Featured Keynotes at This Year's Medicaid Managed Care Congress

At this critical crossroad for US healthcare reform, it is essential to obtain the most comprehensive answers to the challenges that lie ahead while the debate on The Hill continues. In its 18th year, the Medicaid Managed Care Congress is THE place that brings together the nation’s preeminent thought leaders to help you navigate reform from policy to practice.

Join us as over 300 attendees convene annually to hear 50+ government and industry experts from State and Federal Medicaid, Managed Care plans, and National Policy, as they present the latest strategies and ideas to help you achieve quality, manage cost, and prepare for the latest policy changes.

Featured Keynote Presentations include:

Insights and Updates on US Health Care Reform: Mark McClellan, Director, Engelberg Center for Healthcare Reform, Brookings Institution
Join Dr. McClellan as he evaluates the current state of reform and discusses the inevitable Medicaid changes from a public policy perspective. Explore the implications of implementation, assess reform’s achievability in an effective and sustainable Medicaid program, and grasp the impact of legislation on eligibility, expansions, coverage, and state financing.

Analyze the Impact of Electronic Health Records on Medicaid Programs for Improved Healthcare: Patrick J. Kennedy, Representative, State of Rhode Island, US House of Representatives
Congressman Kennedy discusses the latest developments and capabilities of health IT and its impact and benefits in Medicaid Managed Care programs and the healthcare industry as a whole.

For complete program details, visit our website at www.mmccongress.com or download the conference brochure. And be sure to register by this Friday, February 26th, for maximum cost savings.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

States facing remaining bills for pensions

At FreeP.com, they look at the debt that Michigan tax payers are facing where funding for pensions for state employees health care falls short. This is up to $50 billion in unfunded pensions and retiree healthcare. Michigan is not the only state facing this problem, California is facing a debt of $122 billion and Illinois is facing a debt of up to $94 billion. Read more about it here.

State Health Plans at Risk

USAToday.com reports thats State healthcare plans are in jeopardy because of the economy. Julie Appleby writes, that the troubled economy is forcing Washington and other states to pare back health insurance programs for low-income people, even as growing joblessness boosts demand for help. Five of six states that use state funds to assist adults not covered by Medicaid are considering cuts, barring new enrollment or raising fees.

The more than 250,000 people in the state programs are adults who don't qualify for the joint federal-state Medicaid program, either because they don't have children or earn more than the tight limits states impose on Medicaid eligibility. They represent a tiny fraction of people who get government health insurance, yet the state programs are often their sole option for coverage.

As Washington works to solidify a health care bill, what measures can States do to keep the low income population covered?

Learn more: State health plans in jeopardy