HHS, White House launch health learning and action network

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell was joined by President Obama, as well as state representatives, insurers, providers, business leaders, and consumers at the White House to kick off the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network.

More than 2,800 payers, providers, employers, patients, states, consumer groups, consumers and other partners have registered to participate in the network.

Burwell earlier this year announced the ambitious goal of tying 30 percent of payments to quality and value through alternative payment models by 2016 and 50 percent by 2018 under new approaches to paying for healthcare created by the Affordable Care Act, according to a release. The network will accelerate this transformation by supporting the adoption of alternative payments models through their own aligned work.

“It is in our common interest to build a healthcare system that delivers better care, spends our healthcare dollars more wisely, and results in healthier people,” said Burwell. “When government and business work together we can all benefit. Patients can get the right care at the right time, doctors can achieve the best ideals of their profession, and healthcare can be more affordable for individuals and companies.”

Organizations that have set their own goals for rewarding value include the American Cancer Society, the American College of Physicians, Ceasars Entertainment, Cigna, Dignity Health and Rite Aid. 

Read a fact sheet on the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network.

Beth Walsh,

Editor

Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.

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