INARF Pre-Conference Tackles Affordable Care Act

The INARF Pre-Conference kicked off with a Leadership Development Symposium on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a well-attended session, Randall Fearnow of INARF Associate Member Krieg Devault, LLP described the momentum of this legislation as a rocket that launched several decades ago, just now reaching the peak of its trajectory. 

Going back to the beginning, he outlined the history of access to healthcare, starting with the 1973 Developmentally Disabled Bill of Rights Act and ending with the current healthcare controversy in Washington. Mr. Fearnow stated that "We will determine whether laws supporting the disabled will continue along a trajectory advancing the lives of the disabled or whether the crushing power of population growth and government austerity threaten to bring this rocket crashing back to earth." 

After a networking lunch, Bob Crisan of the Hylant Group, an INARF Associate Member, took the podium to review the nuts and bolts of ACA implementation. Mr. Crisan delved into the steps that each employer must take to determine whether they will "Pay or Play." Although careful to note that the rules are still being written and that many are subject to change, Crisan walked participants through the rules as they stand now and the mathematics for determining the impact that the ACA will have upon employers. As with all things ACA, the presentation concluded with an animated question and answer session. 

At the Membership Dinner, INARF Board Chair Jill Dunn was honored with the Career Leadership Award for her many years of outstanding service to INARF and the provider industry.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller ended the evening on a high note with a historical view of the checks and balances in federal and state government and the impact we see today with the passage of health care legislation. Members gained insight into the inner workings of the Medicaid Fraud Unit and how to work with Attorney General Zoeller's staff. 

INARF will continue to offer opportunities to explore the impact of the ACA on member organizations as rules are finalized and more information becomes available.The rocket may have launched decades ago, but much remains to be learned throughout its journey.

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