Newly Named AHIP Unveils New Health Reform Initiative
By
Washington
Under the new name "Americas Health Insurance Plans," the association formerly known as AAHP-HIAA unveiled a new, integrated policy initiative aimed at achieving comprehensive health care reform.
"This is a new way of thinking about how to improve health care," says Karen Ignagni, president of the Washington-based AHIP. "The more we work on these issues, the more we understand that the priorities of quality, access and affordability are closely interrelated, and that progress in one area can yield significant results elsewhere."
Ignagni spoke at a press briefing announcing the associations new name. AHIP is the new association formed by the merger of the American Association of Health Plans and the Health Insurance Association of America.
Ignagni says AHIPs new policy initiative represents a first-of-its-kind effort that links all the elements of health care reform into a comprehensive program.
AHIP, Ignagni says, is not pursuing specific legislation at this time because legislating is a multiyear effort. Rather, she says, AHIP wants to discuss the policy initiative with as many stakeholders as possible to develop partnerships aimed at achieving reform.
