Large employers are purchasers of health care for over 152 million American workers and their dependents. In 1998, approximately 24 million female full-time workers ages 16-44 received health care coverage through their employer and 60.2% of children were covered through employer sponsored plans. Similarly, public health agencies and organizations are responsible for broadly defined populations of women and children. Although both share accountability for defining and attaining good maternal and child health outcomes, and are active in improving and promoting the health of families and communities, the two groups do not often have the opportunity to interact and exchange information. This presentation shares results and lessons learned from a Breakthrough Forum convened by the Washington Business Group on Health that brought together private sector large employers and public health leaders from specific geographic communities to discuss common goals and challenges in addressing the health needs of the maternal and child population. Forum participants engaged in an open dialogue to discuss the management of population-based health, to document the benefits of a family-friendly benefits plan, and to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
Learning Objectives: TEACHING OBJECTIVES: 1. To share unique health needs of women and children as articulated by employers and public health leaders. 2. To share current employer and public health initiatives and best practices to improve maternal and child health and identify existing and emerging challenges. 3. To share results of discussion of potential strategies, solutions and ideas for collaboration. LEARNER OBJECTIVES: 1. Describe how large employers and public health leaders define good maternal and child health outcomes. 2. Identify the challenges facing large employers and public health representatives in addressing the health needs of the MCH population. 3. Learn ideas for building dialogue and initiating partnership between private sector employers and public health leadership
Keywords: Public/Private Partnerships, Employer-Provided Health Insurance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The following companies are participating in this forum: Bank One, Sara Lee, Arthur Andersen, GTE, Delta Airlines, UPS, Georgia Pacific, Union Pacific, Metrocall, US Office of Personnel Management, Lockheed Martin, and Potomac Electric Power Company
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.