We continue our review of the 2015-16 drug benefit report, looking at utilization management, network design and other issues.
The 2015-2016 Prescription Benefit Management Institute report on drug benefits reveals useful information about design and cost trends.
Today we continue the evaluation of the NBER paper on Medicare and private health plan geographic spending variation, with the focus on hospitals role in that variation.
A new paper sponsored by the NBER comes through in its usual spectacular fashion with information showing little correlation between private insurance and Medicare spending per person and a strong link between hospital consolidation, prices and private health plan costs.
I don’t know why I even bother trying to identify major trends for the coming year, given a pretty pathetic record in the past, but here goes.
As a companion article to yesterday’s post, the Forum for Health Economics and Policy describes trends in Medicare beneficiaries well-being and financial status, which can affect their health needs.
An article in the Forum for Health Economics & Policy projects health status and spending for Medicare beneficiaries looking forward to 2030.
Research published in Health Affairs finds that private health plans are paying increasingly more for hospital services compared to Medicare and Medicaid.
As the holidays and year-end approach, many of us reflect upon the state of our lives, our work and the world we live in. I am always very cognizant of how fortunate I have been in my live, very blessed with a wonderful family and work I love. And I am also aware that this is not the case for a significant number of our fellow humans; that many struggle just to meet the basic needs of life, many are lonely, many have serious health issues, many live in countries that suffer under dreadful governments. We all should have compassion for others who may not be as fortunate as we are and we all should do what we can, at a macro and micro level, to make every human life one lived with dignity, respect, the fulfillment of meaningful work, the love and security of family and personal relationships and the opportunity for health and happiness.
Hoping you all have a wonderful holiday, relaxing and enjoyable, surrounded by those you care for and who care for you.
We take a quick look at what appeared to be the major trends and events for health care in 2015.