Below please find the Opening Remarks from Matt Eyles, AHIP President and CEO, as he kicks off AHIP’s 2021 Consumer Experience & Digital Health Forum ONLINE.
Good morning everyone, and welcome to our second virtual Consumer Experience and Digital Health Forum. I’m Matt Eyles, President and CEO of AHIP.
We are thrilled that you’ve joined us. Our virtual platform is a great place to make new connections, listen to fantastic speakers, and spark new ideas. And don’t forget to engage with our sponsors and exhibitors through our virtual exhibit hall or send direct messages through the Networking feature on the virtual platform.
So many visionary, cutting edge speakers are joining us, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about our industry’s innovations that are helping to address some of the most pressing challenges in health care.
Improving Health Care for All Americans
We’ve been fighting COVID-19 for nearly 2 years, and as consumers continue to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t, our industry has been an important partner.
COVID has accelerated the drive for change and led to the adoption of new systems and technologies that are improving the consumer experience.
This change is happening across the health care space, from patients and consumers, to doctors and hospitals, to health insurance providers.
So many elements of our lives have taken leaps forward out of necessity. Technology that had limited use in the past is now commonplace.
It’s about the consumer’s desire and expectation for simplicity, transparency, and access. And it’s about developing opportunities to improve affordability.
As an industry, it’s our job to help drive positive change for the patient and the consumer. And I’m proud to say that we’re making meaningful and important progress.
We’re tackling tomorrow’s challenges today. We’re taking the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis and putting them to work for our covered members in real time.
We have taken decisive action through concrete steps to help Americans and improve their access to care during this crisis – and beyond.
And we’re listening to what consumers want.
Consumers expect more options for accessing health care services at home.
They want better access to mental health care, whether it’s through app-based programs or virtual treatment from an out-of-state therapist. They want real time personalized information about their costs for getting treatment. They want us to improve access and care to underserved communities and improve health equity.
Delivering Real Results
As an industry, we’re helping providers boost their telehealth offerings, and we’re educating consumers on the benefits of telehealth.
We’re advancing electronic prior authorization, and our Fast PATH demonstration project has shown dramatic improvements in access to care as a result.
We’ve partnered with mental health apps and services, such as PsychHub, to bring high-quality mental health care to people wherever they are, whenever they need it.
We’ve been working closely with government leaders and private-sector partners to make sure all Americans can receive safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. Our Vaccine Community Connectors initiative exceeded expectations, vaccinating more than 2 million vulnerable seniors in under 100 days.
And we continue to work with federal and state leaders to improve the use of data analytics in reducing health care disparities, particularly those that impact minority communities the hardest.
We must also remember that consumer health isn’t just about technology. Sometimes it’s about getting out in the community, meeting people where they are. It’s about bringing care to the home.
We’re balancing the need for technology with the need for the personal touch. And improving health for everyone we service, delivering better care, and better affordability.
Addressing the Challenges of 2022
As we turn the page on 2021, challenges remain, but our industry has solutions. Improving health equity and addressing social barriers to health remain topline priorities, and technology is increasingly playing a leading role.
We’re using data to identify the most vulnerable communities across the country and taking action…working with federal, state, and local partners to ensure these communities have access to the health care services they need. And partnering with local social service agencies to help vulnerable consumers get access to food, transportation, and other essential services.
Innovative care models are already using data to provide affordable, high-quality health care to millions of Americans. The potential we are unleashing is amazing.
Imagine a world where data analysis and artificial intelligence can detect conditions earlier and lead to better outcome…where a patient’s phone can be a hub to control their health care data, and their home can be a place that securely connects to their doctors for convenient care.
We’re already on our way there as an industry, and we’re going to keep making progress, improving health, lowering patient costs, and boosting health equity.
With our vast consumer experience, we are well positioned to be an important partner in creating real solutions for more patient-and consumer-centered care. And doing so in a way that continues to protect everyone’s right to keep their personal health information private and protected.
We’re 100% focused on making health care more affordable and easier to access for consumers. That’s why we’ve been encouraged by the Biden Administration’s steps to implement the No Surprises Act.
The recent interim final rule reflects a strong commitment to consumer affordability and lower health care spending. Patients should never have to face financially ruinous medical bills– and starting January 1, surprise bills will become a thing of past.
Commitment to Listening
Above all we need to keep listening to what consumers want. We need to keep working closely with all levels of government and partners to push for better solutions to improve patient outcomes.
There’s never been a more challenging or exciting time to be in health care…the opportunities are endless, and we’re ready to seize them.
As we launch into 2022, we will continue to advocate for solutions that improve health care for consumers and patients…that lower costs…that improve access…that protect the privacy of patients and consumers.
Our industry will remain focused on Guiding Greater Health.
Thanks for your participation and enjoy the conference.