Reimbursement
For some reason the Boston Globe devotes its top slot on the July 25 Opinion page to a tired and faulty argument (If a law doesn't work, waive it away?) from former US GOP Senator John Sununu against the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The Department of Health and Human Services has granted waivers to some employers to allow them to continue offering plans with low annual caps (aka mini-med plans)
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its June 2011 Data Book: Health Care Spending and the Medicare Program.
Detailing a laundry list of potential benefits to its health plan clients, their members and company shareholders, Express Scripts announced today a definitive merger agreement with competing pharmacy benefits management company Medco - a deal valued at $29.1 billion.
The lack of the correct patient discharge status code has been cited by Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) as a problem in the claims of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). The problem is actually twofold; improper use has resulted in overpayments in some cases and underpayments in others.
Jonathan Blum, deputy administrator and director for the Center of Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, says most physicians recognize that U.S. healthcare is inefficient and must change, and are eager to try accountable care organizations (ACOs).
Overall U.S. healthcare prices in June 2011 mirrored last month's slow but steady increase, rising 0.1 percent, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Making good on its stated intention to diversify its product mix and revenue streams, Aetna announced today it will acquire account-based health plan administrator PayFlex Holdings for $202 million.
Healthcare Finance News readers weighed in on what they think is the biggest challenge in forming accountable care organizations (ACOs).
President Barack Obama seems desperate for a compromise with Republicans over the debt ceiling. In a press conference on Monday, he once again agreed to consider cuts in social security and Medicare.
It's no secret that the Republicans are intent on defunding and dismantling, piece by piece, the Affordable Care Act. The latest portion of ACA to come under fire - somewhat obscured by the wrangling over the country's debt ceiling - is a cornerstone of the law meant to keep Medicare spending in the check, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).