Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Watchdog Group Asks Judge To Halt Anthem's Attempt To Switch Consumers' Health Plans
Los Angeles Times: Judge Is Asked To Stop Anthem From Ending Out-Of-Network Coverage For 500,000 Californians
A consumer group has asked a judge to immediately stop Anthem Blue Cross from switching 500,000 Californians to health plans offering no coverage for out-of-network care. The dispute is over a change Anthem made to its 2017 plans known as preferred provider organizations, or PPOs, throughout much of the state. (Petersen, 11/11)
In other news on insurers —
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Long-Term Care Insurance Policy Owners Hammered By Rate Increases
Long-term care insurance helps pay for nonmedical care when you can’t live independently because of a disability or condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. The rate hikes have caught many policyholders by surprise. ... But understanding the reasons for rate hikes and your choices can help you move forward. (Marquand, 11/14)
Nashville Tennessean: Why HR Wants That Health Assessment Completed
The health assessments, often run through an insurance company, are a window into the overall health of a group of people. Assessments give a broad picture to employers about whether they should consider healthier vending machines or stress management information. The health of employees is emerging as a priority for business leaders trying to manage rising health care costs, particularly soaring pharmaceutical costs. The average total health benefits cost per employee was $11,920 per employee in 2016, according to Mercer. (Fletcher, 11/11)
St. Louis Post Dispatch: As Commissions Disappear, Insurance Brokers Turn To Fees, Limit New Clients
For decades, insurance brokers relied on commissions paid by health insurance companies. But for individual health plans, that practice has changed recently: Carriers have either reduced commissions or eliminated them entirely. So, for the first time in their careers, some area health insurance brokers are asking customers to pay fees. ... Brokers are no longer receiving commissions from Cigna, the only carrier on HealthCare.gov that offers in-network access to BJC HealthCare doctors and facilities. And Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, the other carrier on HealthCare.gov in the St. Louis area, has cut its commissions to a flat dollar amount for each application, instead of per person, drastically reducing the commission for larger families. (Liss, 11/11)
