AcademyHealth Stateside - 07/26/2006  (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
 Judge Finds “Wal-Mart” Bill Invalid
 Administration Eases Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirement
 Two New Invitational Programs Available from SCI
 Issue Brief on Medicaid Consumer-Directed Health Purchasing Now Available
 New State Coverage Reforms Enacted
 Coverage Implementations and Updates: Massachusetts, Florida & Maryland
 San Francisco Approves Universal Access Bill
 Register Now for AcademyHealth’s Health Policy Orientation
 Reports of Interest

Two New Invitational Programs Available from SCI


Two new invitational programs for interested states are now available from the State Coverage Initiatives (SCI) program: The Reinsurance Institute and a Workshop on Policy Analysis and Communication Skills.

Reinsurance Institute: The Reinsurance Institute is a new technical assistance program offering for states that are seriously considering the development and design of a reinsurance program as a strategy to expand coverage. One of the main objectives of the Reinsurance Institute is to create a network of interested states that can exchange knowledge about this strategy.

September 2006 - Small Group Consultation: SCI is pleased to invite states that are actively pursuing a reinsurance strategy to participate in the Institute. Approximately 10 – 15 states will be chosen to participate in the Reinsurance Institute. The first component of the Institute will be a small group consultation scheduled for early September 2006 where states will have the opportunity to learn from the Healthy New York staff (the reinsurance program in New York) and expert actuarial and policy consultants being provided through the SCI program.

Fall and Winter 2006 - In-Depth State Consultations: Following the first meeting of the Institute, states will be able to apply for additional resources, including access to the technical expertise of a consultant to model how a reinsurance strategy might work in individual states. Three or four states will be selected to receive in-depth assistance from our consultant partner to develop that state-specific analysis. The modeling is designed to answer questions about costs, take up, and the overall impact of a publicly-subsidized reinsurance program. A small grant will also be available to those three or four states to help with related state needs.

Spring 2007 - Final Reinsurance Institute Consultation: Those states who had attended the initial Small Group Consultation will reconvene to review the analysis and findings. In addition, information related to the reinsurance modeling and lessons learned from the state-specific in-depth analysis will be shared with attending states. A final report based on the lessons learned during the course of the Institute will assist states who may consider a similar coverage strategy in the future.
 
A letter of invitation has been sent to each state’s Governor’s office, as well as to each state’s health department and insurance department; however, only one application per state will be accepted. For more details on the Reinsurance Institute and information on how to apply, visit the SCI Meetings webpage.

Workshop on Policy Analysis and Communication Skills for State Health Leaders: This workshop will present a systematic approach for analyzing complex policy issues and a framework for assessing the logic of particular programs or policy options. Through presentations, discussions, and opportunities to reflect on their own unique situations, agency executives and lead analysts will participate in an intensive two-day workshop to enhance their policy analysis and research skills. Through this workshop, participants will be better able to:

  • Apply a systematic approach for analyzing problems and selecting among competing options;
  • Understand and use research and quantitative methods for modeling policy proposals; 
  • Use data and information in decision-making with greater confidence; 
  • Design an effective communications strategy for engaging stakeholders; and 
  • Understand and use approaches for leading and managing the policy process.

The workshop has been designed for senior-level State officials who are responsible for guiding and directing policy initiatives to improve health insurance coverage. This includes lead staff from Medicaid agencies, health departments, insurance departments, and other health-related agencies, as well as staff directors of special health task forces and commissions.

A letter of invitation has been sent to each state’s Governor’s office, as well as each state’s health department, insurance department, and Medicaid agency. For more details on the Policy Analysis Workshop and information on how to apply, visit the SCI Meetings webpage.