Author Archive for: vthompson
About Veronnica Thompson
Veronnica Thompson joined NASHP’s Child and Family Health team as a policy associate in April 2020 and is involved with projects related to maternal and child health. Prior to joining NASHP, Thompson worked at the Office of Policy Initiatives and Budget at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services where she focused on a variety of public health initiatives. She has also served as a pediatric research coordinator at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Thompson has a master’s degree in social work in policy and administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Entries by Veronnica Thompson
Implementing the Family First Prevention Services Act: What to Watch in 2021
January 22, 2021 in Policy Blogs, Featured News Home Children/Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Children/Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Chronic and Complex Populations, Health Equity, Integrated Care for Children, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Medicaid Managed Care, Population Health, Social Determinants of Health /by Veronnica ThompsonEnacted in 2018, the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) significantly reformed the child welfare system and allowed states to use Title IV-E funds to reduce out-of-home placements for children and youth. When those placements are necessary, the FFPSA authorized specific types of allowable congregate settings, including qualified residential treatment programs (QRTPs).
Texas Improves Access to Routine Oral Health Services for Very Young Children
January 15, 2021 in Policy Texas Child Oral Health, Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, Consumer Affordability, Cost, Payment, and Delivery Reform, Health Coverage and Access, Health Equity, Health System Costs, Integrated Care for Children, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicaid Managed Care, Oral Health, Population Health, Primary Care/Patient-Centered/Health Home, Quality and Measurement, Quality and Measurement, Social Determinants of Health /by Veronnica ThompsonThough largely preventable, tooth decay (caries) is the most common chronic disease in US children, affecting approximately 23 percent of children ages 2 to 5.[1],[2] Texas’s First Dental Home and its enhanced bundled payment has increased access to preventive dental service and improved the oral health of Medicaid-enrolled children ages 6 to 35 months. Providing […]
Massachusetts Increases Adolescent Substance Use Treatment by Building Primary Care Provider Capacity
November 30, 2020 in Policy Blogs, Featured News Home Behavioral/Mental Health and SUD, Care Coordination, Chronic and Complex Populations, Integrated Care for Children, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Physical and Behavioral Health Integration /by Veronnica ThompsonState Medicaid Managed Care Program Design for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
September 21, 2020 in Policy Maps Featured Policy Home, Healthy Child Development, Integrated Care for Children, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Medicaid Managed Care, Program Design, Special Populations and Services /by Veronnica Thompson and Kate HonsbergerSign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter
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For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
