Unbiased Analysis of Today's Healthcare Issues
Health insurers face a conundrum. Increased cost sharing helps to reduce patient utilization of medical resources and–at least inititally–lowers the cost of care. Too much cost sharing, however, can lead to decreased patient adherence. In this case, the patients may get sick and require hospitalization, which will actually increase cost. Cost sharing’s affect on adherence…
I will continue reviewing some Medicare reimbursement information as described in a variety of MedPAC reports. Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage is a program where Medicare beneficiaries can receive private heath insurance, partially or fully funded by CMS. The health insurance must provide coverage at least as generous as Medicare Parts A and B. Private health…
Medicare Part D decreased the number of seniors without drug coverage. In 2006 only 7% of seniors lacked drug coverage compared to 24% in 2004.
It’s decision time for Medicare Part D purchasers. Seniors have until December 31st to make their Part D choice and this decision is not a painless one. The Marketplace Money radio program recently reported (‘Deciphering Part D‘) that “the most popular policies have increased their prices substantially, especially Humana and United Healthcare, the ones that…