Covering the Bases: Medicare card explained Dec 8, 2008
People who receive their care through a Medicare Advantage Plan like an HMO or PPO receive an identification card from that plan, and that information is also not found on an original Medicare card. Q: My mother has Medicare Part A and B and also a Medigap plan. (Annapolis Capital)
FHC to change Medicare fees Dec 7, 2008
Starting next year, clients of its Medicare health maintenance organization, Medvantage RX -- the largest such Medicare HMO in Volusia and Flagler counties -- will see premium rates decrease, but the fee structure of other services is going to change ... These changes are occurring as it's becoming more clear that the Medicare HMO introduced in the 1980s has not controlled medical costs as it was hoped, according to Dr. David Himmelstein, co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program... (Daytona Beach News Journal)
County's union workers eye new health plan Dec 6, 2008
Right now, county employees are eligible for coverage under one of four health insurance plans GHI, MVP, Empire Blue PPO or the most popular, CDPHP. All but Empire are HMOs, which cost less in premiums but have a more limited choice of physicians and other health care providers in their networks ... Under HMOs, though, the network is much smaller mostly local physicians and providers and it has the most limited options ... We came up with a plan to take everyone in the HMOs and move them to the... (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Tufts leaves Watertown tax rolls Dec 5, 2008
If you examine what HMO Blue and Harvard Pilgrim are paying to Quincy, we feel we are getting the best deal, Loughlin said. We negotiated a lot more than those cities and are getting more. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
HMS Holdings Rides Rise In Medicaid Rolls Dec 5, 2008
And it counts a growing number of managed-care plans that handle Medicaid programs, including nine HMO giants such as Amerigroup () and WellCare. (). (Investors Business Daily)
Supreme Court Question: What's A Charity? Dec 5, 2008
Vision plan case could have big impact on hospitals and HMOS. ... "This is sounding the death knell of the nonprofit HMO model," Starr says ... "Moreover, the VSP case doesn't stand alone. "This case is indicative of a growing hostility on the part of the IRS toward HMOs," says Adelbert Spitzer, a tax lawyer with Ropes in Boston who advises tax-exempt organizations. The IRS has been pursuing nonprofit hospitals and HMOs for the last decade, challenging whether they really deserve their... (Forbes -- Business)
Proposed county budget avoids tax hike Dec 4, 2008
The county plans to continue to pay full health care coverage for workers through a new Keystone HMO that is expected to save $4. 2 million. (Conshohocken Recorder, PA)
Regents agree to charge new fee Dec 4, 2008
For example, a family using the system's HMO plan will pay $302. 04, up from $251. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Nearly 5 Percent Of U.S. Population Suffers From Persistent Depression Or Anxiety Dec 4, 2008
3, 2008) Though effective treatments are available for individuals suffering from chronic depression and anxiety, very little is known about how often these treatments are used or how prevalent these conditions are among the nation's general population. But in a first-of-its-kind study, UCLA researchers have developed estimates for both the prevalence of chronic psychiatric illness in the general population and how often individuals suffering from such illnesses receive appropriate treatment. (Science Daily)
Town not joining state health insurance plan Dec 3, 2008
Sullivan spoke about his Nov. 20 six-year proposal to join the GIC, emphasizing that the contribution rates for the first three years would have remained as stated in the tentative agreement and in Years 4-6, the contribution rates for all HMO and PPO plans would have increased to 75 percent/25 percent. These were not numbers pulled from anywhere but Braintree data, he said. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Post a comment » Dec 3, 2008
x-Navy wrote on Nov 14, 2007 9:55 PM:" I have a few questions that I have yet to make sense out of. Since when does not supporting the war mean that you're not supporting your troops? How does supporting the war, and voting to keep soldiers and sailors on the danger line so they can return to an inadequate HMO health care regulated system that will not provide proper treatment equate to supporting the troops? Where does the funding come from, who will be owed, and what does that mean for future... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Deputy named for managed care department Dec 3, 2008
It oversees care for more than 21 million HMO members statewide. Martin previously served as deputy director of the agency s Financial Solvency Standards Board, where he led efforts to develop regulations to ban balance billing of health care consumers when plans fail to pay the full tab for care. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Students, workers could see bills rise (with REGENTS' MEETING AGENDA) Dec 3, 2008
Workers enrolled in the university system's PPO or HMO health insurance programs would see their health insurance premiums rise about 20 percent -about $23 a month for a single worker covered under the PPO, or $66 for a family. The emergency student fee would generate about $20 million for the university system, and the health insurance premium hike about $8 million. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Regents to vote on deeper cuts Dec 2, 2008
Regents also will vote on a temporary, mandatory fee hike of $100 per student per semester at UGA and other research universities, $75 at comprehensive universities and $50 at other state colleges, and vote on reducing the employer contribution to HMO and PPO health insurance plans from 75 percent to 70 percent. Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Tuesday, December 02, 2008. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Medicaid provider hiring in Doral Dec 1, 2008
Medicaid s swelling member list in Florida is hurting the state budget, but its business potential attracted Molina Healthcare, a Medicaid HMO that is hiring dozens of people in Doral ... Molina Healthcare of Florida, its local subsidiary, will convert those members to its HMO plan during the first quarter ... 2 million HMO members in Medicaid, Medicare and children s health plans in 10 states. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
New companies encouraged to insure Nov 30, 2008
Avatar is the latest insurance play involving Dr. Kiran Patel, who made $200-million on the sale of WellCare HMO in 2002. Other founders include Sandip Patel (no relation to Kiran), WellCare's former counsel and a real estate developer (Orion Communities) who recently dropped plans for a Ritz-Carlton in Tampa. (The Palm Beach Post)
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Christmas Gift to Federal Employees: Surprise, We're Cutting Your Benefits!; Patients, Doctors and Health Care Providers Outraged Nov 27, 2008
Patients have the alternative of switching to an in-network doctor and keeping their previous benefits, but then their PPO with higher premiums is really just an HMO in disguise. On top of that, the Office of Personnel Management describes the changes on page 10 of a 137-page document -- burying the bad news. (PR Newswire)
Holding A Candle To Buffett Nov 27, 2008
Many of these holdings are big losers, particularly the HMOs, GE and Comcast. I own Aetna (nyse: - - ), an HMO, also a big loser, cut in half as the market frets over its portfolio of fixed-income securities and commercial real estate ... Apple, Google, HMOs, United Technologies (nyse: - - ), IBM and Hewlett-Packard qualify. (Forbes -- Markets)
Seniors encouraged to sign up for Medicare drug program Nov 25, 2008
Part C is comprised of Medicare Advantage plans like an HMO or PPO, also known as Medicare+Choice. It gives people the option of receiving Medicare benefits through private health insurance plans instead of through Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans must offer coverage that meets or exceeds standards under the original Medicare program. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Dec. 1 deadline looms to join state health insurance plan Nov 25, 2008
Sullivan spoke about his Nov. 20 six-year proposal to join the GIC, emphasizing that the contribution rates for the first three years would remain as stated in the Sept 23 tentative agreement and in Years 4-6, the contribution rates for all HMO and PPO plans would increase to 75 percent/25 percent. I was hoping that the PEC would bring this latest proposal to the membership and allow for a discussion to take place, and this has not happened, he said. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Burnout factor: Paperwork takes a toll on primary care physicians Nov 25, 2008
Each day at work meant navigating a maze of insurance company and HMO regulations, including hours of phone calls and mounds of forms to complete. It gets to the point where you feel like youre not taking care of your patients: Youre taking care of the paperwork, Javaid says. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Education key in gauging Medicare coverage needs Nov 24, 2008
If considering a Medicare Advantage PPO or HMO plan, are you required to choose your hospital and health care providers from a network. Do you need a referral to see a specialist. (NewsOK.com)
Town Hall Flu Clinic Nov 23, 2008
Don t forget to bring your Medicare B and/or HMO Senior cards, if you have them. The town s Department of Public Health will be hosting the event. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
Sagging Share Prices Rock HMO Industry Nov 22, 2008
INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY. Take a look at the recent stock performances of big health management firms, and it's easy to see why some experts wonder if it's time for the playing field to get smaller. (Investors Business Daily)
Health & Medicine Nov 22, 2008
Investor's Business Daily: Sagging Share Prices Rock HMO Industry ... Sagging Share Prices Rock HMO Industry. (Investors Business Daily)
Hospitals, Cigna part ways Nov 21, 2008
the faculty practice plan of the , is terminating its provider contract with the , the region s largest Medicaid HMO company, at the end of August after failing to agree on equitable reimbursement for treating the plan s Medicaid patients. Temple University Physicians consists of 325 full-time and 26 part-time doctors. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Insuring average upstate NYer up 6.8% Nov 21, 2008
In 2008, the average employee contribution for individual coverage was $77 a month for a preferred provider organization (PPO) or point-of-service (POS) plans, $78 a month for an HMO, and $57 a month for a high-deductible plan ... PPO plans were most expensive, averaging $7,815 per worker, followed by HMOs at $7,768 and high-deductible plans at $6,207. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Report card: Patients less satisfied with HMOs Nov 21, 2008
The state Office of the Patient Advocate released its annual HMO report card Thursday. The agency evaluates California's nine largest HMOs on clinical quality and patient satisfaction ... Patient satisfaction fell for Blue Shield of California, CIGNA HMO and PacifiCare of California. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Insurers make pitch for health coverage mandate Nov 20, 2008
Turning the U.S. government into a collection agency for for-profit health insurers is not universal health care, it s full employment for HMO executives, said Jerry Flanagan, the group s health care policy director. Related Subjects. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
LETTERS: The Californian, Nov. 19, 2008 Nov 20, 2008
And no, it won't take six months to get an emergency taken care (unless you want to keep your underperforming HMO). Andy wrote on Nov 19, 2008 6:51 AM:Dear Anne. (North County Times)
Half of nation's docs want to quit, survey says Nov 18, 2008
He began his career around the same time insurance companies were turning to the PPO and HMO models. So he was a little shocked when he began spending more time on paperwork than patients and found he was running a small business, instead of a practice. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Aggressive Bone Care Could Prevent Hip Fractures Nov 18, 2008
1 million-member HMO to identify patients at risk of fragility fractures and make sure they received treatment ... The average reduction in hip fractures seen across all of the HMO's medical centers was 37. (MEDLINEplus)
Time for Medicare patients to think about open enrollment options Nov 18, 2008
The first decision is to choose original Medicare or a private insurance (HMO or PPO) to cover hospital and doctor visits. The second concerns prescription drug coverage. (Houston Chronicle)
First Annual Health Net Cup Virtual Bowling Tournament Crowns a Champion Nov 18, 2008
The Northeast health plans offer a wide array of products including: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Point-of-Service (POS), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), third-party administration, Medicare and Medicaid. With a physician network comprising more than 90,000 physician and provider office locations, Health Net is one of the largest health plans in the northeast, offering a full array of open-access products and coordination for multi-region employers. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
A healthcare system badly out of balance Nov 17, 2008
A few years ago, when an executive for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center asked then-Tufts HMO boss Harris Berman why Beth Israel, a Harvard teaching hospital, wasn't paid as well as Partners, Berman said he had a simple response: "You are not Partners.". One influential researcher found that Beth Israel's overall mortality rate was lower in 2005 than the mortality rates at both the Brigham and Mass. (Boston Globe)
Flu clinics on tap at Emerson Nov 15, 2008
All residents should bring their Medicare and or HMO insurance cards to the clinics. These flu clinics are offered by Emerson Hospital home care and the local Board of Health and Council on Aging. (Concord Journal, MA)
Parker Adventist Hospital Offers Community Flu Shot Clinics Nov 15, 2008
There may be no charge for those with Rocky Mountain Health Plan, Humana Gold, Medicare Part B (not enrolled in an HMO). MUST show card. (PR Newswire)
Caveat for clean tech venturing in China Nov 15, 2008
His venture fund, Qiming Ventures, has invested millions in community clinics, advanced medical equipment, and the nation's first HMO.. As for venture capital's role in Chinese clean tech, he pointed to the comparatively paltry $500 million that American VCs invested in the sector last year. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Former HMO Executives Get Prison Terms in Fraud Case Nov 14, 2008
The took control of the HMO in January 2000, but U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon said that didn't excuse their conduct ... Scheur, whose wife and two grown sons were in the courtroom, apologized to his family, to McMillan and to the HMO's former employees. (Law.com)
Council on Aging Events Nov 14, 2008
Immunizations are free with Medicare Part B cards, HMO Blue, PPO Blue, Tufts Medicare Preferred and First Seniority. They are $10 per shot without one of the cards. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Obama targets massive cuts for Floridas largest HMO program Nov 14, 2008
Obama targets massive cuts for Floridas largest HMO program - South Florida Business Journal ... Obama targets massive cuts for Floridas largest HMO program ... President-elect Barack Obama has targeted $15 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage, which hauls in more premium revenue and profit than any other HMO program in Florida. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Applied Materials to cut 1,800 as profit, orders fall Nov 13, 2008
2 former HMO executives get prison terms for fraud Two former executives for a failed health care plan were sentenced to prison for participating in a scheme to hide its financial troubles ... Robert McMillan, 59, of Texas, the HMO's former chief financial officer, got 13 months. (Boston Globe)
Hill Physicians doctors available to Alameda Alliance patients Nov 13, 2008
The group, through its management group or MSO, handles HMO contracting and other administrative functions for hundreds of small medical practices in the region, including the Bay Area, Sacramento and much of the San Joaquin Valley. crauber@bizjournals. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
Blue Cross, BayCare sign new contract Nov 12, 2008
The new contract includes , the insurer s HMO subsidiary, and covers several lines of business including BlueChoice, BlueCare, Traditional, BlueOptions and Advantage 65. BayCare is a regionally based network of nine hospitals and other health care services. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Seniors can change their medicare plans Nov 10, 2008
Among Medicare health plans, seniors in Palm Beach County have more than 72 HMOs, PPOs and fee-for- service plans from 20 different companies ... About 90 percent of Medicare health plan enrollees are in an HMO that require them to use the plan's doctors and hospitals to obtain coverage. (Palm Beach Post)
Ten Tips for Picking a Health Plan Nov 9, 2008
An HMO, which limits members to physicians in a defined network, might provide enough choice and protection for someone young and healthy. 2. (W-USA News, DC)
Health Plan of Michigan Ranked Among Nation's Best Medicaid Health Plans in 2008 Nov 7, 2008
Health Plan of Michigan is the third largest Medicaid HMO in the State of Michigan, providing health care services to over 166,000 Medicaid enrollees through a contract with the Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH). HPM is a privately owned and physician managed Medicaid health plan. (PR Newswire)
OneBeacon Professional Partners Introduces New Realtors Professional Liability Solution Nov 7, 2008
Additionally, OneBeacon Professional Partners provides custom products including health care provider excess insurance and HMO reinsurance. About OneBeacon: OneBeacon Insurance Group's underwriting companies offer a range of specialty and segmented commercial and personal insurance products. (PR Newswire)
Weekend predictions from Jeff Schultz Nov 7, 2008
Deuce McAllister is a walking HMO disaster. Four players reportedly have failed drug tests and may be suspended. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Medco Health 3Q profit rises 38 pct, beats view Nov 7, 2008
We exclusively recruit for California Registered Pharmacists (clinical-inpatient, ambulatory, hmo). Top Cleaning Services for San Fran Area Businesses. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Business reacts to Obama win Nov 7, 2008
Alacare President John Beard said Medicare s current HMO program could be targeted for cuts. I expect there will be a reversal of some of the funding the Bush administration has put into the plan, Beard said. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Wells Fargo plans $10 billion stock offering Nov 6, 2008
5 billion the not-for-profit HMO posted a year ago. "Though unprecedented events unfolding in our economy and financial markets are posing challenges to our organization, our basic business and our integrated care delivery model remain strong," said George Halvorson, Kaiser's chief executive. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Obama May Lift Solar, Infrastructure Firms Nov 6, 2008
This might boost the number of insured, analysts say, but could put a bigger financial strain on businesses and HMOs ... Pharma and HMO stocks might suffer under Obama, Funtleyder says. (Investors Business Daily)
Ghanaians urged to vote for PNC Nov 5, 2008
He said the PNC would introduce the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) in place of the NHIS, if voted into power. Dr Mahama said under the HMO, more medical professionals would be trained while health training institutions would be provided with adequate logistics and equipment as well as teaching materials to enhance quality training. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ariz. backs insurers in most claim disputes Nov 2, 2008
Consumers who are covered by a Medicare HMO, long-term care plan, federal-employee plan or companies that have self-funded plans. Most read. (AZCentral -- News)
News from the senior center Oct 31, 2008
Nov. 15, through Dec. 31, is also the open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans: Tufts Medicare, HMO Blue, Fallon Senior Plan, Harvard Pilgrim First Seniority, AARP, and Evercare ... Flu Shots will be given on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Wilmington Middle School between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. For residents 60 years old or more, please bring your Medicare and HMO card. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
Senior notes Oct 31, 2008
Please bring Medicare and/or Senior HMO cards to the clinic. If possible, please bring a photocopy of Medicare and/or Senior HMO cards to the clinic in order to expedite the intake process. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Choosing the best person for the job Oct 30, 2008
I d like to work to finding a satisfactory solution to the HMO problem, Hartstein says. He wants to improve the medical service in the community. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Mayor, employees sharply differ on health insurance Oct 29, 2008
For HMO and PPO plans, the town would pay 75 percent of the cost effective July 1, 2009, 77. 5 percent effective July 1, 2012, and 80 percent effective July 1, 2014. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Massa, Kuhl Talk Economy, Medicare Oct 29, 2008
"I think we can break the stranglehold of private HMO insurance companies on middle class Americans making $40,000 a year and actually provide health care to the broad spectrum of Americans," Kuhl said. There are other areas in which you can go to make it more efficient. (R News)
Post a comment » Oct 29, 2008
x-Navy wrote on Nov 14, 2007 9:55 PM:" I have a few questions that I have yet to make sense out of. Since when does not supporting the war mean that you're not supporting your troops? How does supporting the war, and voting to keep soldiers and sailors on the danger line so they can return to an inadequate HMO health care regulated system that will not provide proper treatment equate to supporting the troops? Where does the funding come from, who will be owed, and what does that mean for future... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Four seek two county seats Oct 29, 2008
He was a regional executive director at BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts for Eastern Massachusetts, where he was partly responsible for putting together HMO Blue. Government experience: He and his wife moved to Hull in 1998, and he quickly became involved in politics. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Our view: Slow pace of switch for HUSKY coverage Oct 28, 2008
At least 189,000 people will be changing their health care plans because their current HMO, Anthem Blue Care, is withdrawing from the Medicaid program ... It eliminates the HMOs from patient-care decisions. (Middletown Press, CT)
Blagojevich defies taxpayers on details of health care program Oct 25, 2008
Mike P wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:35 PM:" Hopefully this will be but one nail in his crate of federal charges he is hopefully convicted of. Courts have ruled on his healthplans, because it can't be verified how any money coming in or going out is handled, plus several other important details any insurace plan is supposed to be at least capable of finding and producing in a timely manner. As noble a cause as universal coverage for kids or everyone is, right now it can't work. Unless insurance... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
HMO levy a wise alternative Oct 25, 2008
The Department of Community Health proposal would reduce that to 3 percent, but impose that same fee on all HMOs in the state, even though most don t cover Medicaid or PeachCare patients. (Georgia is one of about 20 states that already tax HMOs to support the government programs ... Make no mistake the expanded surcharge on HMO premiums would not be cure-all for Medicaid financing in Georgia. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
