Moderated by Charlie Baker, former President and CEO, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and 2010 Gubernatorial candidate.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reception from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Panelists:
Ellen Zane, President and CEO, Tufts Medical Center;
Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services;
Andrew Dreyfus, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts;
Representative Ron Mariano, House Majority Leader
Having led the nation on health care reform, Massachusetts continues to break policy ground with the imminent filing of legislation regarding global payments – a system that mandates fixed budgets for procedures and patient care as opposed to the current fee-for-service reimbursement method. Proponents see this as a way to reign in costs while delivering more comprehensive, patient-centered care; skeptics worry it will significantly reduce patient choice.
Whatever the viewpoint, one thing is for certain: the health care industry in Massachusetts will never be the same. CommonWealth magazine hosted the policy discussion that examined the real implications of global payments on consumers and the industry and asked the question: With so much at stake, can everyone win?