The DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) and Hall Render complimentary educational event “Coverage Expansion and Medicaid Waivers” attracted more than 50 attendees this morning at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas.

DFWHC flew in a pair of prominent national speakers from Indiana to discuss U.S. Medicaid 1115 waivers.

The breakfast seminar was highlighted by Brian Neale, an independent consultant who has worked with Vice President Mike Pence as a legislative director and advisor on Medicaid expansion in Indiana. Neale is also the former deputy administrator and director of Medicaid and CHIP at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

He was joined by Tim Kennedy, a shareholder at Hall Render with extensive experience in healthcare law who assisted the state of Indiana in developing its Section 1115 coverage expansion.

“We were so pleased with the turnout and it was a great conversation on Medicaid 1115 waivers,” said W. Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “We wanted to provide this unique opportunity for healthcare and community leaders of Texas to hear a national perspective and current trends on this issue.”

Attendees included state senators and state representatives to hear about Indiana’s experience with Medicaid expansion.

Topics included coverage gaps, former Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s work on expansion and political discussions during the process. An overall look at U.S. Medicaid expansion was also provided.

For information, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org.