Photo credit: Phil Cauthon, Kansas Health Institute

States leaders give perspectives on getting ready for 2014 and beyond

At yesterday's morning plenary, state leaders discussed some of the health policy challenges as they continue to implement the ACA and prepare for 2014. The speakers spoke candidly about budget cuts, limited resources, and growing health care costs. The speakers, pictured from left to right are:

• Charles Milligan, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Health & Hygiene
• Joan Henneberry, Exchange Planning Director, Colorado Health Institute
• Joseph Flores, Legal Fiscal Analyst, Virginia State Senate
• David Lakey, Commissioner, Texas Department of State Health Services
• Maryanne Lindeblad, Assistant Secretary, Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
• Alan Weil, NASHP Executive Director (at the podium)
  

(Left to right) Rex Archer, Director of Health, Kansas City Health Department, the Honorable Joe Reardon, Mayor, Kansas City (KS), and Marcia Nielsen, Vice Chancellor for Public Policy, University of Kansas Medical Center shared lessons learned to work across states such as forming strong partnerships, being strategic and innovative with health care and delivery of services at the state level, and communicating policy decisions in a timely manner.