Specifications include, but are not limited to: Provide to MDH a project plan with a detailed schedule of milestones and deliverables that includes ample time for MDH to provide input over the project period and review draft deliverables. Schedule and lead regular meetings with MDH, including but not limited to the following: A kick-off meeting to discuss and finalize the project plan and methodology. Progress update meetings at least twice a month. Meet with and present findings to the Telehealth Study Technical Advisory Group (TAG) (Maximum of two 90-minutes meetings). Participate in up to three 60-minute meetings with other MDH research partners involved in the MDH Telehealth study, including actuaries and clinical researchers, to discuss research questions, study methods, and findings. Complete required security training for access and use of the MN APCD. Conduct quantitative analyses of the impact of telehealth expansion and payment parity under the Minnesota Telehealth Act (Laws of Minnesota 2021, First Special Session. chapter 7, article 6) on the coverage and provision of health care services under private sector health insurance. The questions from the legislation are listed below. Responders should describe how they will address the following areas of inquiry, including what data sources will be used. Note: We do not expect responders to be able to answer every single question below but would like to hear which questions you propose to answer and what data sources will be used (including the MN APCD), as well as how the proposed analyses will address the questions. The impact of telehealth expansion and payment parity on access to health care services, quality of care, health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and value-based payments and innovation in health care delivery. The impact of telehealth expansion and payment parity on reducing health care disparities and providing equitable access to health care services for underserved communities. Whether audio-only communication as a permitted option for delivering services: (i) supports equitable access to health care services, including behavioral health services, for the elderly, rural communities, and communities of color; and (ii) eliminates barriers to care for vulnerable and underserved populations without reducing the quality of care, worsening health outcomes, or decreasing satisfaction with care. The services and populations, if any, for which increased access to telehealth improves or negatively impacts health outcomes. The extent to which services provided through telehealth: (i) substitute for an in-person visit; (ii) are services that were previously not billed or reimbursed; or (iii) are in addition to or are duplicative of services that the patient has received or will receive as part of an in-person visit. The impact of telehealth expansion and payment parity, especially in rural areas, on patient access to, and the availability of, in-person care, including specialty care. Prepare and submit to MDH an interim written summary by July 31, 2023 of study progress and findings that includes: Key research questions being addressed by the study. Methodology and analytic approach. Preliminary results, including tables and/or figures. Any gaps, barriers, or other limitations. Synthesis/interpretation of the initial findings. Suggestions of how findings from this study will inform potential policy recommendations. Prepare and submit to MDH a final report that summarizes the key study questions, background, methods, results, and discussion of findings from Task 2d. Final report should be written in plain language and include tables and figures as appropriate. Report should follow MDH style guide provided by MDH and found here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/about/tools/branding.html) and be in an accessible format per the State of Minnesota Standards found here: https://osp.admin.mn.gov/sites/osp/files/pdf/accessibility_standard.pdf. Prepare and submit to MDH a PowerPoint presentation with findings (including tables and charts) and takeaways for legislative testimony and other audiences. Responders are encouraged to propose additional tasks or activities if they will improve the results of the project. These items should be separated from the required items on the Cost Proposal.
