April 12, 2022
Several ACHP plan behavioral health leaders joined the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) President and CEO Ceci Connolly in Washington, D.C. for a session at AcademyHealth’s Health Datapalooza and National Health Policy Conference. The panel discussed addressing long-standing mental health inequities through telehealth and why Congress must make virtual care delivery options permanent.
As communities struggle to meet demand, especially among vulnerable populations, health leaders expand onsite and telehealth offerings and advocate for permanent virtual care delivery options. The panel pondered how telehealth flexibilities implemented due to COVID-19 impacted the treatment and management of behavioral health—as well as the systemic mental health inequities in coverage and care. As leading providers on the ground in their communities, the panelists expressed thoughts on in-person visit requirements and originating site or geographic restrictions.
Moderator: Ceci Connolly, president and CEO, Alliance of Community Health Plans
Panelists:
- Dr. Mike Franz, MD; medical director, behavioral health; PacificSource Health Plans
- Dr. Gray Clarke, MD; chief medical officer; Presbyterian Health Plans
- Dr. Mark Huth, MD; president and CEO; Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
Ceci also led a panel of health industry leaders on what market trends mean for innovation, patient outcomes, equity and quality of care—and how Washington will respond. As many health systems continue to post losses and public funding for COVID relief dries up, there are many forces driving market performance. The panel discussed private equity pouring money into health care transformation approaches as well as the life sciences.
Moderator: Ceci Connolly, president and CEO, Alliance of Community Health Plans
Panelists:
- Adaeze Enekwechi, Ph.D., M.P.P.; operating partner; Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe
- Julie Yoo, MS, MBA; general partner; Andreessen Horowitz
- John O’Brien, Pharm.D., M.P.H.; president and CEO; National Pharmaceutical Council
