Arizona Health Futures
SLHI’s Arizona Health Futures has likely never been as timely as in FY2012, given how its health policy and advocacy work intertwined with significant Arizona health care landscape shifts. This was a year of continuing to address effects of state budget shortfall decisions, current health system realities and federal healthcare reform law as they are transforming how (or if) people can access care, how care is paid for, and how it is delivered. In short, we are re-building the plane as it flies.
SLHI responded to this gyrating topography of challenges and opportunities by convening and engaging stakeholders, providing cogent analysis in the form of issue briefs and policy primers, and partnering to launch forums for open discussion. Among key areas and their highlights:
State Health Insurance Exchange – The Fall 2011 Keys to Success conference attended by nearly 200 lawmakers, legislative staff, consumer advocates, lobbyists and healthcare and government officials centered on issues related to development of an Arizona exchange. Post-conference, SLHI supported 39 community leaders in creating a set of design and implementation principles, and worked with community advocates and stakeholders providing input on the essential benefits that would be offered.
Health Insurance Rate Review – SLHI and partners engaged in educating and informing advocacy organizations, stakeholders and the policy makers on opportunities in establishing insurance rate review in Arizona, as part of the state’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act. As part of this work, SLHI partnered with Arizona Public Interest Research Group to produce a policy primer, Getting All the Cards on the Table.
Graduate Medical Education – Arizona has long-dealt with a physician shortage, and now must come to terms with heightened demand driven by coming coverage increases just after state residency funding was cut in 2010. SLHI partnered with the Arizona Chamber Foundation and the Greater Valley Health Education Center to stimulate dialog with Graduate Medical Education in Arizona – Growing the Physician Pipeline. Post-release, SLHI and partners have continued with media, stakeholder and policy maker engagement.
Public Health – State funding for public health is disappearing and federal support is ending, with the potential to significantly weaken state infrastructure and leave Arizona vulnerable. As its future is being defined in context of such realities, SLHI completed an in-depth issue brief titledPutting the Pieces (Back) Together: Public Health and Prevention. It is the second of a three-part series on Arizona’s emerging healthcare landscape.
State Budget Cuts and Vulnerable Populations – Following publication of After the Dust Settles: Our Most Vulnerable Citizens in FY2011, SLHI continued work on care for vulnerable populations by engaging stakeholder groups in the system redesign process as a support to The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid system. Areas of focus included integrated service delivery for children, behavioral health, children’s rehabilitative services, acute care and overall system integration.
A point well made often begets another. If we are to realize a healthier policy landscape for Arizona, moving from point to point toward that Arizona health future is what it takes.
Arizona Health Futures (AHF) focuses on health policy, research, education and advocacy. More than 90 nonpartisan, reports, issue briefs, and policy primers have resulted over time. Used extensively by leaders, educators, advocates, and providers to inform and improve policy and practice, they are glimpses into what it will take to improve transparency, heighten accountability and achieve the highest possible quality for everyone at an affordable price.