Phia Group Russo & Minchoff

Latest News on the Anti-Subrogation Amendment

Adam V. Russo | October 30, 2009

The Barrow anti-subrogation amendment was definitely not included in the final bill. Barrow is inclined to move forward with a stand alone bill unless they can be convinced otherwise.

Details of House’s Revised Healthcare Reform Bill

Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009

The following is a summary of the House’s revised “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act” as compiled by SIIA’s Government Relations Staff:

Subro Provision in Comrade Pelosi’s Bill

Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009

The Law Offices of Bryan Davenport
We just received an email from Bryan Davenport regarding Pelosi’s subrogation bill:
I have reviewed Comrade Pelosi’s bill. We aren’t safe. See section 236 Section states “The Commissioner shall establish standards for the coordination and subrogation of benefits and reimbursement of payments in cases of qualified health benefits plans involving individuals [...]

Big U.S. Companies Balk at Healthcare Public Option

Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009

By Susan Heavey Susan Heavey, Yahoo News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Some of the nation’s largest companies pushed back against U.S. Democrats’ plans to deliver a government-run insurance option in a healthcare overhaul, decrying it as a step backward that would drive up costs for employers and their workers.

Support Broad in U.S. For Public Healthcare Option

Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009

By Tim Gaynor Tim Gaynor, Yahoo News
PHOENIX (Reuters) – Including a government-run insurance option in a U.S. healthcare bill has split lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled U.S. Congress, but support for it remains broad on the streets of U.S. cities, voters and pollsters say.

House Democrats Reveal Healthcare Bill

Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009

United Press International, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) — The U.S. House version of healthcare reform offers opportunity, choice, competition and innovation for Americans, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday.

House Final Healthcare Reform Bill Released; Government-Run Plan Included

Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009

The proposal is an updated version of the bill that was considered by House Committees over the summer, containing modifications reflecting negotiations made between House Democrat leadership and factions of liberal and moderate Members of their caucus.

When Updating Your Plan Documents, Don’t Forget The Following:

Adam V. Russo | October 28, 2009

Reporting to Medicare
The purpose of these reporting requirements is to enable the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine whether those covered by Medicare are also covered by other insurance that, by law, must pay primary to Medicare.

Employer That Did Not Comply With Health Plan’s COBRA Notice Requirements Is Not Entitled to Stop-Loss Reimbursement

Adam V. Russo | October 28, 2009

EBIA Weekly, www.EBIA.com
Majestic Star Casino v. Trustmark, 2009 WL 3260561 (N.D. Ill. 2009)
This case involved employees who incurred large health care expenses while on approved 90-day leaves of absence. The employer sought reimbursement for the excess expenses under the stop-loss policy issued in connection with its self-funded health plan. But the stop-loss insurer denied payment, [...]

Reid’s Health Care Reform, No Go With Snowe

Adam V. Russo | October 28, 2009

By Lee Brodie of Corporate Research Group, www.corporateresearchgroup.com
In a setback for progressives, Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe said she would vote with fellow Republicans to block the Democratic health care overhaul if changes are not made to the version Majority Leader Harry Reid outlined this week.
On Monday Reid announced a version of health care reform that [...]

Letter Received From Congressman John Oliver

Adam V. Russo | October 27, 2009

Dear Adam:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the movement towards true health insurance reform. I appreciate hearing from you.

Congress’s Health Reform Doesn’t Strike Public’s Fancy

Adam V. Russo | October 27, 2009

By Lydell C. Bridgeford, Employee Benefit News, www.benefitnews.com
A new opinion poll by the Galen Institute shows that 71% of Americans oppose an individual mandate to buy health insurance, despite a penalty of only $750 a year.

Free Webinar on Never Events

Adam V. Russo | October 26, 2009

Maryland Hospital Billing

Adam V. Russo | October 23, 2009

The following article was submitted from Kevin Chapman of  Boon-Chapman
BALTIMORE — In the fight over a health-care overhaul, Maryland’s experience with setting hospital rates suggests the federal government could realize savings on health spending, but at a price of more regulation for health providers.

Healthcare Reform Negotiations Continue

Adam V. Russo | October 22, 2009

Democrat leaders of both the House and Senate continue their respective negotiations in an effort to package reform proposals into finals bills to be brought to the floors of their respective bodies. The negotiations are comprised of Committee Chairman who have thus far authored and passed separate healthcare reform packages, Congressional moderates who will play [...]