Many of Long Island’s movers and shakers from both the for-profit and not-for-profit industry gathered at the Marriott Hotel in Melville on Wednesday, March 12 to take part in a special breakfast meeting focusing on the “Economics of Healthcare: Major Issues and Recent Trends Affecting the Healthcare Industry. “  The program was sponsored by JVKellyGroup, Inc., a leading professional services firm that specializes in developing and implementing innovative spend management solutions.

Three of Long Island’s healthcare industry leaders served on the panel and discussed important concerns facing healthcare providers in the region.  Panelists included Kevin F. Lawlor, President and Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Hospital, Henry J. Weinert, Managing Partner, HJW Associates and Gerald J. Scallion, MD, Medical Director, AETNA Southeast Region.  The panelists tackled such issues as: Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement; changes in government regulations; federal and state reimbursement trends; proposed healthcare reforms; the healthcare challenges facing special populations; and the recent proposal to create a universal health insurance plan.  The panel was moderated by Chamber Board Member Bob Bontempi.