AM Health Sessions

NCSL News graphic

July 8, 2003

Medicine Costs, End-of-Life Care, Insurance Mandates on NCSL Annual Meeting Agenda

SAN FRANCISCO -- At a time when lawmakers are struggling just to strike the simple balance between revenues and expenditures, health care is one of the fastest-growing components of state budgets. The National Conference of State Legislatures' upcoming annual meeting will provide a forum for leaders from across the nation to examine facets of this issue. Below are highlights of the 30 health-related sessions at the meeting, which will take place in San Francisco July 21-25:

Health Care Issues and Economics -- Dr. Uwe Reinhardt, one of America's leading experts on health care reform, will share his perspective on the challenges and choices states face in solving the nation's emerging health care crisis. He will discuss the dynamics of rising drug costs and suggest ways for state and federal leaders to curb them. Reinhardt is the James Madison Professor at Princeton University. Thurs., July 24, 9:15-10:30 a.m., Esplanade Ballroom, Street Level, Moscone Center.

Medicaid & Health Policy Press Conference -- The results of a national survey on Medicaid actions state legislators took in 2003 will be released at this press conference, as well as a mid-year health policy review. Date and time TBA, Room 112, Exhibit Level, Moscone Center

Challenges and Solutions in Pharmaceutical Spending -- As states seek to provide medicine at reasonable prices, they're looking to preferred drug lists, pooled purchasing and state-sponsored discounts. This session analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of new approaches to drug coverage. Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, Washington and other states may offer some lessons. Tues., July 22, 3:15-5:00 p.m., Room 303, Street Level, Moscone Center.

End-of-Life Care -- Examine the results of a 50-state survey on end-of-life care issues such as hospice and pain management in this session on the skyrocketing costs of prolonging the lives of dying patients. Wed., July 23, 8:45-9:45 a.m., Room 300, Street Level, Moscone Center.

Medicaid: Changes, Innovations and Cost Containment -- Forty-four states had Medicaid budget cost overruns in 2003. This session will examine some of the more unusual and thought-provoking ways states have reduced costs, covered more people and reformed long term care services. Thurs., July 24, 2:15-4:00 p.m. Room 303, Street Level, Moscone Center.

If you haven't registered for the annual meeting yet, instructions are on NCSL's Web site, at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/press/2003/am03.htm.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. Its mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, foster interstate communication and provide the states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

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