Back by Popular Demand at MMCC | 4 Crowd Favorites

"Anyone involved in Medicaid policy or a stakeholder they should be there."
- Russell Harper, Aetna

2014 was about strategy and understanding Obamacare and the ACA. Now implementation begins. 2015 is the year for tactical execution. How are payers, providers and vendors going to collaborate effectively?

As a Medicaid stakeholder, MMCC provides you the tools and insight to develop cost-efficient programming with 3 jam-packed days of health plan case study presentations, face time with government officials and up-to-the-minute information from CMS.

Back by popular demand, attend the Medicaid Managed Care Congress and check out our unique programming and formats that continues to make MMCC the must-attend event year after year:


CMS Presentations
Receive clarification from federal regulators for additional insights on new managed care regulations

Government Roundtable Discussions
Participate in off-the-cuff conversations with government officials who create the regulations you're currently implementing, and get a sneak peak of what you'll be tasked with implementing in the future

State Medicaid Officials' Panel
Gain access to Medicaid Directors across the country to proactively prepare for future programming and learn how other states have prospered in the era of Reform Implementation

State Spotlights
Take a deep dive into programs states have rolled out in the past year (hits and misses) to better understand state regulations that may be in your near future.


Download the complete agenda.

Register now and save $400 - Use the code: XP2026BLOG

Have any questions about the event? Reach out to Ryan Geswell at rgeswell@iirusa.com

Hear from CMO of BCBSA on Rising Cancer Care Costs

 America's National Institute of Health predicts that spending on all cancer treatment assuming a 5 percent annual increase in these costs raises the projection to $207 billion.

Due to an aging population, increased cancer diagnosis, rising cancer care expenses, and a demanding payer market, new strategies need to be addressed for pharmaceutical companies to maintain, commercialize, and increase oncology access in the marketplace. It is imperative to learn from experts who are able to deliver affordable cancer care, while improving quality and bend the cost curve downward

At IIR’s Annual Summit for Oncology Management taking place July 21-23 in Philadelphia, you will hear from Dr. Trent Haywood, MD, JD SVP Office of Clinical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at BlueCross BlueShield Association, a trend-setter in this space. Dr. Haywood will be discussing the so-called “cancer conundrums”, focusing on the current issues and challenges your industry is facing and shed light on some of the successful strategies that have worked for BCBSA.

Download the brochure to view Dr. Haywood’s sessions and more.

Register now to meet and collaborate with all the key stakeholders across the oncology management landscape including BCBSA, Aetna, Astellas Pharma, Eli Lilly and more! Save $200 by Friday, 6/20. Please use your code XP1914BLOG

Dr. Trent Haywood, MD 
 As the BCBSAs’ chief medical officer, Dr. Haywood supports the innovation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in communities around the country as they improve the choices of healthcare quality and patient safety for their members. He is responsible for the Office of Clinical Affairs, which includes the Center for Clinical Effectiveness, Center for Clinical Practices, and the Center for Clinical Value. Collectively, the Office of Clinical Affairs supports opportunities between Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and stakeholders to improve the choices of affordable, high quality healthcare provided to members.

Aetna Drops on Rising Costs for Dismissed Workers

According to Alex Nussbaum at Bloomberg, Aetna Inc., the third-largest U.S. health insurer, slipped the most in two months in New York trading after the company said it was spending more than expected on health benefits for workers who lost their jobs or feared dismissal.
The shares dropped 10 percent, or $2.52, to $21.88 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading, Aetna’s biggest one-day fall since March 5. The Hartford, Connecticut- based insurer said expenses were pushed higher by dismissed workers who continued buying insurance through the government- subsidized Cobra program, as well as those who ramped up medical treatment as firings loomed.

Will more health insurance carriers face the same troubles as Aetna or will this be a temporary set back for the insurance giant?