Author's posts
With next-generation ACO report fresh off the presses, Verma doubles down on 2-sided risk models
Although some providers are reluctant to take on more risk, a report shows new two-sided ACOs can succeed, too. But NAACOS argues that most of those ACOs were experienced and had time to transition to a value-based model.
Humana launches digital health studio, appoints new chief digital and analytics officer
Humana plans to add 250 jobs at “Studio H” to develop digital tools that help members receive better care and ultimately, improve their health. The company also created a new chief digital health and analytics officer position to oversee those efforts.
As midterm approaches, 10 Republican senators introduce bill to protect consumers with pre-existing conditions
As written, a newly introduced bill would prohibit discrimination based on a variety of “health status-related factors.” But it would still give insurers a lot more wiggle room than the Affordable Care Act does, experts say.
Clover expands Medicare Advantage plans to 6 more markets
The insurer believes it can attract customers and partner with health systems in six additional cities across the country. Plus, a Taiwanese company wants to use its predictive technology.
GAO criticizes Trump administration’s ACA outreach and enrollment efforts
By not creating an enrollment goal and cutting outreach funding, the Department of Health and Human Services is weakening the ACA exchanges, says the Government Accountability Office in a new report.
Generic combination drugs would have saved Medicare $1B, study shows
The markup on major, widely prescribed combination drugs cost the Medicare program millions of dollars—but it didn’t necessarily have to, according to researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Payer Roundup—Americans think U.S. is behind in healthcare; CMS approves Maryland reinsurance waiver
Nearly half of Americans say U.S. healthcare is “worst” or “below average” compared with other industrialized countries, according to a new Gallup poll. Plus, CMS announces its approval of Maryland’s reinsurance program, and $8.6 million in grants for …
Louisiana uninsured rate cut in half due to Medicaid expansion
The Pelican State has made tremendous progress in a very short amount of time under Gov. John Bel Edwards. Will his call for work requirements scale that back?
Bipartisan Policy Center calls for sensible oversight of new Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits
Provisions in the law can improve care quality and beneficiaries’ health while reducing costs—but they must be implemented correctly, says an issue brief released Aug. 20.
Payer Roundup—Arkansas Works putting coverage on the line; CMS approves New Jersey 1332 waiver
More than 5,200 Arkansans could lose Medicaid coverage next month due to the state’s new work requirement. Meanwhile, Seema Verma expressed her approval for New Jersey’s State Innovation Waiver with an emoji.
