Released: March 22, 2010

The 2010 Annual Health Care Conference, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, will bring together national experts and state regulators to discuss a variety of health care topics.

The conference will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will open the conference at 8:30 a.m. He will also discuss “The State of Louisiana’s Private Insurance Market” at 8:45 a.m. and make closing remarks at 3:30 p.m. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine will discuss “The Health Care Delivery System of Louisiana” at 9:30 a.m.

The keynote speaker is retired Lt. General Russel Honoré, who was the commanding general of Joint Task Force Katrina. Lt. General Honoré is an expert on emergency preparedness and responding to a catastrophe. Agenda topics include panels on: A New Option for Louisiana Consumers: The Long Term Care Partnership Program; Federal Health Care Reform: Will the Debate Continue? and Will Public Private Hospital Partnerships Become a Model for Louisiana’s Safety Net? There will also be several exhibitors displaying health products and services.

Anyone interested in attending can call 225-342-5075 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 by selecting 2010 Annual Health Care Conference. 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

A New Option for Louisiana Consumers: The Long Term Care Partnership Program

The Long Term Care Partnership program is a public-private program that provides dollar for dollar asset protection for consumers who are insured by a long term care partnership approved policy. This panel will include an in depth discussion of the details of this unique program including who should consider purchasing a long term care partnership product and the possible financial benefits for the many stakeholders who participate in the long term care delivery system.

Federal Health Care Reform: Will the Debate Continue?

It seems every day brings a new headline regarding the future possibilities for federal health care reform in Washington. This panel will step back from the political discussion and focus on the policy aspect of health care reform. The panelists will discuss the possible measures that may improve upon our current health care delivery system.

Will Public Private Hospital Partnerships Become a Model for Louisiana’s Safety Net?

Public-Private hospital partnerships can transform the care received by individuals in the health care system. Panelists will discuss the future plans for a partnership between Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and the LSU Health Care Sciences System.

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