The State Coverage Initiatives program is delighted to announce a special offering to state officials attending the summer meeting in San Francisco. On Wednesday, July 30, state officials can participate in a unique exercise using a computer simulation program called CHAT – Choosing Healthplans All Together, which helps stakeholders consider the priorities and trade-offs inherent in benefit design when resources are limited. CHAT was developed by physician ethicists at the National Institutes of Health and the University of Michigan.

The two-hour CHAT session is conducted using individual computers combined with group discussion that involves negotiation, compromise, and consensus-building.

Marge Ginsburg, the executive director of Sacramento Healthcare Decisions (SHD), has graciously offered to lead two two-hour sessions on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. SHD, with its six years of experience in developing and conducting CHAT projects, works with states to design models of CHAT consistent with their needs. SHD has recently worked with Montana, Ohio, and Oklahoma (and previously with Hawaii) to develop state-specific CHAT processes.

The two sessions will be held at the Westin St. Francis from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Space is Limited: each session will only hold 15 individuals, so slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are interested in participating, please indicate your interest on the registration form and travel scholarship form (if applicable). We will do our best to accommodate your needs.