Message As companies await the Supreme Court decision regarding the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism’s conference provides cost-saving answers.
ATLANTA, Apr 5, 2012—As the Supreme Court deliberates on the constitutionality of the country’s landmark health care legislation, corporations ponder the impact the verdict will have on their health and benefits budgets. “Health Care Reform: A Potential Pothole on the Journey to HealthCare Consumerism,” is one of five general sessions offered by The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism’s (IHC) FORUM East conference. This session will address the financial implications of health care reform, its possible effect on consumer-directed health plans and strategies companies can use to save money amidst the volatility. Led by industry experts Roy Ramthun and John Hickman the session will be held at 9:00 a.m. on April 13 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Passed in March 2010, the controversial Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (PPACA) has already had an impact on employers and the health care coverage they offer their workers. While most employers want to continue to sponsor employee coverage, many fear that changes in legislation will mean significant premium increases. Health savings accounts (HSAs), corporate wellness programs, health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) and other consumer-driven programs are proven cost-savers, but little is known about how PPACA will affect these solutions in the long run. The hour-long, living room style session will provide insights, predictions and readily implementable solutions from leading voices on health care policy and consumerism matters.
Mr. Ramthun is a Washington insider and recognized thought leader on HSAs and consumer-directed health care issues. A former policy advisor to President George W. Bush, Mr. Ramthun will leverage his diverse public policy, government and private sector experience to help FORUM attendees navigate health care reform, manage expenses and prepare for the potential shift in health care legislation. He will co-lead the session with Mr. Hickman, head of the Health Benefits Practice at Alston + Bird, LLP and a pioneer in the consumer-driven health care arena. Mr. Hickman has worked closely with financial institutions and employers as well as the IRS, and Departments of Treasury and Labor to develop HSAs and HRAs. The session will be moderated by Center for Health Transformation fellow and Healthcare Visions president, Ron Bachman.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have Roy and John at this year’s FORUM,” says Doug Field, IHC founder and CEO. “As two of the industry’s foremost experts on PPACA and its impact on the health and benefits space, they’ll answer tough healthcare reform questions and provide valuable, cost-saving insights that you just couldn’t get anywhere else.”
Additionally, executives from major Atlanta-based corporations, including The Coca-Cola Company and Chic-fil-A will lead several of the conference\’s workshop breakout sessions.
Other IHC FORUM East general sessions include:
The Journey to HealthCare Consumerism—Opening Session
Employer Panel: What HealthCare Consumerism Means to You
Population Health Management Multi Stakeholder Panel
Health Care Provider Panel
To learn more about the conference or to register, visit www.theihccforum.com.
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. FORUM-goers also have an unprecedented opportunity to learn from peers who have successfully adopted health care consumerism programs. The FORUM allows HR professionals, brokers, consultants and health plan administrators to share leading practices, exchange ideas and arrive at real, implementable solutions.
Contact:
Rochelle Porter
The IHC FORUM
404-671-9551