Saturday, December 30, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Saturday, December 23, 2017
State regulator approves $620 million budget for OneCare experiment - VTDigger
State regulator approves $620 million budget for OneCare experiment - VTDigger
Looks like Vermont is going the wrong direction. Poor Bernie.
Looks like Vermont is going the wrong direction. Poor Bernie.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Repealing the Individual Health Insurance Mandate: An Updated Estimate
Repealing the Individual Health Insurance Mandate: An Updated Estimate
The CBO's boring & sad official estimates.
The CBO's boring & sad official estimates.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
Medical mergers in Minnesota are on the rise - StarTribune.com
Medical mergers in Minnesota are on the rise - StarTribune.com
Comment from Kip Sullivan:
"The reporter, Chris Snowbeck, warned me he wouldn't draw any conclusions
in the article and that I would probably be a tad annoyed by that. He
was right. I'm a bit bothered by the fact that it gives both sides of a
debate the opportunity to comment, but it doesn't help the reader
understand which side the evidence supports.
But on the whole
I'm glad Chris was interested enough to write this article and to talk
to me about it. It appears in the Sunday edition (the most read edition)
of the state's largest newspaper, and it discusses one of the most
important issues in health policy today. This issue is rarely discussed
in the mainstream media with any thoroughness. Chris got the main issues
out front and center.
The best feature of the article is that it
clearly states that mergers raise costs and, slightly less clearly,
that merger madness is a response to the "value-based purchasing" fads
endorsed first by the ACA in 2010 and then by MACRA in 2015. Where the
article gets unnecessarily agnostic is on the question of whether the
higher costs are worth the allegedly improved "value.""
Comment from Kip Sullivan:
"The reporter, Chris Snowbeck, warned me he wouldn't draw any conclusions
in the article and that I would probably be a tad annoyed by that. He
was right. I'm a bit bothered by the fact that it gives both sides of a
debate the opportunity to comment, but it doesn't help the reader
understand which side the evidence supports.
But on the whole
I'm glad Chris was interested enough to write this article and to talk
to me about it. It appears in the Sunday edition (the most read edition)
of the state's largest newspaper, and it discusses one of the most
important issues in health policy today. This issue is rarely discussed
in the mainstream media with any thoroughness. Chris got the main issues
out front and center.
The best feature of the article is that it
clearly states that mergers raise costs and, slightly less clearly,
that merger madness is a response to the "value-based purchasing" fads
endorsed first by the ACA in 2010 and then by MACRA in 2015. Where the
article gets unnecessarily agnostic is on the question of whether the
higher costs are worth the allegedly improved "value.""
Saturday, December 16, 2017
The Appeal Of Canadian Health Care For American Doctors : Shots - Health News : NPR
The Appeal Of Canadian Health Care For American Doctors : Shots - Health News : NPR
This includes some really important points....It needs to be seen as a RIGHT. To not do so is "...so wrong. It just seems utterly wrong...". We need to adopt a "...shared value that we all deserve access to health care...".
This includes some really important points....It needs to be seen as a RIGHT. To not do so is "...so wrong. It just seems utterly wrong...". We need to adopt a "...shared value that we all deserve access to health care...".
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Saturday, December 2, 2017
My Turn: Andrew S. Brem: Let's move on to single-payer
My Turn: Andrew S. Brem: Let's move on to single-payer
"As additional benefits, people would no longer be tied to a job they don’t like because of health insurance and employers would no longer be burdened by the costs of health-care coverage for employees."
"As additional benefits, people would no longer be tied to a job they don’t like because of health insurance and employers would no longer be burdened by the costs of health-care coverage for employees."
Holst: America needs universal health care | Opinion | iowastatedaily.com
Holst: America needs universal health care | Opinion | iowastatedaily.com
"...health care should not be viewed as a product to be purchased, but as a basic human right."
"...health care should not be viewed as a product to be purchased, but as a basic human right."
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Friday, November 17, 2017
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Sanders’ Single-Payer Versus Kaine’s Public Option | HuffPost
Sanders’ Single-Payer Versus Kaine’s Public Option | HuffPost
A political update. It misses some key factors but it is a reality check. Two points as reminders of very important factors: Employer coverage should be done away with for the employee's sake of freedom of job choice and the employer's sake to be competitive on the global market. A public choice must not mean what has happened in too many states to Medicaid -- turning it over the the private insurance companies as a MCO model with no accountability.
A political update. It misses some key factors but it is a reality check. Two points as reminders of very important factors: Employer coverage should be done away with for the employee's sake of freedom of job choice and the employer's sake to be competitive on the global market. A public choice must not mean what has happened in too many states to Medicaid -- turning it over the the private insurance companies as a MCO model with no accountability.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Friday, November 10, 2017
Candidates pan privately managed Medicaid Solutions | Elections | qctimes.com
Candidates pan privately managed Medicaid Solutions | Elections | qctimes.com
Most don't realize how "privatized" our public programs have become. Medicare Advantage is one example and in that the deal insurance companies get is more of our money thus making it more expensive to the government. In MN and WI the managed care insurance companies control the programs funded by Federal Medical Assistance and state tax $. And, in both states those insurance companies are not held accountable via things like audits even though the original deals many years ago included language requiring them. Managed Care is an oxymoron; it really is Making Cash for the rich and not about providing good health care for all. There has never been real proof that managed care, accountable care, etc. organization approach saves money or improves care.
Most don't realize how "privatized" our public programs have become. Medicare Advantage is one example and in that the deal insurance companies get is more of our money thus making it more expensive to the government. In MN and WI the managed care insurance companies control the programs funded by Federal Medical Assistance and state tax $. And, in both states those insurance companies are not held accountable via things like audits even though the original deals many years ago included language requiring them. Managed Care is an oxymoron; it really is Making Cash for the rich and not about providing good health care for all. There has never been real proof that managed care, accountable care, etc. organization approach saves money or improves care.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
There Was Another Winner Tuesday — Obamacare
There Was Another Winner Tuesday — Obamacare
Health care coverage is a political issue. It is turning in the public eye. We need to keep it turning by getting out to vote in folks who will keep pushing it forward.
Health care coverage is a political issue. It is turning in the public eye. We need to keep it turning by getting out to vote in folks who will keep pushing it forward.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
One Nation, In Sickness and in HealthOne Nation, In Sickness and in Health
http://billmoyers.com/story/obamacare-trump-sickness-and-health/
"Let's focus on the hard work of true reform and get health care for all."
"Let's focus on the hard work of true reform and get health care for all."
Monday, November 6, 2017
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Friday, November 3, 2017
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Wisconsinites Need Help -- LTE
Health
Care Coverage
It
can be hard to figure out. If you are lucky enough to have insurance
at work, great. If you have friends, neighbors or relatives who
aren’t sure what they have or they have nothing, now is a time to
help them figure it out. If you need help figuring it out, there is
some available. If you want to first check out the Affordable Care
Act, there are places to look. The ACA and ObamaCare are the same
thing. It still exists and actually, in spite of all the confusion,
will be less costly for many. One really important thing to remember
is that the only time to apply for the 2018 ACA insurance in
Wisconsin is from Nov. 1st through Dec. 15th.
The
ACA phone # is 800-318-2596 available 24/7.
There
are Navigators available weekdays such as:
Eau
Claire 855-792-5439
LaCrosse
800-742-5627
(others
are listed on the ACA web site as Assisters)
If
you or others you know need help with figuring it out or need
internet access to apply, call and leave a message at:
[641-715-3900,
Ext. 25790#]
Someone
will get back to you ASAP to line up some help.
Good
Health to All.
Craig
Brooks
Great
Northern States Health Care Initiative
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
'Obamacare' curveball: free insurance in 1,500-plus counties - ABC News
'Obamacare' curveball: free insurance in 1,500-plus counties - ABC News
Gold plans could be a better deal for many than the Silver under the current system. Getting coverage under a Bronz plan for free as compared to a $ penalty for not signing up is a plus for those healthy young folks.
Gold plans could be a better deal for many than the Silver under the current system. Getting coverage under a Bronz plan for free as compared to a $ penalty for not signing up is a plus for those healthy young folks.
Health law sign-ups start, and some see a 'hostile takeover' | National Politics | lacrossetribune.com
Health law sign-ups start, and some see a 'hostile takeover' | National Politics | lacrossetribune.com
"...people currently have private plans through the ACA's government-sponsored markets. More than 8 in 10 receive subsidized premiums, and are cushioned from rate increases. Federal help paying premiums is still available despite GOP efforts to repeal the health law." [In fact, if they look at alternatives during open enrollment, they might get an even better deal.]
"... subsidies for premiums are also going up — by 45 percent on average. That means current customers receiving financial help have a strong incentive to renew."
"HealthCare.gov has new features intended to make it more user-friendly and the call center is fully staffed." [I called 800-318-2596 and a human answered right away, was helpful and said they are available 24/7.]
"...people currently have private plans through the ACA's government-sponsored markets. More than 8 in 10 receive subsidized premiums, and are cushioned from rate increases. Federal help paying premiums is still available despite GOP efforts to repeal the health law." [In fact, if they look at alternatives during open enrollment, they might get an even better deal.]
"... subsidies for premiums are also going up — by 45 percent on average. That means current customers receiving financial help have a strong incentive to renew."
"HealthCare.gov has new features intended to make it more user-friendly and the call center is fully staffed." [I called 800-318-2596 and a human answered right away, was helpful and said they are available 24/7.]
Monday, October 30, 2017
It will be a tale of 2 countries as open enrollment begins | National | lacrossetribune.com
It will be a tale of 2 countries as open enrollment begins | National | lacrossetribune.com
People in Wisconsin need help.
People in Wisconsin need help.
People in Wisconsin need help with this. Volunteers are needed. Please reach out. There are only six weeks to apply - Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.
Ways to start:
Apply for Badger Care or Medical Assistance and if not eligible, they'll be referred for ACA.
This site can get them started - https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/
Find help from Assistors/Navigators: https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#/
Enter their zip, click on their city, click Continue.
Agents are insurance agents and Assisters are Navigators.
Click on the x by Agents to get just the list of Assisters. Agents would need to be checked with locals to make sure they would give a fair unbiased offering.
These Assisters are the ones who have had their Fed funding cut so getting time with them may be hard.
You could sit down with the person and on a computer go to: https://www.healthcare.gov/
You could help them wade through the on-line application process.
Calling 800-318-2596 should get you a human to help with the process. (Available 24/7 except national holidays - Thanksgiving the only one for the enrollment period) They say they will help talk through the application process. You and the person you are helping could be at a computer, use your phone with speaker on, call the ACA rep and, hopefully, get through the application process.
Your laptop and public places with wifi could be used as could other public places like libraries.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Friday, October 27, 2017
Open enrollment to sign up for health coverage
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kicking-off-open-enrollment-for-health-care-registration-39336469439?link_id=0&can_id=643bec55321b7375c52713c1675d9be5&source=email-kicking-off-open-enrollment-for-health-care&email_referrer=email_254410&email_subject=kicking-off-open-enrollment-for-health-care
Open enrollment to sign up for health coverage starts in just a few days on November 1. But the administration isn’t doing the outreach or education needed to get the facts out to help people enroll.
If they won’t help people #GetCovered, it’s up to all of us.
Help us get ready for the start of Open Enrollment for health care by joining a special Get America Covered conference call this Monday October 30th at 4:30pmPT/5:30pmMT/6:30pmCT/7:30pmET.
Joining us to kick things off will be Andy Slavitt who ran Open Enrollment over the last few years. We’ll talk about how you can get the word out in your communities about signing up for health care and answer any questions you have about Open Enrollment.
We don’t have much time. Open Enrollment is only 45 days for HealthCare.gov states; which means, it’s time to get to work.
Space is limited, so RSVP now. Please join 5 minutes early to avoid connection delays. This call is off the record and not for press purposes.
What: Healthcare Open Enrollment Kickoff Call
Who: Andy Slavitt, Former CMS Acting Administrator
When: Monday, October 30, 2017 at 4:30pmPT/5:30pmMT/6:30pmCT/7:30pm ET
Open enrollment to sign up for health coverage starts in just a few days on November 1. But the administration isn’t doing the outreach or education needed to get the facts out to help people enroll.
If they won’t help people #GetCovered, it’s up to all of us.
Help us get ready for the start of Open Enrollment for health care by joining a special Get America Covered conference call this Monday October 30th at 4:30pmPT/5:30pmMT/6:30pmCT/7:30pmET.
Joining us to kick things off will be Andy Slavitt who ran Open Enrollment over the last few years. We’ll talk about how you can get the word out in your communities about signing up for health care and answer any questions you have about Open Enrollment.
We don’t have much time. Open Enrollment is only 45 days for HealthCare.gov states; which means, it’s time to get to work.
Space is limited, so RSVP now. Please join 5 minutes early to avoid connection delays. This call is off the record and not for press purposes.
What: Healthcare Open Enrollment Kickoff Call
Who: Andy Slavitt, Former CMS Acting Administrator
When: Monday, October 30, 2017 at 4:30pmPT/5:30pmMT/6:30pmCT/7:30pm ET
Some NC Obamacare letters announce hefty premium hikes before subsidies | Charlotte Observer
Some NC Obamacare letters announce hefty premium hikes before subsidies | Charlotte Observer
Some good points on what these letters don't say. For example, they don't have info on how much of the premium increase will be covered by the government subsidy. Cuts in funding for Navigator activities means we need to have more volunteers out there to help folks.
Some good points on what these letters don't say. For example, they don't have info on how much of the premium increase will be covered by the government subsidy. Cuts in funding for Navigator activities means we need to have more volunteers out there to help folks.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Friday, September 22, 2017
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Four things to know about single-payer healthcare | Managed Healthcare Executive
Four things to know about single-payer healthcare | Managed Healthcare Executive
Some interesting comments....BUT....this is the time for dramatic change. Taking profit hound insurance companies out of it is necessary. The cost can be guaranteed to not be more than most folks & employers currently pay. Keep the Medicare payroll tax and up the income level for it and Soc. Sec. tax. Calculate how much of our current taxes go to support employee medical care, government medical programs, government workers at all levels health care coverage, etc. and recent five year average of what a family has paid out of pocket for health care other than premiums and they can determine a fair baseline guaranteed cost. With putting hospitals on a budget, making them public utilities and cutting the cost of all the bill processing at vendors and insurance companies we can do this at less cost -- not more.
Also, this article makes managed care sound good and rewarding positive results as a payment criteria. All that is horse hockey and not based on research. Our bad health results in the USA are due to how an average is affected by the terrible way we treat our poor citizens. That drives down the overall results. Universal access to care for all will gradually improve the results. MCO/ACO, etc. models are distractions and used to help justify what insurance companies bring to the table. I just want my doc and me at the table -- thank you.
Some interesting comments....BUT....this is the time for dramatic change. Taking profit hound insurance companies out of it is necessary. The cost can be guaranteed to not be more than most folks & employers currently pay. Keep the Medicare payroll tax and up the income level for it and Soc. Sec. tax. Calculate how much of our current taxes go to support employee medical care, government medical programs, government workers at all levels health care coverage, etc. and recent five year average of what a family has paid out of pocket for health care other than premiums and they can determine a fair baseline guaranteed cost. With putting hospitals on a budget, making them public utilities and cutting the cost of all the bill processing at vendors and insurance companies we can do this at less cost -- not more.
Also, this article makes managed care sound good and rewarding positive results as a payment criteria. All that is horse hockey and not based on research. Our bad health results in the USA are due to how an average is affected by the terrible way we treat our poor citizens. That drives down the overall results. Universal access to care for all will gradually improve the results. MCO/ACO, etc. models are distractions and used to help justify what insurance companies bring to the table. I just want my doc and me at the table -- thank you.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Why single-payer is not likely our path forward - StarTribune.com
Why single-payer is not likely our path forward - StarTribune.com
See all the comments -- shows the variety of opinions....
See all the comments -- shows the variety of opinions....
