1995.04.26: HCFA Reaches Out to Hear Public's Ideas

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Date: April 26, 1995
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: HCFA Press Office (202) 690-6145

HCFA Reaches Out to Hear Public's Ideas

The Health Care Financing Administration will conduct a series of meetings around the country to hear from consumer advocacy groups, the medical professions, health care institutions, and business and civic organizations that are impacted by HCFA regulations.

"These meetings will expand our efforts to build broad participation in policymaking that affects the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the entire American health care system," said HCFA Administrator Bruce C. Vladeck.

In the meetings, HCFA officials will dialogue with beneficiaries, health care providers and others affected by HCFA policies. Personnel who develop the regulations and apply them in day-to-day activities will interact with those affected by their decisions.

"Under President Clinton's leadership, we have made communication, cooperation and partnership the guiding principles of the regulatory process, replacing the adversarial environment that has often existed in the past," Vladeck said.

"At a time when the American health care system is undergoing dramatic changes, we need input from all concerned groups as we formulate policies to deal with new issues and challenges," he said.

The series of meetings will be held in Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Following is the schedule and the subjects to be discussed:

April 27, Atlanta, Ga. -- enforcement of quality requirements for clinical laboratories.
April 27, Chicago, Ill. -- residential facilities for the mentally retarded.
April 28, New York City -- redesign of the Medicare summary notice, which reports decisions on claims to beneficiaries, and other beneficiary communications issues.
May 4, Harrisburg, Pa. -- redesign of the Medicare summary notice and other issues.
May 5, Providence, Rhode Island -- enforcement of quality requirements for clinical laboratories.

The Medicare and Medicaid programs help pay for health care services to 67 million Americans. HCFA is also responsible for implementing federal safety and quality requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, clinical laboratories and other health care facilities.

"The process does not stop with this series of conferences," Vladeck explained.

"We have been building a lasting partnership with every sector of the population that shares our commitment to regulations that encourage and reward efficiency and quality. We will continue to reduce the regulatory burden whenever possible and develop understanding between front-line regulators and those whom they regulate."

Front-line regulators that will attend the meetings include personnel from HCFA central and regional offices, contractors that process Medicare claims and make coverage and payment decisions, state survey agencies that inspect health care facilities under agreements with HCFA to enforce federal quality standards, and Medicare Peer Review Organizations that monitor quality of care.

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