| HCPro Health Plan Insider - February 17, 2010 | Health Plans Have Wait-And-See Approach to Individual Market |
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Health Plans Have Wait-And-See
Approach to Individual Market
Joe Cantlupe, Senior Editor-Managed Care
There has been increasing controversy about investments in individual markets over state and federal inquiries into insurer Anthem Blue Cross's proposed 39% rate hikes in California. The controversy is inadvertently wrapped around HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey 2010 questions about investment in individual markets. We can certainly see more reticence now in the wake of the Anthem Blue Cross debacle. The company's proposals affecting its individual markets have become caught in a maelstrom of bad publicity and churning politics. [Read More] |
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February 17, 2010 |
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Editor's Picks
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Anthem Delays Rate Hikes As California, Feds Turn Up Heat
After Anthem Blue Cross proposed a rate hike that would mean up to a 39% increase for some members in California, state and federal lawmakers said they would launch investigations. As legislators turned up the heat, Anthem Blue Cross agreed to postpone the proposed rate increase for at least two months. During that time, the state insurance department is expected to examine the legality of the proposal. The proposed rate hike initially slated for March 1 will now be delayed at least until May 1. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner says he will review with a "fine toothed-comb" the proposed rate hike for an estimated 800,000 members to ensure that most of the planned increase is allotted to medical expenses as required by law.
[Read More]
GOP Bashes Health Reform Summit
It's a confab—but no party. The White House has invited more than three dozen top lawmakers in the healthcare reform debate—20 Democrats and 17 Republicans from the House and Senate—to meet and discuss healthcare reform in a televised conference on Feb. 25. Some GOP members, though, are questioning the motives of the President.
[Read More]
BCBS of TN Hard Drive Theft Threatens 521K Customers
The theft of 57 hard drives from a BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee training facility last fall has put at risk the private information of approximately 521,761 customers in at least 32 states, the insurer said. Of those customers identified as being at risk, 220,133 have received notices that their personal information was included on the stolen hard drives, BCBS of Tennessee said in a media release.
[Read More]
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Managed Care Headlines
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White House hints of new health bill
New York Times, February 17, 2010
In California, exhibit A in debate on insurance
New York Times, February 16, 2010
Healthcare for poor may get ax in Minnesota
Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 16, 2010
Reform Would Increase Healthcare Spending, But Millions More Would Have Insurance, Says RAND
Janice Simmons, for HealthLeaders Media, February 17, 2010
Spending on the insured rises in Massachusetts
Boston Globe, February 15, 2010
New Jersey Launches Web Portal to Reduce Health Plan Paperwork
Joe Cantlupe, for HealthLeaders Media, February 12, 2010
Aetna reports profit drop, sees more declines in 2010
Wall Street Journal, February 8, 2010
Cigna Corp. acquires company to grow wellness business
Philadelphia Inquirer, February 10, 2010
Webcasts/Audio conferences
February 23: ED Overhaul: Reduce costs, improve quality, and increase satisfaction
March 8: Physician Compensation Models in a Strained Economy
On Demand: Joint Replacement Service Lines: Alignment and Business Strategies for a Changing Environment
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| Audio Feature |
Small Scale Reforms Needed in Health Insurance
John C. Goodman, president and CEO of the National Center for Policy Analysis, talks about how the government should initiate "small scale" health insurance reforms. [Sponsored by Emdeon] [Listen Now] |
| Audio Feature |
Tips to Avoid Claims Denials
Judy Suska of IMA Consulting offers hospitals tips on working with health plans on claims denials. [Sponsored by Emdeon] [Listen Now] |
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| From HealthLeaders Media |
Providers Push Back on Plan to Extend Medicaid Managed Care
The call by Florida's private health insurance plans to expand Medicaid managed care while eliminating fee-for-service programs and the state's MediPass program is meeting resistance from healthcare providers. Bruce J. Rueben, president of the Florida Hospital Association, says HMOs don't work well in rural areas with sparse populations and few services. [Read Now] |
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| From HealthLeaders Magazine |
What Will Be the Payment Model in 2020?
Don't expect one payment model in 2020. There will be a hodgepodge of global payments, bundled payments, quality payments, and yes, even fee for service. But one commonality among all forms of payment will be greater collaboration between health insurance companies and physicians and hospitals. [Read More] |
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