enter the market and for every new player hundreds of new vendors follow. A growing range of solutions can create confusion and additional work. Why add more to manage to the already overflowing task list on your desk? There are clear advantages to a centralized process with one vendor […]