During 1997 and 1998, The Alliance for Health Reform produced a series of four forums on the topic of vulnerable populations and managed care.

The four seminars and related issue briefs were designed to give opinion leaders and policy-makers in Washington timely information on the impact of managed care on four specific populations:

• Children with special needs.
• Dual eligibles (individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid).
• Working-age adults with disabilities.
• Persons needing mental health services.

Based in Washington, The Alliance for Health Reform is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational organization focusing on health coverage for all Americans.

Key Results

• The Alliance for Health Reform held four forums on vulnerable populations and managed care. Held in Washington, the forums drew between 120 and 188 Congressional staff, journalists and national organization leaders:
  • "Dual Eligibles in Both Medicare and Medicaid - Few in Number with Costly Complex Care Needs: How Can Managed Care Help?" Held on March 10, 1997, it drew 188 people.
  • "Delivering Care to Kids with Special Health Needs: Can States and Private Plans Improve Service, Save Money with Managed Care?" Held on July 31, 1997, it drew approximately 200 people.
  • "Health Care for Working-Age Adults with Disabilities: Can States and Private Plans Improve Service, Save Money with Managed Care?" Held on November 24, 1997, it drew more than 120 people.
  • "Managed Mental Health Care: Boon or Bane, It's a Fact." Held on February 4, 1998, it drew some 180 people.

Funding
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) supported this project through a grant of $188,804.