News and Events

Premature Death Rising: Stakeholders Combat Challenges

2017-12-28T01:29:32-04:00By |Big Data, Health Care Reform, News and Events, Strategic Planning, Trends|

America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, now in its 28th year, provides a holistic view of the health of the nation and of each state by analyzing 35 measures of behaviors, community and environment, policy, clinical care and outcomes data. The rise of premature death is a concern shared by health care professionals, payers, and leadership as well as their members.

2018 Health Plan Star Ratings Released By CMS

2017-10-12T00:07:48-04:00By |Medicare and Medicaid, News and Events, Trends|

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Star Ratings for the 2018 Medicare health and drug plans. With the release of the Star Ratings, people with Medicare will have improved access to high-quality health choices for their Medicare coverage in 2018. This news comes on the heels of the recent release of the benefit and premium information for Medicare health and drug plans which shows that there will be more health coverage choices and decreased premiums in 2018.

Uninsured Numbers Growing In Unexpected Areas, Survey Finds

2017-09-12T17:44:47-04:00By |Health Care Reform, News and Events, Quality Improvement Programs, Trends|

There was a significant change in uninsured numbers growing for people ages 35 to 49, adults making more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($47,520 for an individual and $97,200 for a family of four), and those living in states that have not expanded Medicaid, according to a new Commonwealth Fund survey. Policy fixes like expanding Medicaid in all states, making premium subsidies available to more people, and assisting consumers as they shop for coverage on the marketplaces, the report finds, could address some of the barriers the uninsured face in gaining coverage.

Health Insurance Tax (HIT) Impact on Medicare Plans: 2 Views

2017-08-30T18:00:35-04:00By |Medicare and Medicaid, News and Events|

Sweeping repeal and replace legislation may be slowed, but does not mean significant healthcare changes are not coming off the legislative wish list. The debate on funding aspects of the healthcare law will likely continue through the 2018 election. The Health Insurance Tax (HIT) comes up for discussion and two organizations presented their takes on HIT's impact on Medicare programs and payers. 

Insurance Coverage Improve Health Outcomes In Four Ways: NEJM

2017-07-25T16:55:23-04:00By |Health Care Reform, News and Events, Quality Improvement Programs, Trends|

The national debate over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has involved substantial discussion about what effects — if any — insurance coverage has on health and mortality. Health plans play a leadership role in healthcare reforms. While debate continues, a recent piece in the New England Journal of Medicine answers one main question. Does having insurance coverage improve health outcomes?

Go to Top