Health Care Reform
The Health Care Reform Study Group was formed with a charge to examine the primary drivers of health care costs in Alaska, examine how the continuum of care model can improve health outcomes and reduce costs, explore approaches that align federal and state dollars while preserving the strength of Indian Health Services in Alaska, and look at how Section 1115 waivers have transformed outcomes and costs in other states as an example for what may be possible in Alaska.
The group schedules its session on Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., generally meeting online. Co-chairs are Preston Simmons, Ralph Townsend, and Cathy Giessel. The Health Care Reform Steering Committee includes April Kyle, Tammy Green, and Steve Patin.
| Date | Topic | Presenter(s) | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/26/2022 | Alaska Health TIE | Jacqueline Summers Emily Byl Sameer Peesapati | Session Recording Slide Decks |
| 05/19/2022 | The Managed Care Model | Libby Hinton Jay Ludlam | Session Recording Slide Deck - Hinton Slide Deck - Ludlam |
| 04/28/2022 | The Crisis Now Model | Steve Williams Mike Sanders and Brenda McFarlane Renee Rafferty and Melissa Merrick | Session Recording Slide Decks |
| 04/14/20022 | Behavioral Health 1115 Waiver | Theresa Johnson Tina Voelker-Ross Bunti Reed | Session Recording Slide Decks |
| 04/05/2022 | High Utilizer Mat-Su Program (HUMS) | Ray Michaelson Dr. Thomas Quimby Aaron Wright | Session Recording Slide Deck |
| 03/24/2022 | Nuka System of Care | April Kyle Dr. Doug Eby | Session Recording Slide Deck |
| 01/19/2022 | All-Payer Claims Database | Sandra Heffern Lori Wing-Heier | Session Recording Slide Deck - Heffern |
| 12/09/2021 | Federal Perspectives | Darryl Means | Session Recording |
| 12/02/2021 | Revisiting Senate Bill 74 | Heather Carpenter | Session Recording Slide Deck State of Alaska Medicaid Strategy (PCG Report) FY2021 State of Alaska Annual Medicaid Reform Report |
| 10/28/2021 | Perspectives from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services | Commissioner Adam Crum Deputy Commissioner Al Wall | Session Recording |
| 06/16/2021 | Health Care Reform: Containing Costs, Improving Outcomes | Scott Leitz, NORC Commissioner Adam Crum, Alaska DHSS | Session Recording |
This report is the result of a 9-month long study of the primary health care system of Alaska. It details current issues surrounding the cost, access and quality of primary health care in Alaska and makes many suggestions for improvement. It was chaired by Board members Marvin Swink and Dr. Tom Nighswander.
Discussion of the adequacy of the current health care system. Focus on the unique issues in Alaska and discuss Alaskan’s needs on the individual and state levels.