Released: May 21, 2009

The Annual Health Care Conference, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, will bring together national experts, state legislators and state and federal regulators to discuss a variety of health care topics.

The conference will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will open the conference at 8:30 a.m. Commissioner Donelon will also make closing remarks at 3:30 p.m.

John Maginnis with LaPolitics Weekly, is the keynote luncheon speaker. Senator Troy Hebert, Representative Charles Kleckley, Representative Kay Katz, and Senator Willie L. Mount will speak in the morning on health care in Louisiana. Agenda topics include panels on: Universal Health care in Today’s Economy: Is it the Answer?, Health Insurance Mandates: How Costly Are They to Consumers? and Payment Reform: What Are the Best Options? There will also be several exhibitors displaying health products and services.

Anyone interested in attending can contact Thomas Clemons at 225-219-4772 or e-mail hcconference@ldi.state.la.us. The registration form and agenda, along with hotel accommodation information, are listed on the Department of Insurance Web site at www.ldi.state.la.us. All licensed life, health and accident producers who attend will be entitled to earn up to six hours of continuing education credit.

More Information on Health Care Conference Panel Topics

Universal Health care in Today’s Economy: Is it the Answer?
President Barack Obama has made health care a central part of his domestic agenda, and key members of Congress have promised to introduce ambitious health care reform legislation in 2009. With so many Americans being uninsured, and employer based insurance offerings in decline, is this the best option available?

Health Insurance Mandates: How Costly Are They to Consumers?
The issue of health insurance mandates was hotly debated during the 2008 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Is Louisiana heading down the wrong path in regard to mandates? Panelists will discuss the mandate issue in detail including the long-term impact on costs and consumers’ access to appropriate health care benefits.

Payment Reform: What are the best options?
This is a topic that is generating a lot of debate. There is discussion regarding capitation and moving away from a fee for service model. A panel of experts will discuss what might be the best way to go.

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