Care of the Uninsured and Underinsured

ACHE WFC - Care for the Uninsured and Underinsured

January 26, 2025 - 5:00PM - 7:30PM EST

This program has been developed and is presented locally by ACHE WFC. The American College of Healthcare Executives has awarded 1.5 ACHE In-Person Education Credits (previously called Face-to-Face Education Credits) to this program.

Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage to previously uninsured people through the expansion of Medicaid and establishing Health Insurance Marketplaces. Data show that gains in public and private insurance coverage as well people with low-income in states that implemented expanded Medicaid coverage. However, millions of people remain uninsured because of the high premium cost, lack of coverage through a job, undocumented status, or ineligibility due to states that did not expand Medicaid coverage. Studies repeatedly note that the uninsured are less likely to obtain preventive care and services for major chronic care conditions. This has a direct impact on healthcare organizations in terms of the provision of charity care, the cost and reimbursement of care, and state, federal and private funding sources. In addition, it widens existing health disparities and furthers inequities in access to care and outcomes. Given these issues, healthcare executives need to execute strategies and implement programs to care for the un/underinsured, and understand legislation at the federal, state, and local levels to support policies that will address current

Agenda

5:00 - 6:00PM - Networking

6:00 - 7:30PM - Speaker Presentation & Q&A

Jason Rodriguez (Moderator)

Director of Government Relations | BayCare Health System

Jason Rodriguez is BayCare’s Director of Government Relations. Jason joined BayCare in 2018, where his responsibilities include advancing BayCare Health System’s local, state, and federal advocacy agenda and raising awareness of its mission throughout the State of Florida. He manages relationships with elected officials and monitors legislation and public policy affecting healthcare. Prior to joining BayCare, Jason worked for former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as her Director of External Affairs during her tenure as state attorney general. Prior to that role, Jason worked for an elder law nonprofit, for several political campaigns, and as an aide in the Executive Office of Governor Jeb Bush. Jason received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University and law degree from Stetson University College of Law. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, playing tennis, and fishing. Jason and his wife, Kellye, live in Tampa and welcomed their son, Isaac, in July 2022.

Dr. Melivin Price

President and CEO | MCR Health

Dr. Melvin Price serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of MCR Health. With more than 40 years of experience in podiatric medicine, Dr. Price has dedicated his career to the care of the foot and ankle. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago (1984), Dr. Price completed his residency at Northwest General Hospital in Milwaukee. Outside of his medical and leadership roles, Dr. Price is also an accomplished musician. He leads the contemporary jazz band NuJazz, performing regularly throughout the Sarasota and Bradenton communities. Dr. Price resides in Bradenton, Florida with his family.

Russ Lee

Director Hospital Care Coordination | BayCare Health System

Russ Lee is a Director of Care Coordination at BayCare where he focuses on building cohesive, high-performing teams that drive extraordinary patient care and organizational success. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Russ started his journey in healthcare as a student intern with BayCare in 2015. Drawing from his military background, he brought a service-oriented mindset and a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and integrity to his role. Russ used these skills to grow professionally in leadership roles at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and the opening of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel. His current role has given him the ability to use his leadership skills in a regional capacity covering Winter Haven Hospital, South Florida Baptist Hospital, and Bartow Regional Medical Center.

Bradley P. Herremans, MBA, FACHE

CEO | Wimauma Community Health Center

Mr. Herremans has been CEO at Suncoast CHC for the past 16 years. Under his leadership, SCHC has grown to employ approximately 500 team members that serve over 66,000 patients at 8 sites in Hillsborough and Polk County, FL, plus three mobile dental/medical units. He holds an MBA from Western Michigan University and a Fellowship from the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mr. Herremans has extensive experience in Managed Care, Finance, Disaster Preparedness, and Healthcare Administration. He took leadership of SCHC after completing a 22-year career as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the United States Air Force. Mr. Herremans held several senior level positions in the Air Force, including Chief of Staff for the Air Force Surgeon General and Deputy Group Commander for the 3rd Medical Group at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, and Group Commander for the 341st Medical Group at Malmstrom AFB in Montana. In his time at Suncoast, he has significantly expanded the organization’s capacity and infrastructure, improved the quality of service and facilities and started the Suncoast Career Academy. He currently serves as Chairman of the Hillsborough County Healthcare Plan Behavioral Task Force. Mr. Herremans is the Immediate Past Chair of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers.

Bradley has been a pacesetter for integrated health care. He introduced medical/dental integration to the practice of pediatric medicine and significantly improved the health of children in Hillsborough County. The practice of this integration has expanded to other Community Health Centers throughout the State of Florida. He also led integration of Primary Care and Behavioral Health in a Community Health Center setting. He started and expanded the number one Pediatric Dental Residency Program in the United States. As Chairman of the Florida Community Health Center, he was integral in starting the first Political Action Committee in support of Community Health Centers throughout the State of Florida. These efforts resulted in increased funding for all Centers throughout the State.

Please contact Karen Valaitis, kvalaitis@uwf.edu with any questions, or request for special accommodation at least 7 days prior to the program.