The following article summarizes the original event which is listed below the summary.
Medicare for all? For some? For none?
Medicare reform is on the agenda of most candidates running for office this fall, 2020. In UMRA’s June webinar, Jon Christianson, PhD, discussed characteristics of the existing program, point out differences in proposals on the table, and assess their implications. The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older accounts for 15 percent of the federal budget and, although it is politically polarizing, it is popular with 84 percent of Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
Medicare for all? For some? For none?
Tue, June 16 2020, 12am
Campus Club 4th Floor, West Wing Dining Room
Medicare reform is on the agenda of most candidates running for election this fall as well as that of the incumbent president. In UMRA’s March forum presentation, Jon Christianson, PhD, will discuss some of the unique characteristics of the existing Medicare program, point out differences in proposals now on the table, and assess their implications. He will argue that addressing the large number of problems in existing Medicare should be a critical component in any effort to expand the program.
Christianson is a professor in the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Division of Health Policy and Management, and has held the James A. Hamilton Chair in Health Management since 1998. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics at St. Olaf College and his master’s degree and PhD, both in economics, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
He is widely recognized for his experience in conducting large evaluations, particularly projects that combine qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluation and analysis at the community systems level.
The author of 10 books and more than 200 journal articles and book chapters, Christianson served from 1998 to 2000 on the Institute of Medicine committee that produced the report, To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System.
Expertise in health care markets
Christianson’s expertise is in aging, chronic diseases, management and economics, competitive health care markets, health insurance, and financial incentives in health care.
His current research interests include the public reporting of provider performance, employer strategies for purchasing health care, implementation of evidence-based treatment processes in health care organizations, and tracking change in health care markets.
Christianson regularly teaches graduate courses on health and health systems and private purchasers of health care. He is a holder of major National Institutes of Health grants and serves as a community member on the University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians) Board of Directors. He has also served as a member and vice chairman of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare issues.
Join us for what promises to be a timely presentation on a subject that is of vital importance to all of us, and to our country as a whole.
—Frank Cerra, president-elect and chair, Program Committee
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
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Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
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We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.