Health Care Consumerism
Know Your Source: Online Health Information Can Empower or Mislead Eighty-one percent of Americans Go Online for Health Information; Only 25 percent of People Verify Source Reliability
HSA Bank Tops $1 Billion in Health Savings Account DepositsHSA Bank announced it surpassed $1 billion in Health Savings Account (HSA) deposits.
Don’t Drink the Wizard’s Elixir, There is a Cure for what Ails UsIt’s time for the United States to bring sanity back to the discussion of health care. It’s time for us to do what we do best; use our brains and technology to solve one our most vexing problems.
It’s Insurance!Strip away all the emotions tied up in employee benefits, all the partisan griping and name calling about health care reform, wipe away the employees’ sense of entitlement, get rid of the talk about Obamacare and what it all boils to down to is . . . insurance.
Study: Consumer-Driven Health Plans on the HorizonHealth care costs have continued to skyrocket and every politician, business owner and employee is trying to find ways to cut costs.
Innovative Point-of-Service Technology Key to True Health Care ReformThe “Holy Grail” of claims and payment systems has potential to save billions
CIGNA’s Young, FIS’ Torre to Participate in Forum EastCDHC Solutions Forum East, the only conference series devoted exclusively to – consumer-directed health care and the health care law, is proud to have Tom Torre and John Young participating in the second annual conference’s general session
Are Health Insurance Exchanges a Link in a Better-Value Chain?In the better-value chain, where health care services are offered at an affordable cost, the importance of any change can be gauged only after it succeeds at its core mission
'Health Care at Home Movement' Set to Revolutionize American Health Care SystemLeaders in the nation's Health Care at Home movement outlined trends and issues during a webinar for physicians across the country today. The webinar, "Why Health Care is Going Home," offered industry insights and detailed the reasons why home care will play a major role in the future of health care in America.
Extreme Makeover for Health Care Next Year? PwC Publishes its Top Health Industry Issues for 2011Health organizations will undergo a strategy makeover in 2011 as they react to new rules and payment models, continuing cost pressures and new customer demands, according to the Top Health Industry Issues of 2011, published by PwC's Health Research Institute.
Health Care Consumer Confidence Continues to Slide, According to Thomson Reuters Monthly IndexAmericans' confidence in their ability to obtain and afford health care continued its decline in November, falling another point according to a consumer sentiment index produced by Thomson Reuters.
Hatching a Bill to Take HSAs to a New LevelHealth Savings Accounts (HSAs) continue to grow as businesses look for ways to control employee benefit costs.
The Rough Waters of Health ReformWaves of regulations, legal interpretations, and white papers on Health Reform are flooding the world of brokers, benefit managers, and consultants.
Employers Becoming Proactive About Tackling Health Care CostsAs a busy 2010 comes to a close, highlighted by the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and America showing their disapproval of the new law by the results of the November election, employers are reduced to the role of Nostradamus.
First Horizon Selects change:healthcare's Cost Transparency Solution to Lower Employee Health CostsTop 50 Bank Holding Company Offers a Personalized Portal for Saving Money on Routine Care and Prescription Drugs
Health Care and FSAs in the New Health World With all the new health care legislation passed this year, many are wondering how flexible spending accounts (FSAs) will be affected. According to AlanHaft.com, the new health care reform legislation impacts flexible FSAs in the way over-the-counter medications are handled and increases taxes on non-qualified distributions.
'Consumer-Driven' Health Enrollment Reaches 22 Million in 2010 The ranks of people enrolled in either a consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) or a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) reached 22 million in 2010, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI).
Congress Called Upon to Eliminate Restriction on FSA Use for OTC Medicationsnless Congress takes action during the upcoming lame duck session, Americans will be prohibited from using their pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) contributions to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Claritin and Tylenol without a doctor’s prescription beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
Health Administration Press Publishes New Book on Consumer-Centric Health CareLeading Health Care Consultants, Lindsey Jarrell and Colin Konschak have written new book called "Consumer-Centric Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges for Providers"
New Research First to Reveal Health Care Pricing Trends: Abilify Tops List for Savings OpportunitiesHealthcare Transparency Index Provides Employers and Employees Critical Insight to Making Cost-effective Decisions on Prescription Drugs and Routine Care
HSA-Based Reform Proposed as Post-ObamaCare OptionA Michigan physician, Dr. Roger Beauchamp, has offered a comprehensive plan to reform the nation's health care payment system based on knowledge acquired over more than 50 years of practical experience.
PayFlex Names MasterCard Preferred Health Care Payment Card Provider Companies to Develop Joint Programs to Educate and Drive Use of Prepaid and Debit Health Care Cards
Deloitte Poll: Consumers Express Mixed Views About Health ReformA new consumer poll by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions found that 41 percent of consumers believe health reform will have a positive impact on fostering economic recovery in the United States, while one out of four (25 percent) believe it will have a negative impact.
New Congress Should Remove Restrictions on Flexible Spending Accounts to Help Consumers.) Save Flexible Spending Plans called on the new leaders in Congress to follow through on their campaign promises to fix problems with the health care reform law, including restrictions on employer-provided flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
HealthCAWS Mobilizes People to Actively Manage Their Health and Health Care Costs HealthCAWS, Inc., the company that drives Combining Accountability With Support in health care, announced the introduction of its new e-health consumer engagement tool, HealthCAWS PASSPort, featuring the Healthwise Knowledgebase.
Lighthouse1 Launches Lighthouse1 OnDemand 2011 Cloud Computing Solution Features More Than 100 Enhancements
HSA Bank Completes Additional Employer Portal EnhancementsHSA Bank announced it has completed additional enhancements to its online Employer Administration Area that will make the website easier to use and more intuitive for employers to find information for their Health Savings Account (HSA) program.
CIGNA CDHP Study Shows How Americans Can Reduce Their Health Care Costs Without Compromising CareCDHP study finds people enrolled in CDH plans more active in improving their health and reducing costs; more likely to use health advisors, generic medications; avoid unnecessary trips to the ER, and their out-of-pocket costs are less than those with PPOs and HMOs
Capital BlueCross Wins Silver Honors for Best Practices in Health Care Consumer EmpowermentAward from URAC Recognizes Medication Reconciliation Referral as an Innovative Consumer Health Improvement Program
Medagate and InComm Launch OTCNetworkThe First National OTC Benefits Disbursement & Redemption Network for Medicare Advantage Plan Members Provides Leading Medicare Advantage Plans, Health Plus Elite and Access Medicare, Leverage New OTCMedicare Prepaid Card to Reduce Member Health care Costs
Consumer Education Web site Helps Simplify Health Benefits Decisions in Era of Health Care ReformWeb resource provides practical, credible advice to help consumers make better health and benefits decisions and keep more money in their own pockets
A Nation of Health Reform ViolatorsBy Ronald E. Bachman FSA, MAAA, chairman CDHC Solutions editorial advisory board
Enrolling in a High Deductible Plan isn't the Only way to be a Good Consumer Promote flexible spending accounts during enrollment
Evolution Benefits Announces Key Promotions and Reorganization to Support Growth Objectives Avon, Connecticut-based Evolution Benefits, Inc., announced the appointment of Chris Byrd as president and chief operating officer of Evolution Benefits, effective immediately.
Survey: With Health Care Costs Up, Americans Missing Out on Key Way to SaveMajority Don't Understand Cost Savings Provided By Flexible Spending Accounts
Large Employers’ 2011 Health Plan Design Changes The National Business Group on Health conducted its annual plan design survey with members in the spring/summer of 2010. This survey is one of the few surveys conducted mid-year just as employers are finalizing their plan designs for the following year.
BridgeHealth Points to Customer-Centric Model as Most Effective Cost-Efficient Medical TravelWith a growing roster of satisfied business customers, including insurance carriers, third party administrators, employers, and individuals, BridgeHealth Medical, Inc. the nation’s premier provider of medical travel services to high quality surgical Centers of Excellence (COE) at significantly lower prices, advocates that long-term success for industry stakeholders rests upon key principles: putting the patient first and allowing for greater choice and flexibility in health care by offering access to COEs across the country.
PayFlex® Drives Greater Healthcare Engagement with HealthHubUniquely Links Financial and Wellness Information on Single Platform
Customized Investment Options Provide Choices for Public and Private "By empowering the consumer, we can change the face of health care choices and health care pricing.”
Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protections Award-Winning Finalists NamedWinners for the 2010 Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards competition will be announced Oct. 5-7 in Chicago among 30 finalists
Navigating Health Care Reform for Employers and EmployeesDescription of some of the major changes that the Health Care Reform Law will bring into effect over the next eight years.
Technology, Price Transparency Aid Consumers As one of the youngest leaders in the consumer-directed health care industry, William Short’s passion and success in bringing tremendous growth and change to the organizations he has played a leadership role in put him on par with well-respected CDHC veterans.
Strong Leader at the HelmOver the past few years, Lighthouse1 has grown from a fledgling company running on a bleeding edge platform to the one of the largest subscription-based health care software firms in the United States.
Pace of Health Care Consumerism, CDHC Picking upThe passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has brought clarity to the market, yet muddied the waters at the same time. According to a new survey by the National Business Group on Health, more than one-half (53%) of large U.S. employers plan to revise their 2011 health care benefit programs in the wake of health care reform legislation and anticipated large benefit cost increases next year.
Bank ‘Guarantees‘ Satisfaction with CDHP OptionsWith more than $51 billion in assets, Zions Bancorporation operates 500 full-service banking offices in 10 Western and Southwestern states and employs more than 11,000 people. Providing these employees and their families with quality health care has been a focus for Harris H. Simmons over the course of his 30-plus years with Zions.
Health Care Reform: Rewriting the DOL NoticesThe good people at Benz Communications break down some of the new rules that come with health care reform including Limit Changes, Eligibility for adult Dependants and Primary Care Physician Designation
CDHC Statistics and DataReport Concludes Care Costs May be Halved in a Decade
Implementing Effective Health Care ConsumerismRon Bachman explores why corporate benefits managers and human resource executives are searching for ways to effectively design and implement health plans to lower costs and improve the quality of care.
What Next? A Call for Real Reform of 'Health' and 'Care' Now that the long-debated health care bill has been passed and signed into law, we must turn our attention to addressing underlying problems of health and care in America.
Sick, Healthy Participants to Decide Health CareConsumers Gain Purchase Power, Decision-Making
Most large employers changing health benefit for 2011Due to certain provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, large U.S. employers plan on making some significant changes to their health care benefits programs for 2011.
ObamaCare OTC: A Prescription for ConfusionBy Ronald E. Bachman FSA, MAAA, president & CEO of Healthcare Visions
CDHP Growth Slows; Enrollments Decline for First TimeNation’s largest health plan survey cites key trends in employer health plans
GAO Report - "Consumer Directed Health Plans" Numbers Mean NothingBy Greg Scandlen, The Heartland Institute
EBRI -- What Do We Really Know About Consumer Driven Health Plan?By Greg Scandlen, The Heartland Institute
What Is Known About Consumer-Driven Health Plans? Report Summarizes Offer Rates, Enrollment, Premium Differences
Consumer Health Technologies Inc. Acquires MyHealthFunds, Inc. CHT Adds Business Process Outsourcing Services for TPA and Payer clients
Most Large Employers Changing Health Benefit for 2011By Kathleen Koster
Move Over Mom, Here Comes ObamaCareBy Ron Bachman, FSA, MAAA, president & CEO of Healthcare Visions
EBRI report rounds up data on CDHPsThe number of employers offering a consumer-directed health plan increased from less than 5% in 2005 to between 12% and 15% by 2009, according to a new report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
Michigan Partnership Supports Healthcare Cost and Quality SolutionMedEncentive Program Attracts Business and Medical Communities
Shared Decision Making: Empowering Patients Health Dialog’s Dr. David Wennberg Champions Informed Patient Choice
Enactment of New FSA Restriction Will Pose Problems for Consumers, Retailers and Benefit ProvidersConnectYourCare Enhances CDH Participant PortalConnectYourCare Enhances CDH Participant Portal with WebMD Health Management Resources and Engagement Services: Innovative Pairing of Consumer-Directed Healthcare Account Information with Health Management Services to Drive Healthcare Consumerism & Better Health Outcomes
Your 2011 Health Plan Decision: A Strategic Perspective for Plan SponsorsBy Eric Hershberg, John Vargas and Ken Grant from Lockton’s employee benefits group
Nurtur Unveils the Third Dimension in Health Care Regulations on “Grandfathering” Under the Affordable Care ActSome of the requirements of the Affordable Care Act1—the new health reform law—do not apply to employment-based health plans that were in existence on March 23, 2010
Find Answers on Health Care ReformsBy Scott Leavitt, President Scott Leavitt Insurance & Financial Services
What is Consumer Driven Health Care?youtube video clip - staysmartstayhealthy
An Innovative Solution to Rising Healthcare CostsBy Mark S. Gauyna, Principal, Borislow Insurance
Health Care, Human Capital, & The Need for Health Reform Annulment Ron Bachman describes the concept of human capital and how it should be the engine that lowers health care costs in the US
Survey Shows Gains in CDHPs, Cost-Shifting, Emphasis On WellnessMcGraw Wentworth released the results of its 2010 Southeast Michigan Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey
Aria Health Joins New Accountable Care Organizations InitiativeAria Health has joined 18 other health care organizations nationwide to launch Accountable Care Organizations (ACO), a collaborative effort designed to implement essential health care reforms to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Reform Changes Lead Employers to Rethink Retiree Prescription BenefitsAs the nation's health care system begins to understand and address the impact of the recently enacted health care reform legislation, employers must assess their current and future retiree prescription benefit options, according to executives from Medco Health Solutions Inc.
Consumerism Loses in European Style Healthcare by Ron E. BachmanA study of how Germany's health care situation affects health care consumerism.
Lighthouse1 Partners with TSYS HealthcareLighthouse1 announced a partnership with TSYS Healthcare to provide an integrated end-to-end healthcare payment solution.
Consumerism versus ObamaCare 2010Ron Bachman points out how health care consumerism can still thrive despite the new health care law.
We Can Help with Next Steps on Health ReformApril / May 2010
ObamaCare: From “No Way” to “Now What?”For flexible strategic planning, there are four major phases to consider: Legislation, regulation, compliance, and litigation.
It’s Time to Listen to Health Care ConsumersReleased April 14, 2010, a Mercer study for the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations (AAPPO) showed that insurance with health care consumerism now covers an estimated 23 million lives. Health care consumerism includes insurance plans with personal care accounts attached to the insurance coverage.
Look Beyond ObamaCare for Real Trend ObamaCare is fighting health care consumerism and broad cultural movements to personal responsibility, individual ownership, self-reliance, convenience, choice, and transparency. The health mandates violate the growth of personal responsibility and self-reliance.
Best Doctors U.S. Announces Significant Growth in 2009 with Continued Growth Expected in 2010Company helps leading employers impact healthcare quality and cost with innovative health benefit
Health Reform – the Ultimate FixA majority of Americans believe that a health reform fix is needed. For those in power the following is the perspective of a concerned physician and an actuary, two professionals who work in the dysfunctional system. Please read, it’s important for a few noble Congressmen and women to listen to these insights. Consider what kind of fix you may be voting for.
Companies Face Worker, Health Care Challenges as Millennium Closes Overall Outlook for 2010
Any Reforms Must Strengthen Both Health Care and EconomyInitial Focus Should Address Cost
Health Care Consumerism - Readiness TestCorporate benefits managers and human resource executives are searching for ways to effectively design health plans to lower costs and improve quality of care. Wellness and prevention initiatives are being adopted. Disease and condition management programs are identifying chronically ill populations. Education, communication, and incentives are being used to support information on healthy lifestyles and healthy choices. But, healthcare costs continue to rise. Real change in cost and quality is not about more management, additional programs, limiting formularies, or cost shifting. Real change involves engagement, personal responsibility, and changing behaviors.
Mental Health Parity A power point presentation about what employers need to know about the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)
Tea Party MomsRon Bachman shares his health care consumerism knowledge with the Tea Party movement
Health Reform - A House DividedDueling polls are worded to asked and cast favor on one side or the other of our national debate on health reform. Public opinion polls and recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts tell us that the American public does not want massive national health reform. They are worried about the current costs, future deficits, and government intrusion. President Abraham Lincoln once stated, “A house divided cannot stand.” The life and health of Americans deserves better consideration than a house too broken to pass inspection by anyone but the most partisan observer. Coming together is still possible.
Health Care Consumerism - Web 2.0 & Employee EngagementParticipatory information technology platforms can enhance the effectiveness of next generation Healthcare Consumerism. New Health Advocacy Program (HAP) strategies use various participatory Web-based approaches—aimed to engage end-users and accelerate behavior change. Innovative Web 2.0 aggregator/navigator platforms can engage participants to optimize Healthcare Consumerism savings of 9-21% and separately provide additional value-added savings of 2-4%. Web 2.0 and next generation “Health Advocacy Programs (HAPs)” can enhance financial successes as well as achieve better participant engagement and overall satisfaction.
Mental Health Parity - Interim Final Ruling 2/2/10This document contains interim final rules implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which requires parity between mental health or substance use disorder benefits and medical/surgical benefits with respect to financial requirements and treatment limitations under group health plans and health insurance coverage offered in connection with a group health plan.
Mental Health Parity - Implementation, Best PracticesTo optimize the corporate value when implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), health plans should review their benefits design and the various ways mental health services are accessed, delivered, and paid for. The MHPAEA Interim Final Ruling (IFR) was produced February 2, 20109, but questions remain and legal interpretations will take years to settle. IFR follow up clarifications will probably stretch into 2010. The following is offered as help and support for employers wanting to implement best practice suggestions that are likely to provide the greatest corporate effort for creating a healthy workforce.
Health Care Consumerism - A Complete SolutionTransformation to an Individual-center health system is much more than employers implementing high deductible Consumer-Driven health care (CDHC) plans with attached saving accounts. The future is about empowering individuals with information and financial responsibility to support a position of ownership. It’s about supporting and rewarding healthy behaviors regardless of plan design. It’s about engaging employees, employers, providers, carriers, and other stakeholders in a new relationship that deals with health rather than sickness and disease.
Health Reform Requires Unified, Concrete Game Plan It is now time to lay out basic principles, desired outcomes, and general legislative proposals to deal with real health reform.