Headlines – Page 364 – Healthy Skeptic

Feb 13 2013

hum

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Humana reported profits that were basically flat, but above expectations, although revenue was below forecasts. The company seems to be struggling with its Medicare business.

Feb 13 2013

hcc

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A New York Times article reports on the CBO’s reduction in estimated future health spending due to a belief that the recent slowdown in spending is at least partly structural in nature. Get ready for a surprise.

Feb 13 2013

hai

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

According to a Centers for Disease Control report, hospitals are making progress in reducing some hospital-acquired infections, although not so much for others.

Feb 13 2013

oop

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A study finds that many current health insurance policies have potential out-of-pocket costs higher than the limit that will be implemented under the federal reform law next year. Some consumers might see lower out-of-pocket costs as a result, but all will see higher premiums to pay for the new limit.

Feb 11 2013

hips

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A survey from the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that it is very difficult to obtain pricing information on hip replacement surgery and that pricing varies by over $100,000 across providers.

Feb 10 2013

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Massachusetts is expecting a surge in health spending growth this year, driven by the effects of its health reform law and the federal one. Expect lots more stories like this.

Feb 07 2013

ahip

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

According to a survey by America’s Health Insurance Plans, use of electronic claims filing has increased to over 90% of claims, resulting in faster processing times and lower costs.

Feb 07 2013

cvs

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

CVS Caremark reported earnings above expectations and raised forecasts for 2013. It also said it was buying a Brazilian drug store chain.

Feb 07 2013

hca

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Hospital chain HCA delivered earnings that were slightly above expectations but gave a cautious outlook for 2013, below analysts’ forecasts.

Feb 05 2013

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

New Congressional Budget Office estimates of the effects of the reform law indicate that 12 million people will be displaced from their current employment-based coverage and that exchanges will likely only have 5 million unsubsidized enrollees. As we keep saying, this law just keeps getting better and better!