Susan Morse
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Thursday said it will test a new payment model that would align reimbursement rates for comprehensive assessments done at skilled nursing facilities with rates already paid to hospitals.
An $11.8 million federal diabetes prevention model tested at the YMCA saved Medicare about $2,650 for each person enrolled, enough to cover the cost of the program, according to an announcement Wednesday by Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell.
The 31 states and District of Columbia that have expanded Medicaid are saving millions -- and in some cases, tens of millions -- compared to states that have not adopted the federal program, according to a report released Tuesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Because more than 80 percent of consumers go to Google to find a doctor, and much of that information is inaccurate, America's Health Insurance Plans has initiated a first-of-its-kind provider directory, AHIP announced on Tuesday.
Errors in insurance claims are costing the healthcare industry billions in wasteful spending, and both the payers and the providers are at fault, experts say.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance is closely monitoring Community Health Options, as the nation's only profitable co-op under the Affordable Care Act in 2014 posted a net loss of $74 million for 2015 and 2016 this month, according to information on the maine.gov website.
The Supreme Court has sided with Liberty Mutual Insurance and against the state of Vermont in a decision that could have implications for insurers nationwide.
While hospitals build wellness centers, insurers too are investing in programs that have moved beyond tobacco-free living sessions and gym membership benefits.
Over 300 healthcare and patient advocacy organizations sent a letter to Senate and House leaders on Thursday urging them to press the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to permanently withdraw a reduced Part B drug payment model from consideration.
The Aetna Whole Health-Virtua plan will be introduced in South Jersey later this year and will use Virtua's community-based health system of hospitals, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and health and wellness centers.