The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's State Coverage Initiatives (SCI) program held its national meeting for state officials following AcademyHealth's National Health Policy Conference on January 22-23, 2003.

Beginning with reception, dinner and a speaker on January 23 and continuing through January 24, the meeting assessed the impact of greater federal flexibility and evaluate how it has pushed the envelope in state programs, particularly with regards to the new HIFA waivers. State officials learned about the latest developments in pharmacy programs and best practices in disease management. This meeting was an interactive forum for state officials to discuss issues for 2003 and hear first-hand about specific cutting-edge programs. Speakers included senior federal officials, national experts, and state policymakers.

Objectives

• Highlight state achievements of the past year and provide insight into the challenges that lie ahead.
  
• Evaluate tools available to states to help restructure their public programs.
  
• Hear from states that have elected to use HIFA as a way to restructure their existing programs and learn about the key innovations in their proposals and approved waivers.
  
• Engage in a discussion with state officials on innovative pharmacy programs.
  
• Learn how states are using disease management programs to reduce costs and improve quality for high-cost populations