March 23 marks the fourth anniversary of the federal Affordable Care Act. Massachusetts led the way with its own version in 2006. At both the state and federal level, problems with implementation, especially with website enrollment, have dominated the headlines. But Massachusetts has increased access so that today more than 98 percent of people are covered. Preventive strategies have increased, and trips to the emergency room have declined. ACA is also effecting the health-care system, with young adults staying longer on their parents’ policies and exclusions for pre-existing conditions barred.
These changes will be the focus of an upcoming panel at Regis College in Weston titled, “State and Federal Health Care Reform: What Lies Beyond the Bumps in the Road?” — one of a series of free and open to the public panel discussions hosted in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
Moderator Antoinette Hays, Ph.D., RN, president of Regis College has assembled a panel of experts to discuss how we are doing and where we are going; what can we expect with the implementation of ACA; what reforms will occur in payment, delivery and quality of care as Massachusetts seeks greater transparency, efficiency and innovation; and how will patients, families and health care providers feel anticipated changes on March 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Upper Student Union Lounge in Alumnae Hall.
For more information, call 781-768-7001 or e-mail presidents.lectureseries@regiscollege.edu.
