Welcome to CLPHA's health acronyms glossary!
This tool is designed for housers looking to expand their understanding of the healthcare system. The terms are organized by theme and several terms may be found under multiple themes. If you would prefer to view an alphabetized list of all terms, click here. If you would like a more in-depth understanding of certain terms, visit our health explainers page.
Coordination of Health Care Benefits and Services
Drugs
Elder Care and Services
Health Care and Managed Care
Hospital Services
Medicaid and Medicare
Medical Conditions
Policy and Legislation
Treatment
AoA (Administration on Aging)
Housed within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration on Aging was established by the Older Americans Act of 1965 to promote the wellbeing of older adults and their ability to live independently. The AoA encompasses the Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services, Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, Office for American Indian, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian Programs, and the Office of Long-term Care Ombudsman Programs. The AoA distributes funds for AAAs, ADRCs, and other local networks pursuant to the Older Americans Act.
ASPE (Office of the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation)
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation serves as the research arm for the Department of Health and Human Services, providing information on health, disability, human services, data, and science policy. The ASPE engages in strategic planning across departments, policy analyses, and research and evaluation studies. The ASPE includes the Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy, Office of Health Policy, Office of Human Services Policy, and the Office of Science and Data Policy, as well as HHS’ Chief Economist.
BPHC (Bureau of Primary Health Care)
The Bureau of Primary Health Care is housed within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that funds and manages the health center program. There are approximately 1,400 health centers currently in operation across the country. BPHC also oversees quality improvement and data collection for the program.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is an operating branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that deals with health, safety, and security issues and disease prevention. The CDC responds to public health concerns by releasing research and guidance on occupational safety, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and other health-related concerns.
CMMI (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation)
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is a department within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services dedicated to supporting and testing “innovative health care payment and service delivery models.” CMMI functions on the state and federal level to develop innovative practices in this field. CMMI is also involved in the implementation of the Quality Payment Program, which was part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015.
CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are the entities responsible for administering federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and state and federal health insurance marketplaces. Housed within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMS manages these programs while also conducting research and data and eliminating fraud and abuse.
HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration)
The Health Resources and Services Administration is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that allocates health care and services for populations living in remote areas and/or who are “economically or medically vulnerable.” HRSA oversees primary care programs, health workforce training, and improvements in health care delivery. HRSA also funds the National Center for Health in Public Housing, which provides technical assistance and trainings to support the Public Housing Primary Care program.
MACPAC (Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission)
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission is an independent and bipartisan research agency that advises Congress, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and states regarding Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. MACPAC provides policy and data analysis on payment, eligibility, enrollment and retention, coverage, access to care, quality of care, and interaction with Medicare and the larger health care system.
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a federal research institute that operates under the National Institute of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA conducts research on drug use trends, treatment, and prevention. NIDA shares its findings with the public, Congress, and government agencies.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program serves children whose family’s income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. CHIP is administered by states according to federal guidelines and works closely with state Medicaid offices. States maintain different eligibility rules to qualify. CHIP currently covers 9 million children nation-wide.CHIP , Children’s Health Insurance Program – The Children’s Health Insurance Program serves children whose family’s income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. CHIP is administered by states according to federal guidelines and works closely with state Medicaid offices. States maintain different eligibility rules to qualify. CHIP currently covers 9 million children nation-wide.
FPL (Federal Poverty Level)
The Federal Poverty Level or “poverty guidelines” are assembled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to determine eligibility for federal programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Individuals and families generally qualify for programs if they are at or below 100 percent FPL. HHS releases FPL at the beginning of each calendar year.
I/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)
Intellectual and developmental disabilities are disorders that generally present at birth and hinder physical, developmental, and/or emotional development. Intellectual disabilities hinder intellectual functioning, as well as life and social skills. Some of the most common IDs are Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders. IDD refers to the co-occurrence of an intellectual disability with another disability. These disabilities may affect multiple systems within the body.
Ryan White (HIV/AIDS) Funding
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program offers primary medical care and support services for individuals with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. Over half of those diagnosed with HIV are served by Ryan White Funding, which coordinates payment among states, cities, and community-based organizations. In addition to ensuring that patients receive the medication they need, this funding also supports technical assistance, clinical training, and the development of new treatments and care. There are 5 parts within the program: Part A provides funding for services in metropolitan areas; Part B provides funding for the improvement and expansion of HIV health care; Part C provides funding for outpatient programs run by community-based organizations; Part D provides funding for women, infants, and families with or affected by AIDS; and Part F provides funding for research and access-to-care programs.
SPA (State Plan Amendment)
State and Federal governments develop state plans to determine how state Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program will be paid for and administered. These plans include information on individuals and groups covered, services provided, reimbursement procedures, and other administrative standards. States must submit state plan amendments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to make changes to the original state plan.
AAA (Area Agencies on Aging)
Established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1973, Area Agencies on Aging provide access to several home and community-based services that enable individuals over the age of 60 to “age in place.” AAAs are designed with local needs in mind and coordinate with on-the-ground delivery systems. AAAs support the independence and health of older adults by providing supportive services and advocating on behalf of elder rights.
ACH (Accountable Communities of Health)
Accountable Communities of Health (also known as Accountable Care Communities and Accountable Health Communities) are cross-sector alliances between health care providers, social services organizations, and community partners that work to improve local health outcomes. In supporting higher quality care, reducing costs, and improving health outcomes, ACH have received designated funding in certain states.
ACL (Administration for Community Living)
The Administration for Community Living supports the right of older adults and people with disabilities to live successfully in their communities instead of institutions. ACL supports these individuals and their families and caregivers by advocating on their behalf, funding and administering community-based programs, and conducting research and development.
ACT (Assertive Community Treatment)
Assertive Community Treatment is an evidence-based practice used to treat individuals with severe mental illness who are most at risk of hospitalization and incarceration. Usually for individuals who do not respond to traditional outpatient therapy, ACT includes comprehensive specialized services.
ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center)
Aging and Disability Resource Centers were launched in 2003 as a collaborative initiative by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Veterans Health Administration. ADRCs provide a single point of entry for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans seeking access to the Long-Term Services and Supports (see LTSS) system. They provide information and counseling for these individuals as well as their families and caregivers. Although many AAAs perform the function of ADRCs, ADRCs are designed to connect individuals with programs and services administered by AAAs and other agencies.
CMHC (Community Mental Health Center)
Established by the Community Health Act of 1963, Community Mental Health Centers were designed as alternatives to institutions serving individuals with mental illnesses. CMHCs provide consultation and education on mental health, inpatient services, outpatient services, emergency response, and partial hospitalization. CMHCs facilitate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services so that individuals with mental illnesses can remain in their communities.
Community Benefit Dollars
Tax-exempt hospitals receive significant financial benefit due to their status. Hospitals have historically put this money towards serving patients who cannot afford hospital services, also known as charity care. The Affordable Care Act reaffirms charity care as a viable use of these funds, while also encouraging hospitals to engage in community health benefit activities. With the help of the Community Health Needs Assessment, hospitals are well positioned to work with community and public health organizations to meet certain health needs. Hospitals are also encouraged to partner with community development organizations to address community-specific social determinants of health.
Community Health Needs Assessment
The Affordable Care Act requires tax-exempt hospitals to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments that identify health status and need of their surrounding community. Based on this data, hospitals are expected to carry out interventions and strategies to better serve patients in the form of a Community Health Improvement Plan. The Community Health Needs Assessment aims at improving community health standards and coordinating health systems and public health priorities.
Community Health Workers are public health representatives either from, or with a strong understanding of, the community in which they serve. These individuals act as intermediaries between the community and health and social service providers, building capacity, access, and cultural competency.
FQHC (Federally-Qualified Health Center)
Federally-Qualified Health Centers are medical providers such as community health centers, migrant health centers, homeless health centers, and public housing primary care providers that cater to underserved populations. FQHC services generally include preventative health, dental, mental health, substance abuse, hospital, and transportation services for outpatient care. As “safety-net providers,” FQHCs set their own costs for services and receive reimbursement benefits from Medicare and Medicaid, as well as for chronic care management. FQHCs may serve as originating sites for telehealth services in certain areas.
HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Programs)
Home and Community Based Services allow the elderly and individuals with disabilities to receive treatment and services in their homes through state Medicaid funding. HCBS generally include case management, help around the house, modifications for accessibility, transportation services, adult day care, and certain kinds of therapy. The HCBS waiver program allows states to waive certain Medicaid requirements to specialize their services and target certain populations.