5 Things Washington: The future of Medicaid, Housing insecurity, Virtual care

By

Emily Boerger

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We are now just two weeks out from the 2022 Inland Northwest State of Reform Health Policy Conference! The conference will feature 15 breakout sessions and over 50 curated speakers who will talk through some of the most pressing issues facing Washington’s health care system.

We’re also looking forward to hearing from State Medicaid Director Dr. Charissa Fotinos and Ingrid Ulrey, HHS Regional Director, Region 10, who will join us during our keynote sessions.

In this edition of “5 Things We’re Watching,” we feature a handful of the upcoming sessions that we’re looking forward to hosting. We’d love to have you join us!

Emily Boerger
State of Reform

 

1. The future of Medicaid

Washington’s Medicaid program is set to undergo significant shifts as the state grapples with the end of the PHE, the upcoming Medicaid redetermination process, and new procurements on the horizon. This panel will offer an update on the changes underway and the road ahead for the state’s safety net.

In addition to leading our Morning Keynote, Dr. Charissa Fotinos will offer her insight on our “The future of Medicaid” panel. She’ll be joined by Anthony Woods, President & CEO of Amerigroup Washington, and Aaron Wilson, CEO of CHAS Health. Be sure to bring your questions to this valuable conversation!

 

2. Housing insecurity & health policy

Having stable housing options is a key factor in supporting healthy communities and individuals. Our “Housing insecurity & health policy” panel will highlight the connection between these factors and will explore new pathways for addressing housing needs across the state.

Joining this panel will be Tedd Kelleher, Policy Director of the Housing Division at the Washington State Dept. of Commerce, Rhonda Hauff, CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, and Jennifer Cerecedes, Director of Community, Housing, and Human Services for the City of Spokane.


3. An honest conversation on the future of the behavioral health system

During the pandemic we saw increases in substance abuse, depression, and other behavioral health challenges. So, how has Washington’s health system been able to respond? Where is the state finding success and where is it falling short? We’re bringing together a panel of experts to discuss these questions and more during our “An honest conversation on the future of the behavioral health system” panel.

You’ll hear from Jess Molberg, Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Coordinated Care, Jeff Thomas, CEO of Frontier Behavioral Health, Betsy Jones, Managing Principal at Health Management Associates, and Noelle Turner, PsyD, a Psychologist at Mica Peak Psychology and Consulting.

 

4. The role of virtual care & data in the post-pandemic world

From wearables to telehealth, artificial intelligence to algorithms, and data networks to interoperability, technology and data are reshaping care delivery and coordination. So, what lessons have we learned about virtual care’s efficacy as a tool for better health?

Our “The role of virtual care & data in the post-pandemic world” panel will bring together Crystal Wong, MD, Associate Chief Digital Health Officer at UW Medicine, Josephine Young, MD, Medical Director, Commercial Markets at Premera, and Rick Rubin, CEO of OneHealthPort.


5. Innovative approaches for addressing the social determinants of health

The social determinants of health are important to one’s health status, but it’s not entirely clear how to utilize that knowledge in a way that is meaningful and sustainable to health care organizations and individuals. This robust panel will discuss innovative approaches to improving the social determinants impacting Washingtonians.

This panel of thought leaders will include Leah Becknell, Director of Account Management at Beacon Health Options, Alison Poulsen, Executive Director at Better Health Together, Allison Krutsinger, Director of Government Affairs & Community Engagement for the Dept. of Children, Youth & Families, and Robert DeGregorio, Lead Organizer at Spokane Health Equity Circle.