High-deductible plans often have health savings accounts associated with them. New research looks at the effect of HSA-linked plans on utilization and spending, finding significant reductions, but concerns about use of preventive services.
A Towers Watson survey describes employee attitudes toward wellness programs and health engagement, with a surprising finding of declines in health as a priority and involvement in programs.
EBRI released results of its sixth annual survey on consumer engagement in health care, finding a steady increase in CDHP enrollment and continued trends of more cost-conscious and wellness-oriented behaviors among persons in those plans.
Thanksgiving approaches and we are thankful for the continuing stream of news to fill our Potpourri, including the effect of malpractice liability on Illinois’ ability to retain physicians; the role of prices in health spending increases; comparative health and death rates in the US and England; employer health insurance costs; CBO review of a plan to reshape to Medicare; and end-of-life decision making.
The holidays approach, the Potpourri rolls on, this week unveiling information on potential savings for Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibles; EHR use’s effect on physician revenue; likely physician reaction to the SGR cuts, if implemented; characteristics of California health plan enrollees; CBO’s view of the impact of the reform law on drug prices and a health plan allowing nurse practitioners to be primary care providers.
Cigna releases the latest of its annual reports on the experience of members in its high-deductible health insurance plans, finding that their medical costs continue to be lower in the first and following years, and they appear to receive as good or better medical care.
Fears have been expressed that increasing CDHP enrollment puts people at risk for skipping necessary health services. The GAO looked at this population and found healthier people enrolled and they spent less after enrollment than non-CDHP members.
About this Blog
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 [email protected].
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