Damon Harbison

Former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri (third from left) joins the SSM Health team in Chicago at the recent 2025 Siemens Value Partnership Forum. Blunt is a key advisor to Siemens and, two years ago, SSM Health entered into a 10-year partnership with Siemens that is expanding access to high-quality care and training the next generation of health care workers. The agreement provides state-of-the-art imaging equipment and training. SSM Health and Siemens also are developing apprenticeships in imaging technology that will provide economic opportunities for young people in underserved neighborhoods. The training is being conducted in conjunction with the Urban League and other organizations as SSM Health works as a leader in eliminating social disparities.

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We have some important news to share! Effective Feb. 1, 2026, MyMichigan Health will unify its Medical Centers in Midland, Alma, Clare, and Mt. Pleasant under one president, Chuck Sherwin, FACHE. This leadership transition aims to streamline operations, ensure consistent quality of care and promote a cohesive vision. This centralized model, already successful in other locations, fosters innovation and teamwork. His appointment follows the retirement of Marita Hattem-Schiffman, who has been instrumental in the success of the three centrally located Medical Centers she has led. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wY5F1

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Beacon Health System will appoint key leadership and integration roles upon completion of its acquisition of Ascension Southwest Michigan this summer to ensure a seamless transition from day one for consumers, physicians and team members. Carl Risk, President of Elkhart General Hospital since 2016, will become President of Borgess Hospital and Integration Executive for the Ascension Southwest Michigan facilities, including Borgess Hospital, Borgess Allegan Hospital, Borgess-Lee Hospital, and Borgess-Pipp Hospital, along with 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center. “During his tenure at Elkhart General Hospital, Carl has built a strong leadership team and fostered an exceptional team atmosphere and workplace culture that have resulted in a consistent achievement of health system strategic goals,” said Kreg Gruber, Beacon Health System Chief Executive Officer. “Carl will initially focus on organizational stability before expanding programs and services in the years ahead.” Read more about the announcement and other leadership changes at https://bit.ly/43uzqVy

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Together with community partners, Cleveland Clinic is proud to open a new Community Resource Center at Euclid Hospital. The center expands access to vital medical and social services for residents in Euclid, Ohio. Mayor Kirsten Gail joined Cleveland Clinic leaders, caregivers and community partners to celebrate the opening of the new center. A variety of services are offered including: ▪️A resource closet with hygiene items and gently used clothing ▪️A food pantry in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank ▪️Community Health Workers supporting patients with follow-up care after emergency department visits ▪️Onsite Medicaid enrollment assistance provided by Centauri Health Solutions, Inc. and Elevate Patient Financial Solutions ▪️A computer lab with digital literacy classes and MyChart access for virtual visits, funded by the Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC3) Services are available by referral to ensure support reaches those who need it most. Patients and community members can be referred to the center by a Cleveland Clinic social worker, case manager or community health worker. To qualify, individuals should reside within Euclid Hospital’s service area or be a current patient or family member and demonstrate a need for essential items. More: https://ow.ly/ftf150WSb18 #CleClinicCaregivers #CommunityHealth #HealthResources

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CMSA Chicago Announces Formation of New Regional Chapter: Uniting Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Northwest Indiana, and St. Louis The Case Management Society of America (CMSA) Chicago Chapter is proud to announce the formation of a new Regional CMSA Chapter, uniting six areas—CMSA Chicago, expanding to all of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Northwest Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri—under one collaborative banner. This alignment marks a new era of partnership, innovation, and professional growth within the case management community across the Midwest. The regional structure will strengthen advocacy, streamline resources, and expand educational opportunities for professional case managers, social workers, nurses, and allied health professionals throughout the region. “This new regional chapter reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare and the need for strong, united voices in case management,” said Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMGT-BC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM, FAACM, President of CMSA Chicago, NWI and STL and Past President of CMSA National. “By coming together, our chapters will be able to amplify our advocacy, deliver richer educational experiences, and expand the professional community that supports case managers across multiple states.” The new CMSA Regional Chapter will focus on: - Collaboration: Leveraging the strengths of each state to create a cohesive, cross-state network of case management professionals. - Education: Offering unified continuing education programs and events that meet the diverse needs of healthcare professionals in acute, post-acute, managed care, and community settings. - Advocacy: Enhancing representation in legislative and policy initiatives impacting care coordination, access, and health equity. - Innovation: Promoting the use of technology, data, and research to advance outcomes and elevate the visibility of the case management profession. The combined membership represents one of the largest and most diverse regional networks within CMSA, encompassing urban, suburban, and rural communities across six states. Members will benefit from shared programming, expanded networking, and leadership development opportunities that transcend geographic boundaries. “Our goal is to create a model of collaboration that reflects how care is delivered—across settings, across borders, and with the patient at the center,” said Dr Colleen Morley, President of the new CMSA Regional Chapter. “Together, we will empower case managers to drive the future of healthcare coordination and advocacy.” Membership has already been transitioned and the regional chapter is searching for volunteers in each area to serve as BOD liaisons. Additional details on upcoming educational events and a “name the regional chapter” poll will be shared in the coming weeks via chapter communications.

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Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/gbUs7HFV In this episode, Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, joins Scott Becker to share how strong relationships, steadfast advocacy, and values-driven leadership have helped unite every hospital in the state under one organization. From navigating Medicaid policy to building lasting networks, Brian offers lessons for emerging leaders and insights on the future of healthcare. For more information about Becker's Healthcare, please contact Jessica Cole or Scott Becker. #podcast #healthcare #leadership #medicaid

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Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi led a panel discussion with healthcare leaders on Monday in Chicago, discussing the coming changes to Medicaid and what it all means for the Illinois Medicaid program. Health News Illinois assembled a panel of experts to discuss this topic, including: Ollie Idowu, CEO, Illinois Primary Health Care Association; Ashley Snavely, CEO, Illinois Health Care Association; Elizabeth Whitehorn, Director, Department of Healthcare and Family Services; Stephanie Altman, Of Counsel and former Director of Healthcare Justice and Senior Director of Policy, Shriver Center on Poverty Law; and Jill Hayden, CEO, Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans.

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With #CMS unleashing another ~$25B of revenue yesterday to #MA plans, the timeless adage rings true: “To whom much is given, much will be expected.” Though the Rate Announcement can’t promulgate technical updates, it delivered plenty of strategic signals for #MedicareAdvantage plans to integrate into summer planning. Here’s what we learned and why it matters: 1️⃣ No more last-minute #Stars rescue missions. CMS announced formal data dispute deadlines for the most commonly challenged measures, which ends most #PlanPreview panic. Plans need to schedule proactive data investigation processes now for MY2024 CTM/Appeals (and accelerate PDE validation next spring.) 2️⃣ SNS-E is out. CMS is no longer considering it for #StarRatings. While universal #SDOH screenings isn't a top Trump2.0 priority, last week’s FinalRule finalized a #Compliance mandate for 3 live attempts on SNP HRAs and completion within 90 days of enrollment impacting the SNP-CM measure. 3️⃣ A Technical Expert Panel has examined current measures vis-à-vis MedPAC’s recommended program changes. The TEP supports current #HEDIS, #HOS, #CAHPS and some admin measures but flagged concerns with small denominators, gameability and provider burden. They called for more clinical outcomes and reaffirmed the high stakes of #QBP. Who exactly was at this table? Unclear, but we’re still digging! 4️⃣ The foundation has been paved for more evolution. All technical changes needed to align Stars with the #MedPAC MA-VIP have now undergone required public comment, paving the way for rulemaking if/as desired. Stars likely won't evolve to MedPAC's vision via a Rip/Replace; rather, it's more likely we'll see technical updates to effectuate the evolution. 5️⃣ CMS hints at late-stage changes. In discussing Poly-CNS, CMS noted that changes announced BEFORE an MY can be finalized AFTER it begins. That subtle clarification could apply to MY2026, meaning we could see rulemaking through 12/31/25 with potential finalization in 2026. So what could all of this mean? ⭐ #HealthEquity is remains a subtext. While the term is less visible, the unmet needs of Duals, LIS-eligible and disabled beneficiaries remain the crucial cost drivers. With $880B potentially about to be stripped from #Medicaid, the $25B awarded to MA plans still leaves carriers' profits exposed. Stars and #MLR will be optimized via scaled managed care principles across high-need members. ⭐ Outcomes > Process. Concepts like #EHO4All emphasize the broader shift towards outcomes measures. Expect increased emphasis on access, experiences and outcomes metrics. ⭐ MedPAC’s vision is in range. Measures flagged for potential retirement to align Stars with MedPAC’s vision have now been commented on, clearing the path for changes as early as MY2026 if desired. If Stars is a top enterprise priority for you, as it is for most of our clients, please: ✅ Share these updates across your leadership team, and  ✅ Future-proof your summer and fall initiatives.

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