The FDA approved the Guardant Health, Inc. Shield, a test intended to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC) using blood collected in the Guardant Shield Blood Collection Kit. The test is used for CRC screening in individuals at average risk for the disease who are 45 years of age or older. Patients with positive test results should have a colonoscopy since the test is not a replacement for diagnostic colonoscopy or for surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individuals. Shield has limited detection (55%-65%) of Stage I colorectal cancer and does not detect 87% of precancerous lesions.

The Biden administration is overhauling its health IT functions to address the proliferation of cyberattacks on the sector and the growth of data and artificial intelligence in medical settings. Why it matters: The goals include setting an AI policy and strategy for HHS and streamlining critical infrastructure protection within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, or ASPR, per a notice to be published in the Federal Register. Click here to learn more.

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) celebrated the 59^th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid programs. Signed into law in 1965, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson formally established the Medicare program, which provides health insurance coverage for those over 65, people with disabilities and those with end stage renal disease. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Medicaid is the single largest source of health coverage in the United States covering 82+ million Americans including over 2.9 million Pennsylvanians. Over the years additional services and benefits have been added to both programs including Medicaid Part D Prescription Drug Coverage and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources for Health Centers webpage provides a comprehensive set of resources and links to their Emergency Information Kit. Resources include some on CMS’ emergency preparedness rule and a full list of Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) resources. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently introduced a new Heat and Health Index, which helps identify communities where people are most likely to feel the effects of heat on their health. Visit CDC’s website to access the index and other Centers for Disease Control tools. HHS’ Catalytic Program aims to connect safety net health care providers to Inflation Reduction Act funding for resilient and renewable infrastructure. Learn more on HHS’ website, which includes an entire set of webinars for health centers (scroll a little over halfway down the page).

A new report from Capital Link and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council aims to provide practical guidance for Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) health centers. It provides a thorough examination of financial and operational benchmark trends, empowering HCHs to leverage their data resources to effectively address health equity concerns. Visit Capital Link’s site to download.

The American Cancer Society and Color Health are working together on a program to bring free at-home colorectal cancer screenings to patients in rural areas, who often face barriers to cancer screening. This program is free for both participating health centers and patients. Color Health will provide health centers with free Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits for patients (up to 50 per site). Support to help navigate through this screening process will also be provided by Color Health. Patients and health centers will be notified of results and instructions for next steps. Even clinics not in a rural area but that serve rural patients are eligible. Any interested health centers can reach out to kacie.jankoski@cancer.org for more info.

In July, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released two pieces of guidance on provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2023. The first piece of guidance addresses new requirements around accurate, regularly updated, and searchable provider directories in Medicaid and CHIP. Medicaid agencies and managed care organizations will need to make these changes by July 1, 2025. The second piece of guidance discusses Section 5121 of the CAA, which creates a new requirement to provide screening, diagnostic, and case management services to “eligible juveniles” who are post-adjudication in correctional facilities. Medicaid agencies will also have the option, under Section 5122 of the CAA, to provide full Medicaid and CHIP benefits to incarcerated young people who are pre-adjudication.