Seniors Often Reluctant To Switch Medicare Drug Plans
Comparing plans can save hundreds of dollars for some consumers but many people are overwhelmed at the prospect of making such a change. Seniors have until the end of the year to revise their coverage.
Seven Things You Didn’t Know Were In The Senate Health Bill
While much of the attention paid to the Senate health reform bill has been about the public option or financing, there are many lesser-known provisions that would affect consumers.
A Consumers’ Guide To The Health Reform Bills
The Senate and House health bills differ in important ways. We ask and answer questions consumers might have about the bills.
Plastic Surgeons Cry Foul Over ‘Botax’ Proposal In Senate Health Bill
Levies on liposuction, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures would generate billions of dollars to help cover the uninsured.
With Senate Health Bill, Reid Tries To Balance Many Interests
Majority Leader Harry Reid added new taxes and modified major provisions of health bills passed by two Senate panels in a health bill unveiled Wednesday night.
Tulsa Hospital Gives Medicare Patients Cash Back For Surgery
At Hillcrest Medical Center, which is testing a “bundled” Medicare payment system, some seniors get paid up to $1,157 for having surgery. The pilot program aims to save money and improve care by paying doctors and hospitals a lump sum and rewards the patients with part of the savings.
As Congress Moves To Cut Medicare Advantage Funding, Some Seniors Could Get Reprieve
The Senate Finance Committee calls for cuts in private Medicare plans to help pay for health reform. Some senators on the panel, worried about the 10.5 million seniors in the plans
Generic Drug Makers Say ‘No’ To Health Reform Tab
Makers of generic drugs say it’s unfair to make them pay $460 million to help fund health care overhaul legislation. They warn consumer prices could rise if Congress approves the 10 years of increased Medicaid discounts included in the bill passed by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.
Health Bills In Congress Won’t Fix Doctor Shortage
Even as Congress moves to expand health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, it’s doing little to ensure there will be enough primary care doctors to meet the expected surge in demand for treatment. One prediction: the shortage of family doctors will reach 40,000 by 2019, as medical schools send about half the needed number of graduates into primary care medicine.
Health Care Bill or No, Medicare Advantage Premiums Will Rise
Miami seniors will still pay nothing for coverage; rates to rise in New York and Philadelphia.
Senate Health Overhaul Plan Offers Employers Penalties, Assistance
For employers, the Senate Finance Committee health bill says size matters. Small businesses that don’t offer coverage would get tax credits while the bigger ones could face fines.
Workers Face Higher Costs for Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Employers are passing on more of the expense of rising health insurance costs to their workers through higher deductibles and co-payments, according to new survey.
Ohio Health Care Lobbyist Pays $30,000 A Year For Health Insurance
Sebelius cites case of Rick Colby, who supports Obama’s health care goals, but offers some changes.
The Evolution Of Medicare Advantage Plans
The roots of Medicare Advantage plans go back to the late 1970s, when health planners believed they could improve care while saving money. Now, health care reformers say the plans are too costly.
Democrats Target Federal Subsidies for Medicare’s Private Plans
Part of the effort to cut health spending aims at Medicare Advantage programs, which often offer benefits that go beyond traditional Medicare. But Obama says they are unfair and inefficient.
For Major Health Industry Players, Reform’s Positives Outweigh Negatives
As congressional legislation takes shape, most of the major health care players – hospitals, doctors, nursing homes, health insurers and pharmaceutical companies – are likely to benefit over the long term.
Will Emphasis on Prevention Bring Health Costs Down?
Obama and congressional leaders hope to reduce health care spending by promoting prevention to catch disease early. But some insurance and health officials say such efforts-although laudable-may not cut overall health costs.
“Free-Rider” Penalty For Employers Draws Ire From Advocates, Yawns From Business
Unions and advocates for low-income workers are criticizing a possible Senate Finance Committee move to drop an employer mandate in favor of a “free-rider” penalty. The provision would require companies to pay for part of the subsidies for uninsured workers to buy health insurance on the proposed exchanges. Business lobbyists say it’s better than a straight mandate.
Hospitals Divided Over Proposal For Medicare Payment Czar
Powerful hospital trade associations are opposing President Obama’s plan for an independent commission to determine how much Medicare pays doctors and hospitals. But certain “model” hospital systems – such as CHRISTUS Health – are breaking ranks and supporting the idea.
Poll Shows Growing Anxiety About Health Overhaul
Public support for an overhaul the U.S. health care system has slipped somewhat, according to a new poll. But a majority of Americans still believe that “it is more important than ever to take on health care reform now.”
