2013 Conference Highlights

The 2013 Medicaid Innovations Forum convened over 200+ key Medicaid professionals representing health plans, state government, government contractors, and diverse array of over 20 product/service solution providers.  The event took place at the beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando and the learning was mixed in with two memorable networking receptions, among the20+ exhibitors and fantastic lunches and breaks that made for unmatched networking and information exchange.

The event kicked off with pre-conference workshops that encouraged attendees to think outside the box concerning topics critical to the Medicaid field.  Defining Image, along with the CEO and COO of Chartered Health Plan, offered a workshop challenging participants to make Medicaid sexy by engaging consumers on a grass roots level.  Verizon disclosed strategies for using technology to transform fraud, waste, and abuse while maximizing ROI.  APS Healthcare, along with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and MaineCare Services, explored methods of integrating behavioral and medical care in a Patient Centered Medical Home through the use of case studies and real world experiences that engaged the audience and brought rave reviews from the group. 

The Conference was chaired by Richard Yadon, Host of Medicaid Matters and President and CEO of Managed Medicaid Services.  Richard, with his engaging talk show skills, brought out the best from the speakers, while also engaging the audience so that everyone participated in valuable information sharing.

Day One highlights include insights into this year’s challenges and opportunities from MHPA, which set the stage perfectly for the panel discussion that attendees will not soon forget.  Led by Leonard Kirschner, this riveting discussion focused on the impact of the election on Medicaid’s future.   Len kept attendees engaged, intrigued, thoughtful…and hysterical…as he led his three expert panelists through the three major topics facing Medicaid today…Expansion, Dual Eligibles, and the Exchange.  One of the panelists, Bill Clark of Vermont, followed the panel discussion with a session about Vermont’s plan for expansion, as well as insights into expansion decisions throughout the country. 

Key clinical issues were addressed by CareSource, the State of Arkansas, L.A. Care, Wellpoint, and the State of Ohio.  Highlights include Arkansas discussing how theyaligned payment incentives for delivery of high quality care, Ohio sharing five ways to reduce avoidable ER, and CareSource tackling preventable readmissions with their bridge to home initiative.  

A panel discussion on Health Insurance Exchanges featured an engaging discussion led by Jill Spencer of HumanArc.  Industry experts shared their insights on shifting thinking from Medicaid to commercial operations, identifying opportunities for growth, and potential pitfalls.

Case studies from UnitedHealthcare, CareSource, and the State of Michigan showed us how to engage Medicaid consumers.  CareSource shared how they created an intentionally designed consumer experience to generate brand advocates among the Medicaid population. 

The State of Michigan shared their first-of-its-kind Medicaid application designed to facilitate greater involvement in health self-management.

The momentum from Day One continued with a rich and full day of learning on Day Two.  Emblem Health talked about what they are doing to prepare for the opportunity and challenge of dual eligible integrated care programs.  Representatives from the states of Colorado and Minnesota shared their unique approaches to establishing ACO’s.  The state of Missouri disclosed their strategies for preventing and detecting fraud and abuse in Medicaid MCO’s. 

The CEO of Genesee Health Plan and the CEO of Genesee County Community Mental Health shared their findings from an innovative five year community-based approach to the integration of medical/behavioral health in the uninsured population, and discussed how this will be applicable to the Medicaid expansion population.

Finally, Cook Children’s Health Plan capped off the conference by offering tips for building a high quality network despite the Medicaid provider shortage. 

In the evenings, even after the formal presentations and receptions were over, the fellowship created by this event, now in its 5th year, continued-- attendees could be seen in small groups watching alligators being fed, taking a dip in the heated pool, or dining in one of the hotel’s five restaurants.   Overall, the conference was an unforgettable experience and we, along with our community, look forward to bringing you an even bigger and better event in 2014!