wfn.org | Presbyterian Washington Office Participates in Summit Health

[PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org]

Coalition Forum 17-September-1996 
 
 
96368             Presbyterian Washington Office 
          Participates in Summit Health Coalition Forum 
 
                         by Julian Shipp 
 
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office was 
among the participants here during the Summit Health Coalition's Fourth 
Annual Board and Membership Meeting held Sept. 14. 
 
     In addition to providing participants networking opportunities and a 
forum for discussing key legislative issues affecting managed health care, 
the gathering celebrated the organization's unity and determined to build 
upon its strengths.  
 
     The Presbyterian Washington Office is one of 25 entities represented 
on the Coalition's board of directors and works with the Coalition as it 
lifts up federal and state legislative concerns regarding health care and 
the practical aspects of administering health care in the African American 
community.  
      
     The meeting, titled "Managing Managed Care: Strategies for Community 
Empowerment," was held during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 
(CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference. 
 
     Managed care includes comprehensive health-care plans that attempt to 
reduce costs through patient-care management (limiting rate of admissions, 
length of stay, services ordered, etc.) and contractual agreements with 
providers, i.e., health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred 
provider organizations (PPOs). 
 
     The Rev. Bernadine Grant McRipley, associate for health and 
environmental issues in the Presbyterian Washington Office of the National 
Ministries Division, said now that states are considering placing people in 
managed care either through Medicaid or Medicare, there is concern among 
both traditional health-care providers and caregivers who serve minority 
communities. 
 
     "During the meeting, there was not a universal saying that managed 
care is not good, there were just some questions about how managed care is 
provided in communities," McRipley said. 
 
     Starting Sept. 14 at the Washington Convention Center, the group 
focused on the managed-care revolution. Topics included managed-care 
information for elected officials (but open to all), the impact of welfare 
and health reform laws, the federal government's role in protecting 
managed-care consumers and providers, and the November election and beyond. 
 
     That afternoon, participants gathered for an important organizational 
meeting. During this time, they set goals and objectives, developed plans 
to meet the Coalition's organizational needs, and assessed its role in the 
upcoming November election. Also on the agenda was the election of the 
Coalition's officers and executive committee. Members also had the 
opportunity to share ideas and give feedback on the Coalition's polices and 
programs to date. 
 
     "We urge you to expand your involvement in [the Coalition]," said Dr. 
Richard O. Butcher, Summit Health Coalition president. "Let us commit 
together to transform health care in this nation so that it truly meets our 
communities' needs." 
 
     Summit members and supporters were also invited to participate in 
health forums sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Health 
Braintrust, chaired by the honorable Louis Stokes (D-Ohio). The forums 
included "Living with AIDS: Trials, Challenges and Triumphs" on Sept. 12; 
"A Cry for Help: The Violence Epidemic" and "Women's Health: Saving Our 
Sisters" on Sept. 13. 

------------
For more information contact Presbyterian News Service
  phone 502-569-5504             fax 502-569-8073  
  E-mail PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org   Web page: http://www.pcusa.org 

--