Press Releases Archives

Covering the Uninsured: Who Has the Will and Who Has the Way?

On Friday, May 2, 2008, the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) will convene a panel of experts to explore the problem of America’s 47 million uninsured.

“In this election year, voters, candidates and the media are increasingly focused on the issue of healthcare and the uninsured – and rightfully so,” said Marianne Udow-Phillips, CHRT’s director. “We know the public is very concerned about access to health care but when it comes to specifics, it can be hard to find common ground.”

Panelists Catherine McLaughlin, Professor of Health Management & Policy and director of the Economic Research Initiative on the Uninsured, U-M School of Public Health; Kevin Seitz, executive vice president of Health Care Value Enhancement, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; and Ellen Rabinowitz, executive director of the Washtenaw Health Plan will share their views and join Udow-Phillips to respond to audience questions. Tracy Davis of the Ann Arbor News will moderate.Continue Reading Covering the Uninsured: Who Has the Will and Who Has the Way?

U-M Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announce Marianne Udow as director for joint venture

The board of directors of the joint venture between the University of Michigan Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has named Marianne Udow as the organization’s first director. Called the Center for Healthcare Quality & Transformation, the joint venture is dedicated to improving the quality of Michigan’s health care, and transforming the way patient care is delivered in the state and beyond. Udow will begin in September.

Udow will be an employee of UMHS, which is providing staffing for the Center. BCBSM is providing seed funding, allocating up to $10 million.

Udow is currently the director of the Michigan Department of Human Services, a post she has held since being appointed by Governor Granholm in January 2004. From 1992 to 2004, she served in several executive positions at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, including senior vice president of health care products and provider services. She was senior vice president of plans and operations at Mercy Alternative and Care Choices from 1986 to 1988. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.Continue Reading U-M Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announce Marianne Udow as director for joint venture

BCBSM and U-M Health System launch Michigan HealthQuarters, a new organization devoted to improving Michigan’s health care

A new Michigan organization is dedicated to improving the quality of the state’s health care system, and transforming the way patient care is delivered in the state and beyond. Called Michigan HealthQuarters LLC, it is a joint venture of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System.

In recent weeks, the organization held the first meeting of its board of managers, launched a national search for its first executive director, and chose the first project that it will undertake: evaluating if lower prescription drug co-payments for people with diabetes can improve the processes and outcomes of diabetes care.Continue Reading BCBSM and U-M Health System launch Michigan HealthQuarters, a new organization devoted to improving Michigan’s health care