Michael Heifetz, Michael Best Strategies principal, joined an elite panel of speakers at the 2018 AcademyHealth National Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. in February to discuss current and upcoming federal health policy from legislative, administrative and legal perspectives.
The panelists on “Health Reform X.O: What Now, What’s Next?” shared their thoughts on what was or was not accomplished over the last year, as well as what they think is on the horizon for healthcare, including legislation that could take aim at the opioid crisis in the United States. Heifetz spoke from his perspective as former Wisconsin Medicaid Director.
“Between reform attempts, repeal attempts, and replace attempts, instability was the healthcare industry’s theme for the past year, year and a half,” said Heifetz.
Heifetz further stressed that Medicaid programs are “on the ground” every day, ensuring the delivery of care to many of our most vulnerable neighbors, often in our most challenging environments with unique needs.
“Policy makers and administrators need to recognize that the partnerships of patients, providers, and managed care organizations will be the key to improve access to and the quality of healthcare regardless of the regulatory framework,” added Heifetz.
Heifetz was joined on the panel discussion by Sara Rosenbaum, George Washington University, School of Public Health; Gail Wilensky, Project HOPE; and Jeanne Lambrew, The Century Foundation. William Hoagland, Bipartisan Policy Center, moderated the panel discussion.
