Events

In-Person Event: Care for Uninsured and Underinsured

Thursday, June 18 | 6:30PM - 8:30PM
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr., Olney, MD 20832

Earn 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits!

Moderator: Annice Cody - President & CEO, Primary Care Coalition
Panelist: Veronica X. Vela, DrPH, MEngr - Senior Director of Healthcare Access, Primary Care Coalition 
Panelist: Erik Rivera, MD - Internist, Holy Cross Health System
Panelist: Nina Ashford , DrPH, MPH - Chief of Public Health Services, Montgomery County 

Session Description: Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage to previously uninsured people through the expansion of Medicaid and establishing Health Insurance Marketplaces. Data show that gains in public and private insurance coverage as well people with low-income in states that implemented expanded Medicaid coverage. However, millions of people remain uninsured because of the high premium cost, lack of coverage through a job, undocumented status, or ineligibility due to states that did not expand Medicaid coverage. Studies repeatedly note that the uninsured are less likely to obtain preventive care and services for major chronic care conditions. This has a direct impact on healthcare organizations in terms of the provision of charity care, the cost and reimbursement of care, and state, federal and private funding sources. In addition, it widens existing health disparities and furthers inequities in access to care and outcomes. Given these issues, healthcare executives need to execute strategies and implement programs to care for the un/underinsured, and understand legislation at the federal, state, and local levels to support policies that will address current challenges in this space.