Enews: Spending healthcare dollars wisely -- April 2008


	E-news: Spending healthcare dollars wisely
	April 2008
	A periodic update on Sacramento Healthcare Decisions′ work in bringing the public′s voice to healthcare reform. SHD also has a periodic e-newsletter on end-of-life care. Sign up here.

In this issue:

Executive Director speaks at National Governors Association workshop
Calif. state agencies using SHD′s CHAT for staff education
Society of Actuaries will host CHAT sessions at spring meeting

	Executive Director speaks at National Governors Association workshop On March 27 in Philadelphia, the Center for Best Practices - the technical assistance arm of the National Governors Association - sponsored a workshop for state health policy leaders on Defining Benefit Packages in Health Reform. As lunch speaker, Marge Ginsburg presented SHD′s experience in working with the general public and with Medicaid beneficiaries on coverage priorities when resources are limited. top

	Calif. state agencies using SHD′s CHAT for staff education Two of the most influential state health care agencies have brought the CHAT process to their staff as an educational program. Directors Cindy Ehnes of the Department of Managed Health Care and Lesley Cummings of Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) recognize the difficulties that California and the nation face as healthcare costs increase. Ms. Ehnes notes "the CHAT process is an opportunity for policy leaders to really examine what we as a society value and why we value it. It is a fabulous way to expose individuals and groups to the challenges of meeting both individual and societal needs." top

	Society of Actuaries will host CHAT sessions at spring meeting The Society of Actuaries′ spring meeting in Los Angeles is focusing entirely on healthcare issues. The SOA heard about SHD′s work with the public in benefits design and has arranged for SHD to conduct two CHAT sessions with a select group during this meeting. Milliman, Inc. (one of the top actuarial firms in the country) was a consultant in developing SHD′s computer-based simulation projects. top		"We are delighted to have a chance to expose some of our leaders to a different way of looking at the consequences of benefits design" Jim Toole, FSA, MAAA Chair SOA Health Section