LAS VEGAS, May 15, 2012—In just two months, the U.S. health care landscape could change drastically. As businesses across the country brace for the Supreme Court verdict on the controversial Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010, medical costs continue to rise while workers grow more dissatisfied with the limited offerings of their employer-sponsored health plans. Many forward-thinking corporations are opting to cut expenses and boost employee morale by adopting health care consumerism, a business strategy that involves putting health care decision making and purchasing power into the employees’ hands.
On September 6-7, 2012, more than 400 industry thought leaders, C-level executives, HR professionals and solution providers will gather at Las Vegas’ Red Rock Resort to explore the future of consumer-centric health plans at The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism’s (IHC) FORUM West conference. Its counterpart, FORUM East, was held in Atlanta in April 2012.
Now in its third year, the IHC FORUM (formerly CDHC Solutions FORUM) remains the only conference series dedicated solely to innovative health and benefit management. This year’s theme, “The Journey to HealthCare Consumerism,” focuses on preparing businesses of all sizes to transition smoothly to consumerism plans while preparing for potential changes to PPACA. Health care consumerism can include the adoption of health savings accounts, incentive programs, flexible spending accounts and corporate wellness initiatives—all of which have been proven to reduce health care costs and improve employee wellbeing. While the FORUM’s onsite medical and legal experts will analyze the court opinion, the health care consumerism trend is expected to grow regardless of June’s Supreme Court decision.
True to the IHC’s tagline, the event affords attendees numerous opportunities to “LEARN, CONNECT and SHARE.” With 24 workshops, a robust speaker lineup and five general sessions led by subject matter experts and policymakers, the FORUM purposes to leave attendees with insights on how to implement consumer-driven solutions, effectively communicate policy changes to employees and successfully navigate the country’s ever-shifting health and benefits
landscape.
FORUM attendees also will have the chance to glean best practices from peers who have effectively implemented health care consumerism programs, and exchange innovative ideas with professionals from across the entire health and benefits spectrum.
“Awesome, awesome FORUM!,” remarked Lisa D’Acquisto, benefits manager at Sunrise Medical in Fresno, California and FORUM East attendee. “I really like how innovative people are coming up with ideas, the networking at the table topics. I already have takeaways and we’re only halfway through the first day, so I’m super excited! I’m from California, and it was definitely worth the flight all the way out to Georgia to learn about these innovative things that I can implement in my workplace.”
Doug Field, IHC founder and CEO, agrees. “We’re on the heels of a very successful FORUM East and we’re definitely going to keep the momentum going for FORUM West in Vegas. There was a record turnout in Atlanta this year and we expect nothing less for September’s conference. FORUM West will feature top-notch speakers and workshops on every consumerism topic you can think of. Our goal is equip attendees with real-life solutions that they can use immediately in their businesses. We can’t wait for FORUM West!”
FORUM West highlights include:
* Health care consumerism experts Ron Bachman, Dr. Wendy Lynch, Roy Ramthun, John Hickman and John Young
* General sessions on PPACA compliance, employee communication, incentive programs, HRAs and HSAs
* A chance to earn HR Certification Institute credits toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification
* Brand new, nationally recognized NAHU certification courses
* Intimate roundtable sharing sessions with peers and industry thought leaders
* Innovation Showcase to highlight products that companies can use to save money today
To learn more about the FORUM, visit http://www.theihccforum.com [www.theihccforum.com ]or tune in to Health Care Consumerism Radio. FORUM registration is now open.
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About the IHC FORUM
The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism’s FORUM East and FORUM West are the only national events 100 percent dedicated to innovative health and benefits management. Through 24 cutting-edge workshops, five general sessions and numerous networking opportunities, attendees get relevant insights from industry thought leaders and policymakers on how to cut costs, engage employees and comply with current health care laws. The FORUM allows HR professionals, brokers, consultants and health plan administrators to share leading practices, exchange ideas and arrive at real, implementable solutions.