HOUSTON – (Oct. 13, 2017) – Leading health economics and policy scholars will gather at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Oct. 20 to discuss the rapid changes that are unfolding in health care markets -- some of which will help patients and others that will harm them, according to event organizers.

Hosted by the Baker Institute’s Center for Health and Biosciences, the event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

The United States witnessed a grueling congressional effort to overhaul the Affordable Care Act this summer, which ultimately left the legislation unchanged, according to event organizers. In the meantime, most consumers continue to face rising health care costs, and many Americans still lack insurance coverage.

At the conference, speakers will address changes most likely to influence U.S. health care, including the role of government in access to drugs and drug pricing as well as the rise of consumer-directed health plans. They will also consider the evolving role of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the rollout of its new Medicare physician reimbursement system authorized under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act.

The public must RSVP for the event at www.bakerinstitute.org/events/1898. A live webcast will be available at the event webpage.