Research published in the Journal of Health Economics finds that greater concentration in a hospital or insurer market leads to higher premiums.
A National Bureau of Economic Research paper suggests that Medicaid has a value to its beneficiaries that is less than what it costs government to support the program.
The Supreme Court once again uses very odd and strained reasoning to keep the reform law intact.
A study in Health Affairs furthers the view that higher professional labor costs are one source of excess health spending in the United States, but not a major contributor.
A timely report from Mark Farrah Associates examines enrollment and profits for the largest health plan companies.
A CMS demonstration for health care focused on intensive care, for Medicare beneficiaries with heavy health needs shows early promise.
The news is full of speculation regarding large health plans buying each other, which likely wouldn’t be good for consumers or shareholders of surviving companies.
Research published in Health Affairs finds that increased concentration among orthopedic surgeons in a market is associated with higher fees.
The annual SureScripts National Progress Report gives details on electronic health care transactions, particularly in the pharmacy world.
A survey from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans examines the effect of the reform law on employment-based health insurance.
The Society of Actuaries releases a study examining unsatisfied demand for health services among the newly insured, which may impact overall utilization.
PWC’s Health Research Institute gives us its current guess on 2016’s medical trend, which it projects to be down slightly from what is being experienced this year, but the reasoning is dubious.
An article in the American Journal of Managed Care contains results of a survey of health plan care management programs.
A Rand survey gives information on wellness program and associated incentive designs.
A brief from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation examines the impact of the reform law’s MLR requirements on insurers.