Webinar: Possible Opportunities for States to Improve Private Health Insurance for Children
Date: February 25, 2016
While Medicaid and CHIP are important health coverage programs for children, nearly half of all children are covered through the private insurance market. This webinar will explore several areas in which states may have some leverage to help affect change or improve aspects of coverage for children within the private market. Brian Webb of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners will kick off our discussion by providing some context setting and then we will hear from state officials representing the Insurance Commissions in Montana and Washington. The state officials will share how the state insurance regulator’s office aims to balance health needs of children and families with rules, regulation and cost in the fully insured private market, which includes individual, small and some large groups. Discussion will focus on mandated benefits, network adequacy standards, providing clear information on coverage costs and what we know about transitions for children moving between public and private coverage to date.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Trish Riley, Executive Director, National Academy for State Health Policy
- Brian Webb, Manager of Health Policy and Legislation, National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- Christina Goe, General Counsel, Montana Commissioner of Insurance and Securities
- Sarah Kwiatkowski, Senior Health Policy Advisor, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commission
Supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration through the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal and Child Health: Cooperative Agreement Expanding Access to Care for the Maternal and Child Health Population
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. 
