Conference Helps Participants Navigate Healthcare Reform Legislation

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – More than 200 healthcare professionals, employers and insurance representatives were on hand for the 17th annual managed care conference.

It’s an opportunity for employers and providers to get up to date information on the latest changes and requirements associated with the sweeping healthcare reform law.

“It’s been a challenging piece of legislation , probably one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation issued since Medicare in 1965, the law was signed back in 2010 and because of different delays and length of time to roll out rules and regulations, it’s created quite a bit of confusion in the market,” said Wally Davis, vice president of NMHS.

With healthcare costs rising and uncertainty over the act, Mississippi’s Insurance Commissioner says virtually everyone will be affected by the new laws.

“You will be impacted whether you like it or not , you better start learning about it, don’t put it off until the last week, it’s not something you want to play around with, this is your health if you want coverage you better understand the affordable care act, it’s important to you,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.

The insurance commissioner also says premiums will increase under the new law. With that in mind, many employers are taking a proactive approach when it comes to employee health and wellness education.

“We need to look at ways we can trim healthcare costs, we’re doing that by things like wellness programs, offering employee clinics and reducing cost of health care to make people aware of healthy living,” said Donnie Smith, of Rush Health System.

The theme for the conference was “Mission Possible.” Organizers say with the right information and lots of preparation, Northeast Mississippi businesses, providers and employees will be better equipped for the changes healthcare reform will bring.