May 14, 2010
Contact:
Renee DeGross Valdes, 404-413-1353
University Relations
ATLANTA - A team of Georgia State University faculty and staff is aiming to break down the complexities of the nation's newly passed health reform law in a series of policy briefs.
The project is being led by the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies' Georgia Health Policy Center. Not long after health reform became law, the group sent out its first policy brief and thus far has turned out three, including the "State Implications of Health Reform in Georgia," which was the most recent released on May 3. The briefs are being sent twice monthly to national and local associations, nonprofits, state government, as well as other interested parties.
"Our team has extensive expertise in many areas of health including economics, insurance, law, financing, public and private coverage, long-term care, public health and more," said Karen Minyard, executive director of the Georgia Health Policy Center. "We are combing through the law as well as other related documents and interpretations so that we can help key stakeholders understand the impact of health reform."
The effort is a cross-collaboration among several Georgia State University colleges, including the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, and the College of Law. Several topics are planned, including community implications and the impact to health providers. Other topics likely to be addressed include revenue and the impact on small businesses.
The list of involved faculty include: James Marton, associate professor of economics; and David Sjoquist, director of the fiscal research center, both of the Andrew Young School; Patricia Ketsche, associate professor; and William Custer, associate professor and director of the Center for Health Services Research in the Robinson College of Business' Institute of Health Administration. Others include Erin Ruel, assistant professor of sociology; and Charity Scott, professor and director for the Center for Law, Health & Society in the College of Law; and Bruce Perry, a medical doctor and visiting professor in the Institute of Public Health in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
"This far reaching law will affect employers, providers, community collaboratives, and state and local policy makers," said Ketsche.
Custer added, "It is important for all of these groups to understand the framework of the law; identify their choices both now and in the future under the law; and to keep abreast of the regulations that will determine how the law is implemented."
Minyard said other states have begun asking for help in distilling the information. The center's goal is to educate others on the new law and prepare for a successful transition.
For more information on the project and links to other policy briefs, please visit: www.gsu.edu/ghpc.