Health Symposium
Health Benefit Design Innovations for Advancing Health Equity
Nov. 15, 2023 | 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. EST
Breakfast will be served from 8 to 8:45 a.m.
National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045
The incorporation of more equity-enhancing benefit design elements has the potential to improve health outcomes and use health care dollars more effectively and efficiently. Join the American Academy of Actuaries and other thought leaders for a free symposium—following Envision Tomorrow, the Academy's Annual Meeting—that will explore strategies to advance health equity with an eye on envisioning the way forward.
Building off the findings from a series of multi-disciplinary conversations facilitated by the Academy’s Health Equity Committee regarding the process of benefit design development and making design changes, the symposium’s interactive sessions will explore strategies to facilitate the adoption of more equity-enhancing features.
This conversation is essential for anyone involved in the design, development, and implementation of health plan benefits, including employers, insurers, plan participants, actuaries, benefit consultants, medical directors, health equity thought leaders, health policy experts, health services researchers, policymakers, regulators, and consumer advocates.
In-person seating is limited—register early to assure your spot for this event. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Livestreaming will be available for those unable to join in person.
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
- Panel Discussion: Envisioning the Way Forward
Adding or changing health plan benefits has the potential to improve health equity. This session sets the stage by examining the challenges to doing more and how to address those challenges, including:- An overview from the Academy’s Health Equity Committee.
- A panel discussion with employers to discuss their challenges and successes.
- Panel Discussion: How to Shift the Focus from Costs to Cost Effectiveness
The focus on the impact of the costs of adding new benefits, rather than health outcomes, can be a barrier to incorporating equity-enhancing benefits. This session will discuss ways to shift the focus from costs to cost effectiveness. - Keynote Address: How to Get the Word Out
A good benefit design is not enough. It’s vital to increase awareness and understanding of benefits among plan participants and help them navigate the health system. Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Grapevine Health, will highlight ways to build trust and improve patient engagement. Through Dr. Lisa’s ‘on the street’ interviews with everyday people, she works interactively with the community to share information on health and healthcare. The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion on how to help plan participants better understand and use their benefits. - Panel Discussion: Implementing for Success
Panelists will explore how to overcome challenges to the successful implementation of equity-enhancing design features, including regulatory restrictions, IT systems limitations, and data availability challenges. This session will provide key takeaways based on the successes and challenges of those who have implemented equity-enhancing benefit designs and consider the application of those learnings to different markets.
Read the Issue Briefs:
