"How Am I Doing?" Measuring State Health Coverage System Performance
Even before implementing the ACA’s coverage program requirements last year, many states used data to monitor policies and programs, make adjustments, and, in some cases, measure performance. ACA implementation has also prompted federal agency partners to create new data and performance reporting requirements for Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace programs to allow more uniform data collection across states. This webinar will explore the methods and strategies states are using to understand how their coverage programs are operating and look at options and opportunities for states to leverage existing data to support broader health reform goals. Key areas of discussion will include:
- What data sources and structures are states using to monitor and evaluate the impact of early coverage program implementation?
- To what extent is data monitoring enabling states to identify problems and measure performance at the state and local levels in key areas, including enrollment, system accessibility, consumer experience, and outreach?
- How are the federal reporting processes working for states?
- How can stakeholders (including assisters, hospitals, FQHCs or other community-based organizations) increase states’ data inputs?
The webinar will provide an overview of existing data sources and performance measures at the federal and state levels, offer key considerations for states in developing new measures, and share perspectives from states immersed in data collection and monitoring. California will share new transparent standards and reports that make county performance public, and Connecticut will share its standards and processes for measuring its exchange system performance.
Idaho will share information about their longitudinal data mart, which tracks individual enrollment and retention in health and human service programs over time, and how they are using it to inform their understanding of ACA implementation.
Speakers:
- Genevieve Kenney, Moderator, Co-Director & Senior Fellow, Health Policy Center, The Urban Institute
- Elizabeth Lukanen, Senior Research Fellow, State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC)
- Kevin Counihan, Chief Executive Officer, Access Health Connecticut
- Anastasia Dodson, Associate Director, California Department of Health Care Services
- Matthew Clark, Research Analyst Supervisor, Idaho Division of Welfare
| Download Webinar Slides | 5.1 MB |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
