WSU News Archive

PULLMAN, Wash. — Understanding and implementing the changes proposed in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 pose important challenges for our nation. A discussion of how the implementation is progressing and the changes health care providers and consumers can expect in the future will take place Thursday, April 5, from 1-4:30 p.m. at Washington State University Spokane at the Riverpoint Campus. The free and open symposium will be held in the Phase I Classroom Building, room 122, at 668 N. Riverpoint Blvd. A reception will follow.

 

The event is co-sponsored by the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service and the College of Liberal Arts at WSU.

 

A panel of experts consisting of Mary Selecky, Washington secretary of health; John Pierce, vice president of Premera Blue Cross;  Patricia Butterfield, WSU dean of nursing; and Tom Schaaf, regional medical director of Group Health will address policy questions surrounding the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

 

A second panel consisting of Sen. Karen Keiser, Washington’s 33rd Legislative District; Paul Pierson, University of California, Berkeley; and WSU professors Chris Faricy and Jae Kennedy will discuss the politics and political ramifications of health care reform implementation.

 

"With arguments before the U. S. Supreme Court regarding the Affordable Care Act just concluding on March 28, the timing of this symposium is opportune,” said Doug Epperson, dean of liberal arts. "WSU is fortunate to have so many alumni, friends, faculty and visitors with expertise and experience in this domain. This will be a fascinating symposium that should be of great interest to the Spokane and Pullman communities.”

 

The first phase of the Affordable Care Act, which has already been enacted, places new limits on how insurers spend premium dollars, requires more services to become free, and places new restrictions on the ability of insurers to limit or deny coverage.

 

The second phase, taking place between 2014 and 2018, will expand Medicare coverage to new groups, create insurance exchanges, and place new mandates on individuals to buy insurance and on business to provide insurance.

 

Some provisions of the law are now being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, which will be decided by this summer, may force significant changes to the law.

 

The symposium will also examine how to move beyond the politics of health care reform in order to engage in reasoned discussions about improving health care in America.

 

Drivers should use the meters in the green parking lots, which are $1 per hour, or park in the Pay and Display lot located just off Spokane Falls Boulevard to the west of the South Campus Facility at 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. Cost for this lot is $2 for the day; cash, coin or debit cards are accepted. Limited one-hour parking on city streets is also available. For public transit, STA Routes 26, 28, and 29 all serve the Riverpoint Campus. Bike racks are located by every building, and the Centennial Trail provides pedestrian/bike access. To view/print a map of WSU’s Spokane campus:

 

 

Contacts:
Cornell Clayton, School of Politics, Philosophy & Public Affairs, 509/335-2427, cwclayton@wsu.edu
Phyllis Shier, College of Liberal Arts, 509/335-5671, peshier@wsu.edu

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