Looking Ahead to the New Administration & Congress: Information and Insights on Healthcare

Date:  January 14, 2009

Location:  Webcast

The Center for Health Transformation in partnership with Siemens Healthcare held a webcast presentation on the landscape for healthcare reform in 2009 entitled, “Looking Ahead to the New Administration & Congress: Information and Insights on Healthcare.”

Speakers included Charlene Underwood, Director of Government & Industry Affairs, Siemens Healthcare; David Merritt, Project Director, Center for Health Transformation; and Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Founder of the Center for Health Transformation.

Ms. Underwood kicked off the presentation with a discussion on Siemens' relationship with the Center, particularly in educating the Obama-transition team on the importance of health information technology.

Mr. Merritt followed this discussion with a briefing on the current healthcare landscape on Capitol Hill. Topics included the upcoming economic stimulus package and portions to be allotted to HIT; Congressional action beyond the stimulus, including the reauthorization of SCHIP, physician reimbursement, and comprehensive health reform; and, finally the role of Former Senator Tom Daschle as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Wrapping up the webcast, Center Founder Newt Gingrich discussed President-Elect Obama's role in healthcare reform--particularly as a bipartisan leader. With such an enormous stimulus package coming as early as February 2009, Mr. Gingrich predicted a series of creative forthcoming bills from various members of Congress. He also stressed the need for fundamental changes to the healthcare system itself, which too often focuses on coverage as opposed to health outcomes and improvements.