In a FAQ release, HHS opines on reference pricing and narrow networks for grandfathered plans, suggesting that in most cases amounts over the reference price don't have to be counted toward the maximum out-of-pocket cost.
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-aca21.html
Oct142014
Lucent Health Solutions, which intends to develop a more "data-driven" administrative service for self-funded health plans, has acquired North American Administrators, a traditional TPA.
http://www.lucent-health.com
Oct142014
Diplomat Pharmacy, which manages specialty medications, has gone public with a $170 million offering.
A survey in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that most hospitals agree that public reporting on performance measures stimulates quality improvement at their hospital, but quality officers and others are less like to agree with this than are CEOs. Those most involved and most knowledgeable seem the least impressed by the value of quality reporting.
Identity management and data security firm Exostar has received a $5 million investment from Merck Ventures as it expands its services for life sciences companies.
Oct102014
TowersWatson says that users of its private health insurance exchange can expect total health spending growth of just 1.8% in 2015, but don't provide adjustments for benefit design changes or differences in the population using exchanges.
Yet another study suggests that not only does robotic surgery cost more than other methods, it has more complications, in this case in regard to gynecologic surgery.
The Healthy Skeptic is a website about the health care system, and is written by Kevin Roche, who has many years of experience working in the health industry. Mr. Roche is available to assist health care companies through consulting arrangements through Roche Consulting, LLC and may be reached at khroche@healthy-skeptic.com.
The Healthy Skeptic is a website about the health care system, and is written by Kevin Roche, who has many years of experience working in the health industry. Mr. Roche is available to assist health care companies through consulting arrangements through Roche Consulting, LLC and may be reached at khroche@healthy-skeptic.com.