A capacity crowd filled the Walnut Room in the Hotel Allegro to hear the insights and direction provided by the attending Governors and the industry thought leaders on these key subjects. The most lively and passionate discussion was delivered by the panel addressing Healthcare. The healthcare panel was led by moderator Nimesh Jhaveri, the Executive Director of pharmacy and healthcare experience of Walgreens. The panelists included Ms. Murer (who served as moderator for this panel during the 2012 DGA conference), Sam Gibbs, Senior Vice President of eHealth, Inc., Ellen Nelson, Senior Vice President for Government Relations of Catamaran, Inc., Karen Atwood, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and Wanda O. Wilson, CEO of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. These panelists were joined by four of the nation's gubernatorial leaders on this subject. They included Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas, Governor Peter Shumlin of Vermont, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia and host Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois. "The subject of health care costs must be controlled to grow jobs and ensure prosperity" was an opening statement that ignited the panel discussion. "During my 28 years of on-the-ground involvement in all areas of healthcare, I have witnessed significant cultural, political and financial changes. We are in a transformational period in many of our key sectors within healthcare and these are at the forefront of national attention. It is imperative that we recognize the climate of trepidation, apprehension and uncertainty amongst those involved in delivering healthcare." stated Cherilyn Murer. Ms. Murer also added, "This is an opportunity to review governmental restrictions, in particular those related to state Certificate of Need, to assure a proactive mechanism for innovation and collaboration." Many of the governors and panelists agreed with Ms. Murer's statements. Each governor shared his state's approach to reducing costs while acknowledging the need to protect accessibility and enhanced quality. Ms. Murer concluded by saying, "This is a brave new world in healthcare delivery. Let us seize the opportunity to make a major difference in the lives of our citizens." The participants on the panel found agreement in her statement. |
