Transforming Maternal and Child Healthcare to Improve Birth Outcomes
The average share of deliveries insured through Medicaid represents nearly one-half of all births across the country. Furthermore, Medicaid and CHIP insure more than half of all low-income children. This presents a unique opportunity for public and private entities to increase the number of healthy babies born into Medicaid and improve the services provided to children. Join colleagues to learn about and discuss initiatives in areas such as group prenatal care, NICU management, pre-term birth rates, and industry and state partnerships that are driving change.
Expert Resources: Karen Shea, Vice President, Maternal and Child Health at WellPoint, Inc. and Sean Dunbar, Health Policy Director, Public Policy Institute at WellPoint, Inc.
NASHP Representative: Carrie Hanlon, Program Manager, NASHP
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. 
