Centers & Institutes
Health Policy Seminar
Health Care UST MBA
Washington, D.C., April 19-21, 2009
As part of the Health Care UST MBA policy course, Senator Dave Durenberger led 25 students, faculty and staff to Washington, D.C., for an intensive three-day seminar. During their time in Washington, the group had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of policymakers, elected officials, journalists and senior administration representatives.
Click here for summaries, presentations and audio recordings from the seminar >
The one consistent question for each speaker was: "How in the world are you going to get this done - especially with this very divided congress?" Although there were differences, a number of common elements seemed to be present. Here are my impressions on how health care reform will evolve from these three days of discussions with these policy leaders and stakeholders.
-
Medicare will stay pretty much the same with an increased emphasis on value purchasing, which may help us in the Midwest.
-
Medicaid will probably not change much either, but the categorical programs may be eliminated and income will be the only criteria for eligibility.
-
Large employers providing health benefits will continue to contract with private health plans, but some portion of this benefit may become taxable.
-
The big change will come for small businesses and individuals who will purchase their health insurance through a subsidized exchange – similar to the current Massachusetts system.
The remaining controversies are the sources of funding for the subsidies and whether there would be a “public” plan offered as an option in the exchange. Even though the speakers had quite different points of view, it appears that compromise and solutions are achievable to truly make significant change in the system.
Dan McLaughlin
Director, Center for Health and Medical Affairs
Click here for summaries, presentations and audio recordings from the seminar >
