Fleur-De-Lis Connection Volume 24, Issue 1

News January 2014 · Volume 24 & Issue 1 A Monthly Publication of the Greater Louisville Medical Society Practices Gear Up for ACA/Medicaid Expansion that occurred on the federal exchange website, Kynect got up and running smoothly. Yet, Kentucky citizens’ overall perception of the law has become increasingly less favorable since 2008, according to Dr. Zepeda. Furthermore, “many of these new patients have never had insurance, and it will be a challenge to teach them how to use the health care system appropriately.” President-Elect Bruce Scott, MD, served as moderator In preparation for the extensive changes stemming from the launch of the Affordable Care Act, GLMS held a town hall gathering on December 11 to educate members and their office personnel. “The intricacies of seeing patients who have signed up for Medicaid or a qualified health plan on the exchange are vast and wide,” said Associate Executive Director, Bert T. Guinn, MBA, CAE. “It is vital for physician practices to get up to speed quickly. Therefore, one of our chief priorities is to provide solid education and resources.” Panelists at the town hall included Susan Zepeda, PhD, CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, Bill Wagner, Executive Director of Family Health Centers, Inc., and member of the Metro Louisville Board of Health Steering Subcommittee on Enrollment, Tim Marcum, Director of Planning at Baptist Health Louisville and Chairman of the Metro Louisville Board of Health Steering Subcommittee on Workforce Issues, and Jessica Williams, GLMS Director of Physician Education & Practice Support. The meeting was moderated by President-Elect, Bruce Scott, MD. Kentucky’s state-run health care exchange website, Kynect, launched on October 1, 2013, opening the door to 640,000 uninsured patients. Unlike the severe glitches Bill Wagner stated that the Board of Health’s objective “is to ensure that Louisville becomes a high performing and healthier community through the ACA.” In Jefferson County, the Board of Health’s goal is to enroll 60% of those eligible for Medicaid by June 30, 2014 and enroll 50% of those eligible for the Qualified Health Plans by March 31, 2014. Wagner noted that his organization, Family Health Centers, is expanding in order to provide care for an additional 10,000 patients, offering resources for enrollment, and accepting same day appointments. Expecting a 44% increase in Medicaid eligible patients, the Board of Health Workforce Issues Subcommittee is charged with reviewing capacity issues. Referencing a 2013 Deloitte study, Tim Marcum indicated that Kentucky has an estimated shortage of 183 to 256 primary care physicians, yet he acknowledged that the need is actually much greater than the study reflects. Marcum said that for local systems to meet the needs of newly uninsured patients, the key will be to use a team health care approach, educate patients about “better ways of getting care than going to the ER,” and for providers to open their Medicaid panels a bit to see a limited amount of new patients. New York Times Videographer Emma Cott As part of its ongoing commitment to report on how the ACA is playing out in Louisville, the New York Times sent reporters to attend the GLMS town hall and interview physicians to gain a deeper understanding of specific practice concerns across various specialties. Aside from politics, many members have (continued on page 4)