Category: Issue Alert

Health Affairs Blog: “Variation in Medicare Costs Suggests Inefficiencies That Might Be Corrected Through More Administrative Spending”

Posted on May 16, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

Administrative costs have often been a focal point of health care cost discussions, even though the data are very clear that soaring medical costs – not health plans’ administrative costs – are driving health care cost growth. A new Health Affairs blog post looks at Medicare administrative costs in comparison to private insurers, finding that “…the large variation in Medicare costs suggests inefficiencies that might be corrected through more administrative spending.” Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

Posted on May 7, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

For most people, the ability to earn a living is the most important asset they have – crucial to funding the necessities of everyday life such as food and shelter as well as other financial obligations. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert

Health Affairs Blog Post: Population Health Management in Medicare Advantage.

Posted on April 2, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

Check out this new blog post from Health Affairs, Population Health Management in Medicare Advantage. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert

Letter from Massachusetts Delegation Raising Concerns about Impact of CMS’ Proposed Cut to Medicare Advantage

Posted on March 28, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

All nine members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation also sent a letter raising concerns about CMS’ proposed cut to Medicare Advantage, particularly the fact that they are basing Medicare Advantage payment rates on the assumption that physician payments will be cut next year. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert, On The Hill

New York Delegation and House Democrat Letters Raising Concerns about CMS’ Proposed Cut to Medicare Advantage

Posted on March 28, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

More letters were sent to CMS this week by members of Congress in both parties raising concerns about the impact a new proposed cut to Medicare Advantage would have on seniors. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert, On The Hill

Employers Increasingly Look to HSA Health Plans for High-Quality, Affordable Coverage

Posted on March 27, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

Employers – large and small – are seeing the value of providing HSA health plans to their workers. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert

ICYMI: More Lawmakers Speak Out Against CMS’ New Proposed Cut to Medicare Advantage

Posted on March 26, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

More members of Congress are joining the chorus of lawmakers raising concerns about CMS’ recent proposed cut to Medicare Advantage. Continue reading →

Posted in: In Case You Missed It, Issue Alert

Diabetes Alert Day: AHIP & CDC Partner to Prevent and Delay Diabetes

Posted on March 26, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

March 26 is Diabetes Alert Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness about type 2 diabetes, its risk factors, and its prevention. Continue reading →

Posted in: AHIP, Issue Alert

New Report Ignores Health Plans’ Efforts to Improve Patient Care

Posted on March 22, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

A new report released today by the Commonwealth Fund examining what health plans spent on quality improvement activities in 2011 is based on medical loss ratio (MLR) data that ignores a variety of programs and services health plans have implemented to improve care for patients. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert

New Video Spotlights a Return-to-Work Success Story

Posted on March 18, 2013 by AHIP Coverage

In addition to helping cover lost wages, many disability insurers are also providing a different type of benefit that is making a positive impact in the lives of workers who have suffered a debilitating illness or injury. Continue reading →

Posted in: Issue Alert