Two groups merge: health insurance lobby states priorities.(Practice Trends)

WASHINGTON -- The health insurance industry has a new champion--America's Health Insurance Plans.

That's the new moniker of the recently merged American Association of Health Plans and Health Insurance Association of America.

"I think the association couldn't have come together at a better time," Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, said at a press conference sponsored by the organization. "Speaking with one voice is no longer a luxury. It's a necessity."

The two health insurance lobbying groups merged in October. Last month, the board of directors of the group approved the new name and a new mission that includes lobbying for improved quality, access, and affordability in the health care system.

In the area of quality, AHIP wants to make evidence-based medicine the standard for health care. Improved quality and transparency will improve outcomes, eliminate errors, reduce costs, and help consumers make informed health care choices, AHIP said. The group's board of directors identified a number of priorities in these areas:

* The federal government should increase investment in research that compares the clinical effectiveness of treatments and puts clinical research into everyday medical practice.

* Health plans and other stakeholders should join together to promote uniform adoption of effective health care practices.