The Second Annual Missouri
Health Policy Summit was held in Jefferson City, Missouri at the Ramada
Conference Center on November 12, 2004. Stakeholders from across the
state attended two informative and thought-provoking sessions.
The first session focused on Medicare
and Medicaid by providing in-depth analysis of changes facing the state
due to implementation of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act (MMA).
Special attention to the interaction of the federal and state programs
was made. Medicare expert, Michael Hash, Former Acting Administrator
of the Health Care Financing Administration provided a detailed overview
of some major impacts MMA is projected to have on private and public
insurance. Panelists provided insight into the primary issues concerning
how the MMA will effect public and private health entities throughout
the state.
The second session explored ways
to expand health insurance to the uninsured throughout the state. The
data on Missouri's uninsured population collected by the Missouri State
Planning Grant was presented along with policy recommendations of the
state Advisory Council on the Affordability and Accessibility of Health
Insurance Coverage. This was followed by a joint stakeholder and legislative
panel which provided a lively and balanced discussion on reducing the
number of uninsured Missourians.
We would like to thank all speakers,
and panelists and all who participated in the Summit. Without you the
endeavor would not have been so successful. We encourage you to send
any comments and questions about issues or concerns that you did not
have time to voice during the proceedings or others you may have thought
of since it commenced to us at healthpolicy@missouri.edu.
Impact of Medicare Part D on Medicaid Recipients
Janel Luck, Deputy Director, Program and Policy, Family Support Division,
Missouri Department of Social Services
The Medicare Modernization Act: A Missouri Overview
George L. Oestreich, PharmD, MPA
Director, Pharmacy Program, Missouri Division of Medical Services
The Impact of MMA on Senior Care
Marilyn Rantz, PhD, RN, NHA, FAAN, Professor, University of Missouri
Sinclair School of Nursing