Simplified but not Simple: Tackling Health Reform's Eligibility and Enrollment Challenge
Improving enrollment and eligibility systems is a heavy lift, but across the nation, states are developing a vision to advance efficiencies in their processes. State strategies will be varied, but the decision points are the same. How do you determine eligibility using a MAGI methodology and set eligibility system specifications to accommodate new rules? Who is in charge of eligibility decisions – Medicaid or the Exchange; states or counties? How do you work across programs to enable electronic data exchange to determine eligibility?
In the almost two years since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the vision for a simplified, seamless eligibility and enrollment system across Medicaid, CHIP, exchanges and basic health program has been made clear. Yet, the complexities that come with simplification have also become apparent. Even as states await final proposed rules, many are moving forward in search of solutions.
This webinar will size up state progress on updating eligibility systems and profile the strategies of three early adopters. Presenters will help states identify key decision points and how to get started on tackling these challenges.
Has your state begun to develop new eligibility policies, systems and processes? Don’t let that work go uncounted! Submit documents and comments that show your state’s progress, and webinar presenter Alan Weil may highlight your work on the webinar. Start by finding your state here!
Speakers
Manu Tandon, Secretariat Chief Information Officer, Massachusetts’ Health and Human Services
Judith A. Arnold, Director, Division of Coverage and Enrollment, Office of Health Insurance Programs
Tracy Turner, Manager, Enrollment Automation and Data Integrity, Oklahoma Health Care Authority
Dustin Oxford, Manager, Enrollment Automation and Data Integrity, Oklahoma Health Care Authority
Alan Weil, Executive Director, National Academy for State Health Policy
Alice Weiss, Program Director, National Academy for State Health Policy
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. 
