A UMass Medical School expert in health law and policy will delve into the complexities surrounding waivers and federal health reform at the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Annual Health Law Symposium April 7 in Boston.
Rachel Gershon, JD, MPH, an associate at UMass Medical School’s Center for Health Law and Economics, will deliver “Flexibility and Reform: How State Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid Waivers Might Interact With Federal Healthcare Reform” from 1:25-2:10 p.m. at the symposium
The authority given by the Section 1115 waiver of the Social Security Act has been used by the majority of states to expand coverage, streamline eligibility standards and processes, or test new delivery system models to improve their overall healthcare deliverables. A new waiver, Section 1332 of the ACA, offers states similar authority to make revisions to their individual and small group markets. Gershon will detail how the waivers may combine with federal health reform during her discussion.
In her current role at UMass Medical School, Gershon provides legal and policy analysis regarding Medicaid, health reform, and social services. She has written and presented extensively about waivers and provides insight to states on how they might use waivers to achieve health reform goals. Gershon also has experience representing individuals who receive public benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, prescription assistance, Supplement Security Income (SSI), and Social Security.
Gershon earned her law degree and a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Whitworth University.