Demystifying universal coverage
Research shows that many Americans believe that everyone should have access to affordable health care coverage. However, the method to achieve that goal remains a topic of national debate. ]There are many paths to achieving “universal coverage” both nationally and…
Coffee talk with Julie Stoss, Vice President, Government Relations
Julie Hutcheson Stoss, JD is a vice president in Kaiser Permanente’s government relations department and has worked at Kaiser Permanente since 1999. She leads the department’s efforts to develop policy positions and priorities with respect to proposed government actions. We sat…
Seven things business leaders should know (and do) about health care
In the six years since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law, it has survived three elections, two Supreme Court decisions, and countless legislative challenges. Today, millions of Americans who once went uninsured now have health coverage.
A wannabe winemaker plots the path to a new health care delivery system
Health Affairs Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil recently surprised readers with his comments on “Why I Oppose Payment Reform.” Those of us who fell for that bit of click bait discovered that, of course, he does not oppose reform. Rather, he wanted…
Six burning questions healthcare leaders have about ACOs
If you ask healthcare leaders what they think about Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), you won’t be short on answers. From high hopes to cautious optimism to worry and skepticism, the full gamut of feelings is there. The amount of buzz…
Informing the next generation of Accountable Care Organizations
Some of the biggest buzz in health reform lies in the potential that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) have to help to reduce costs, improve care, and move away from fee-for-service to population-based payment. But questions remain as to whether or not…
What’s in an ACO? Elliott Fisher introduces research on emerging ACO models
Accountable Care Organizations hold great promise in improving quality and reducing costs of health care. But little is known about the organizational structure of current ACOs, and what factors will lead to their success. In this interview, Elliott Fisher of…
State officials and health care leaders explore delivery system transformation
The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) held its 24th Annual State Health Policy Conference this past Fall, in Kansas City, Missouri. The three-day conference convened more than 600 state leaders from across the country to discuss health policy…
A few cautions about exchanges
The health benefit exchanges outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) are a necessary foundation for market-based reform of the health care financing and delivery system. At least in theory, exchanges embody the type of market structure…