Iowa’s health care landscape continues to be shaped by powerful forces. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the November elections, ongoing federal budget negotiations, and new legislation could profoundly influence the future direction of health policy.

Despite the uncertainty, changes are occurring that will likely continue in the years ahead, such as providers and insurers working together to increase accountability for the cost and quality of care, and payments based on value, not volume.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the University of Iowa Health Sciences Policy Council will host a one-day, nonpartisan conference titled "Rebalancing Health Care in the Heartland 5: Shaping Iowa’s Health Care Landscape," featuring keynote speaker Susan Dentzer, editor-in-chief of the policy journal Health Affairs, at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines.

The event also includes a special panel session titled “Iowa Health Care Environment" featuring Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's health policy advisor Michael Bousselot, Iowa Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer, and Iowa Medicaid Director Jennifer Vermeer, who will provide comments on the post-election environment for health policy in Iowa.

A number of legislators and their staff are also expected to attend the event.

Registration is $125 for the general public and $40 for students. Register at rebalancinghealthcare.uiowa.edu/.

For more information, contact Shari Heick at 319-335-4455 or shari-heick@uiowa.edu.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Heick.