News: Health

The Center for Financial Security Retirement and Disability Research Center (CFS RDRC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison received a second year of funding from the US Social Security Administration (SSA). One of just four RDRCs in the country supported by SSA, UW–Madison’s is the only one focusing on the financial well-being of economically vulnerable families, older people, people with disabilities, low-wealth households, and children.

"Skills that I learned and gained in graduate school, I’ve used in the private sector as well as in the public sector. That includes quantitative analysis and strong writing skills, as well as the ability to interpret data and research findings and then translate them from academia into more plain language – this makes research and learning accessible across different audiences."

In response to increasing out-of-pocket medical costs, Professor J. Michael Collins brought together various stakeholders May 16 to discuss the intersection of healthcare and financial capability. The workshop, Managing Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses: How Well are Families Prepared for a World of High Deductibles, highlighted Collins’ survey of public employees with health plans through the Wisconsin Employee Trust Funds (ETF).

Two La Follette School alumni recently shared their expertise with public radio listeners. John Vander Meer (MPA ’06) discussed the difficulties facing skilled nursing facilities in Wisconsin, and Anne Chapman (MPA ’12) addressed education funding in the state.

David Axelrod shared his deeply personal connection with health care reform during a 90-minute conversation with La Follette School students September 28. As a senior adviser to President Barack Obama, Axelrod understood the political risks of the issue and was deeply conflicted about it.

The La Follette School of Public Affairs and Department of Political Science at UW–Madison along with the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) are hosting a series of Real Town Hall events in preparation for the 2018 midterm elections.  

La Follette School Professor Jason Fletcher and four UW–Madison colleagues received a five-year, $2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Fletcher, who also serves as director of UW–Madison’s Center for Demography of Health and Aging, is leading the project with Emeritus Professor Alberto Palloni of the Department of Sociology.

Richelle Andrae (MPA ’17) co-authored the 2018 Healthcare Workforce Report published by the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education & Workforce (WCMEW).

Lisa Ellinger (MPA ’03) joined the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) as its new vice president of public policy.

Professor David Weimer trained me well on how to write an effective memo, QUICKLY!