AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) is gearing up for its inaugural statewide Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Summit, taking place in Austin, Texas, on June 4-5, 2014, and the organization is preparing to tackle some of the major issues impacting the industry’s expansion over the next decade.
One key area of discussion revolves around the effects of the Affordable Care Act and the future of Medicaid. After a controversial start, the Affordable Care Act now has six months under its belt. Texas, a state leading in number of uninsured, saw 733,757 new enrollments during the federal marketplace enrollment period according to recent HHS data. This is a 13% increase in insurance rates of the nearly 6 million still uninsured. Yet, questions remain. How can the state continue to ensure that specific populations register for the program? Young adults and the Hispanic community include two demographics that have shown lower rates of participation. What still needs to be done for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid? While agreed that the population deserves access to care, are healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturing companies prepared for this increased demand? While discussing insurance, it is important to carefully examine the current models of care and payment reform. Should providers continue to be reimbursed without being accountable for their patients’ outcomes, and what is the best way to track this?
Another important factor to Texas’ progress in the life sciences industry is the investment in people, research, and ultimately, the development of those innovations. Texas has long been a business-friendly environment and a leader in academic research dollars, but with changes in the legislature and funding opportunities on the horizon, how will Texas adapt to attract top companies and talent? How can the state encourage young start-up growth? What are some of the best practices on a national level and what have the successes and challenges been on a more regional level? Top industry leaders will join together for a frank conversation on these questions and more.
“This conference focuses on the changing, innovative landscape in Texas, but the burning question is: How will the landscape in the Texas Life Science industry look in the decade to come?” says Tom Kowalski, President and CEO of THBI. “Leadership changes in the State Legislature coupled with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act may have profound effects on how we nurture and grow our industry to remain competitive nationally and internationally. This is a must attend event.”
The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Summit will take place at the Renaissance Hotel in North Austin. Tickets are $325 for the summit and $100 for the Luminary Dinner. To register, go to www.thbi.com and click on the event logo.
About THBI
The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) is the leading voice for the healthcare and bioscience industry in the state of Texas. Among its many efforts, THBI works to promote effective government legislation at the state and federal levels. Membership consists of pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, medical device companies, and economic development entities, providing unparalleled networking to effectively address the needs of Texas’ growing life science community. The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization. www.thbi.com
Company Name: Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute
Contact Person: Patti D. Hill
Email:Send Email
Phone: 512-218-0401
City: Austin
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website: http://www.thbi.com
Source: www.abnewswire.com
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