cmonfils | January 25, 2012
This study examined the consequences of adding a fitness-membership benefit on the self-reported health status of enrollees in Medicare Advantage plans. Using a quasi-experimental design, we found that persons enrolling in plans after the addition of a fitness-membership benefit reported significantly better general health, fewer limitations in moderate activities, less difficulty walking, and higher PCS scores than did persons who enrolled in the same plan before the fitness benefit was added and in matched control plans that never offered a fitness benefit. These patterns persisted in the analyses of 2-year follow-up responses for all measures except self-reported general health. Our findings suggest that there is an association between the adoption of fitness-membership benefits in Medicare Advantage plans and the enrollment of healthier Medicare beneficiaries.
Category: Medicare, Wellness |
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cmonfils | January 25, 2012
Insurance coverage can be a confusing thing. Coverage for employee benefit plan fiduciaries sometimes adds a wrinkle to the process that can be overlooked. Depending on the type of claim asserted, there are a variety of “coverage” options that may apply. I think the new fee disclosure rules are likely to increase claims for breach of fiduciary duty in the future, but even without that development, it makes sense to at least know whether you have coverage and what your options are. So let’s take a look at some of the options.
Category: ERISA, Fiduciary |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Thursday that rate increases sought by a health insurance company were unreasonable, and it ordered the insurer to rescind them or justify its refusal to do so.
Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, issued the finding against the carrier, Trustmark Life Insurance Company, a unit of Trustmark Mutual Holding Company.
Category: Health Care Legislation, Health Insurance, HHS |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
In a cavernous room just east of San Francisco, an army of phone operators fields calls from their customers. A large computer screen blinks the number of people on hold: two, and the average wait time: one minute, 12 seconds.
These phone operators working in a non-descript office park in Alameda are employed by a large health insurance plan, and they’re willing to go the extra mile for their customers. They’ll schedule a doctor to come to your home, a pharmacist to drop off a prescription, and they’ll even help you fill out an application for food stamps.
Category: California, Health Insurance |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed by Congress, most Americans will be required to be covered by health insurance or pay a penalty—the so-called individual mandate. The legality of this feature is being debated in the courts.
These Urban Institute authors estimate the effects of the ACA and the individual mandate, as well as various levels of exchange participation, using a model that simulates decisions of individuals and businesses in response to policy changes. Exchange enrollment is viewed as necessary to reduce adverse selection, or the likelihood of only the sickest choosing to be insured.
Category: Health Care Legislation, Health Insurance, PPACA |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
A new state law allows Franklin County to reactivate its wellness programs in hopes of lowering health-care costs paid by taxpayers.
Legislation signed by Gov. John Kasich in late December clears up what some county prosecutors said was cloudy language regarding whether counties can create programs to combat obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. The law takes effect 90 days after signing.
Category: Ohio, Wellness |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) is arguably the most significant health legislation enacted in generations. As remarkable a political and policy achievement as it was, what the reform will actually accomplish is largely yet to be determined. Whether it slows the growth of costs, increases access to care, or improves the quality of care will depend on how it is implemented. Although major components of the law do not go into effect until 2014, the fate of the ACA depends on the outcome of four key events in 2012.
Category: Health Care Legislation, PPACA |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
More than 480 state lawmakers plan to file a brief Thursday urging the Supreme Court to uphold President Obama’s healthcare law.
The group includes at least one lawmaker from every state, including the 26 states whose attorneys general are suing to overturn the healthcare law’s individual insurance mandate. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in March and will likely rule on the law this summer.
Category: Health Care Legislation, Supreme Court |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
Surveys say corporate wellness programs seem to be resurfacing as a health trend in 2012, but what exactly do they entail?
The initiatives seem to be as diverse as the companies themselves, often depending on the size of the business. Some have in-house programs tied to health insurance and financial incentives, while others have gyms in offices or work with fitness clubs for discounted group memberships
Category: Health Insurance, Wellness |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
from Spencer’s Benefits Reports: Uniform rate setting for medical provider payments offers the greatest health care cost growth containment potential, a recent study from the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center found. The report noted that from 2000 to 2010, national health expenditures (NHE) have risen at an average annual rate of 6.6 percent, while gross domestic product (GDP) has grown only 4.1 percent annually. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains a number of cost growth containment provisions, which the Urban Institute reviews in the report, Containing the Growth of Spending in the U.S. Health System, along with several other options, and estimates potential savings the options may provide.
Category: Health Insurance, PPACA |
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cmonfils | January 24, 2012
The vaunted Geisinger Health System in central Pennsylvania ushered in the new year by becoming the latest employer to resolve not to hire smokers.
Category: Pennsylvania, Wellness |
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cmonfils | January 23, 2012
www.myhealthguide.com
MyHealthGuide Source: Jerry Geisel,
Google Receives Approval
WASHINGTON–Google Inc. has received tentative Labor Department authorization to fund several benefit risks through its Hawaii captive insurance company. (more…)
Category: DOL |
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cmonfils | January 23, 2012
www.myhealthguide.com
MyHealthGuide Source:
What is the most comprehensive, intensive and proven consumer protection law in the nation? What law imposes such intense fiduciary duty that customs most businesses are free to use to increase their profits can land a fiduciary in jail? (more…)
Category: ERISA, Health Care Legislation, Health Insurance, Self-Funding |
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cmonfils | January 23, 2012
Many people assume insurance offered by their employer is a better deal than they can get on their own. But while the premiums can be lower, such policies have drawbacks.
Employer-sponsored insurance has become much more common in recent years. Premiums from new sales of life, disability, supplemental-medical and other types of insurance sold through work sites totaled an estimated $5.4 billion in 2011, up from $2 billion in 1997, according to benefits-expert Eastbridge Consulting Group.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204331304577141080671882766.html
Category: ERISA, Health Insurance, Self-Funding |
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cmonfils | January 23, 2012
Reprinted from THE AIS REPORT ON BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD PLANS, a hard-hitting independent monthly newsletter on new products, market share, strategies, conversions, financing, profitability and strategic alliances of BC/BS plans. (Not affiliated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or its member companies.)
As health insurers gear up to prepare for the launch of public exchanges in 2014, most Blues plans this year will devote more resources not only to technological and other infrastructure improvements related to exchanges, but also increased marketing and retail investments in order to facilitate what will be significant growth in the individual market.
http://aishealth.com/archive/nblu0112-01
Category: Health Insurance |
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