New Issue Brief: Health Information Technology -- More Than the Money Some health policy analysts believe that the main importance of health information technology lies in its potential for improving health care quality and reducing disparities -- whether it saves money or not. This issue brief explores the quality improvement aspects of health IT, and some barriers to its wider adoption. Written by Alliance health policy associate Deanna Okrent with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  To download, click here.   Read More

	The Nuts and Bolts of Health Insurance for the Aspiring Health Reformer We expect that the coming debate on health reform will involve proposals to reshape the role private insurance plays in our health care system. But to evaluate proposals for change, one must first understand how private insurance works currently. This October 3 briefing was designed for those wanting a refresher in how private health insurance works in America. How do states regulate insurance? How do insurers decide whom to insure and how much to charge? How does insurance differ for individuals, small employers and large employers? What are some of the gaps in the current coverage system? How do those with serious illnesses fare in the insurance system as it currently operates? Cosponsored by the Alliance for Health Reform, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Read More

	Issue Brief: Comparative Effectiveness Comparative effectiveness research offers the attractive prospect of cutting costs while improving the quality of health care. What exactly do comparative effectiveness studies compare? What research of this type is already underway in the U.S. and in other countries? What could we do to stimulate more of it? This issue brief, written by Alliance senior health policy associate Lisa Swirsky, addresses these questions and others. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To download, click here. Read More