Our March Health TechNet meeting focused on the important role of the states in various aspects of healthcare reform and IT implementation, including the insurance exchanges, Medicaid restructuring, benefits definition, grants and incentive payments for new technology, and the battle over funding resources.
The meeting featured the presentation of Kevin Kuhlman (via teleconference), healthcare legislative assistant to Congressman Roskam (R-Illinois) of the House Ways and Means Committee and Ree Sailors from the National Governors Association. Mr. Kuhlman provided us with an overview of pending healthcare legislation and his perspective on the role of the states in health reform implementation, while Ms. Sailors talked about the implications of President Obama's recent announcement to the National Governors Association that states will be given greater flexibility to adopt their own programs as long as they meet federal goals. She also discussed the many challenges facing the states in meeting budgetary limitations.
The presentations of the speakers were followed by an active discussion among our members. Available presentations are attached.