Rate of Uninsured Children Growing
The uninsured rate among children increased between 2016 and 2017, representing 276,000 more uninsured children across the U.S. and the first observed increase in uninsured children since 2008, according to a recent report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.
Insurers Say Automation is Needed for Operational Efficiency
Insurers see outdated technology and a lack of automation as key challenges holding back their organization’s operational efficiency and driving up costs, according to new survey results from HealthEdge.
Slash Payments for Emergency Departments: MedPAC Suggests
MedPAC proposed to slash payments in its March report to Congress. The commission specifically recommended a 30 percent payment rate reduction for off-campus standalone EDs that are no more than six miles from an on-campus hospital ED, according to the AHA.
Premature Death Rising: Stakeholders Combat Challenges
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.
CVS/Aetna Acquisition: Survey Predicts ‘Risky Business’
With the CVS/Aetna acquisition, payers are grappling with new risk and a slack consensus on how to best prioritize and respond to them.
2018 Health Plan Star Ratings Released By CMS
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
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
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
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?
5 Tips for Medical Directors
Whatever the title, Medical Director, CMO, or similar, the responsibilities loom large with little relief in sight. Burnout, recruitment, and retention might be a larger concern than medical necessity criteria, case shaping, and utilization management. The end of the ACA won’t likely make things easier. With that in mind, here are 5 time-saving tips for medical directors.