Commonwealth Fund Bipartisan Congressional Retreat, 2009

Award Amount: $382,758
Approval Date: July 15, 2008
Start Date: July 15, 2008
End Date: July 14, 2009
Alliance for Health Reform
1444 Eye Street, NW, Suite 910
Washington, Dist. of Columbia 20005-6573
Principal Investigator: Edward F. Howard, J.D.

The Fund's annual Bipartisan Congressional Retreat gives members of Congress the opportunity to learn about timely health policy issues and engage in substantive discussion, all in an environment free from partisan politics and media pressures. It is not only a direct way to reach the Fund's most influential audience, but it helps build working relationships with members of Congress who can advance the Fund's mission. The 2009 retreat, which will be held in Florida, will focus on the Commission on a High Performance Health System's recommendations for the next president and new Congress, payment reform, public and private options for coverage expansions, and models for accountable and coordinated care. In the interest of improving both participation and post-meeting follow-up, the grant has been expanded to cover special briefings for members of Congress, creation of a database of key contacts, and assistance in disseminating outreach materials.