Forums

NCHC Forums bring together thought leaders, policymakers and stakeholders for timely public discussions about the future of America’s health system. The views expressed by the speakers are their own and do not reflect the positions of the National Coalition on Health Care or NCHC Action Fund.

All Upcoming 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

EVENT INFORMATION:

INNOVATIVE PRIVATE SECTOR STRATEGIES TO CURB HEALTH COSTS

10:00 AM – 11:30 AMCapitol Visitors Center, Room SVC 212-10

SPEAKERS

Tom Leyden, MBA, Director, Value Partnerships, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Larry Boress, President and CEO, Midwest Business Group on Health

SUMMARY

America’s health system faces high and rising costs and persistent issues related to quality of care. In an effort to stimulate dialogue around solutions to these challenges, the National Coalition on Health Care has launched its NCHC Forums series to showcase the perspectives of health care innovators and thought leaders. This forum features two private sector leaders who have demonstrated that it is possible to drive down health care costs while improving outcomes.

Mr. Leyden will discuss the powerful partnerships that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has forged with hospitals, physicians’ groups, and individual providers throughout his state. Value Partnerships’ nationally recognized efforts to reduce medical errors, promote the highest-quality evidence-supported care, and implement the patient-centered medical home model have yielded real cost savings by focusing on improving quality and outcomes.

Mr. Boress will discuss employer efforts to confront the rising cost of diabetes, particularly MBGH’s innovative Take Control of Your Health program, which provides employees diagnosed with diabetes with personalized health coaching from specially trained clinical pharmacists. This program, furnished to regional employers in partnership with the Illinois Pharmacists Association, has helped employees better manage their own health and improve their employers’ bottom line.

As policymakers work to keep federal health care programs on a sustainable footing, private sector initiatives like these can help point the way toward a health system we can all afford.