Medicare Advantage Achieves Better Health Outcomes and Lower Utilization of High-Cost Services Compared to Fee-for-Service Medicare
New research from Avalere (@avalerehealth) finds that Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes experienced significantly fewer inpatient stays and emergency room visits relative to those in traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare. MA beneficiaries also outperformed FFS Medicare on several key quality measures including higher rates of preventive screenings and tests. Among clinically complex and dual-eligible/low-income subsidy beneficiaries, health outcomes and cost savings were significantly better for beneficiaries in MA than those in FFS Medicare. Read the entire report from Avalere.
This Just In
Tune in to HealthcareNOW Radio weekdays at 2:30 pm ET and catch This Just In with your host, Justin Barnes, aka the @HITAdvisor. On this 30-minute, informative program, Justin and his guests will shed light on the latest trends, strategy and innovations impacting healthcare, technology and even entrepreneurialism in America. This episode features Dr. Brian Hill, Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer of HIPnation (@HIPnationHealth), an Atlanta-based highly affordable healthcare service for individuals and small businesses.
As Atul Gawande steps into a risky health CEO role, here are five challenges he faces
Dr. Atwul Gawande has officially taken the lead of the new health venture funded by Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Berkshire Hathaway. After interviews with leaders across the world of health care, STAT has identified five challenges Gawande will take on in his new role. Each one carries substantial risks and complications that range from the political, to the personal, to the professional and ethical.
New 2019 Guidance Documents For Insurers
Health Affairs recently reported that the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) recently issued a number of new guidance documents for insurers ahead of the 2019 open enrollment period. These documents are largely focused on operational issues related to the marketplaces and related Affordable Care Act (ACA) programs.
eHealth, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2018 Results
eHealth, Inc., a private online health insurance exchange, announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018.
Aetna to Announce Second-Quarter 2018 Results
Aetna (@aetna) announced that second-quarter 2018 results will be made public on Thursday, August 2, at 6:30 a.m. ET. Given the pending transaction with CVS Health, Aetna will not host a conference call in conjunction with its earnings release.
Anthem Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results Reflecting Strong Overall Enterprise-Wide Execution
Anthem, Inc. (@AnthemInc) reported second quarter 2018 financial results driven by strong medical cost performance and a continued focus on optimizing execution.
UnitedHealth Group Reports Second Quarter Results
UnitedHealth Group (@UnitedHealthGrp) reported second quarter results, with continued strong, well-diversified performance across the enterprise.
Anthem, Inc., Samsung and American Well Partner to Provide Consumers Access to Telehealth Services
Anthem, Inc., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., and American Well® announced that consumers with an Anthem affiliated health plan and the updated Samsung Health app on their Samsung Galaxy device can now access LiveHealth Online within Samsung Health. The “Experts” service in Samsung Health connects consumers with U.S. based, board-certified health care providers for a wide variety of non-emergency medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Humana is hiring nearly 400 seasonal employees. How to become one
The Louisville Courier Journal reports that Humana Inc. is hiring nearly 400 employees to help out during open enrollment season. These employees will serve as enrollment specialists and will be based in downtown Louisville. They will help in reviewing and processing Humana Medicare Advantage member applications and responding to inquiries, among other duties.
Walmart Names Humana Veteran to Run Its Health and Wellness Unit
According to Bloomberg, Walmart Inc. has hired a former senior executive at insurer Humana Inc. to run its health-care business, a move that could reignite speculation that the two companies will forge a closer partnership.
Health Care Service Corporation Named a Best Place to Work on the Disability Equality Index and also made 2018 Best Employers for Women List
Health Care Service Corporation (@hcsc) has been recognized as a Best Place to Work on the Disability Equality Index (DEI). The company’s inclusive culture, collaboration with cross-disability community organizations, recruitment outreach and employee engagement initiatives earned HCSC a score of 100 percent for the second consecutive year.
We’re excited to share that @Forbes has included us on the list of 2018 Best Employers for Women! Go to https://t.co/pfmXgZolbz to learn more about the recognition. We are proud to be led by our female CEO Paula Steiner & 61% of women are represented in management positions. pic.twitter.com/s2NAwe4oCz
— HCSC Careers (@HCSCCareers) July 26, 2018
The CEO of one of the largest health insurers in the US explains why he thinks healthcare costs so much
David Cordani, CEO of Cigna (@Cigna), told Business Insider in an interview last week that the central reason why these costs have skyrocketed is because the country focuses more on intervention after a person gets sick rather than illness prevention.
As Trump Attacks, Insurers Boost Obamacare Marketing
Forbes reports that large health insurers have joined the parade of startups investing more in marketing and operations to expand their geographic footprints and sell more individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
John Gorman Announces Resignation from Gorman Health Group, a Convey Health Solutions Company
Convey Health Solutions (Convey) and Gorman Health Group (@gormanhealth) announced that John Gorman, Founder and Executive Chairman of Gorman Health Group (GHG), intends to resign his positions effective September 15, 2018.