Roberts: Transparency in Prescription Drug Benefit Fees Is Key to Lowering Health Care Costs Sep 30, 2009
67 billion in savings by negotiating drug discounts on its own instead of using a PBM for the 9 million individuals covered by the TRICARE program ... Government Programs Using Transparent PBMs: Medicare Part D Medicaid TRICARE/DOD. (Roll Call)
Too Many Unnecessary MRIs and CT Scans? Sep 25, 2009
Too Many Unnecessary MRIs and CT Scans. - CBS Evening News - CBS News. (CBS News)
Watch how they vote Sep 24, 2009
Tricare for reservists (Senate vote No. 282) -- Allow Reservists and National Guard soldiers to buy into the Defense Department's health insurance plan at subsidized rates. Although it passed, only Republicans voted against it. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Aug. 29: Rally Day in Austin Sep 21, 2009
com wrote on Sep 21, 2009 1:32 AM:" Oh dear neighbors I attended your rally of Tea baggers. What a thoughtful bunch you were. I just loved the banner on the gazebo about supporting the troops. When? Have I seen a tea baggers contribution to BAMC in the paper? No. What I see is old men, who see my T-shirts that support the President, telling me that I am wrong, that they are veterans, and they support the troops.. I am a veteran and a nurse. As a nurse, I have spent many hours listening to... (Boerne Star, TX)
Rick Holmes: Reality check for health care reform Sep 21, 2009
U Twenty-nine percent are already getting their health insurance through a government plan: Medicare (for senior citizens), Medicaid (a state/federal program for low-income families, known as MassHealth here in the Bay State), or the military (through Veterans Administration programs run through Tricare, CHAMPUS or CHAMPVA). Health care reform wouldn't change the way these people get their health coverage. (Wakefield Daily Item, MA)
Your views: Sizzling health care debate Sep 20, 2009
Macnab cited Medicare, Tricare for military retirees and the VA as examples of public health care with high satisfaction levels ... Even though there are annual deductibles and co-pays for most care received under these programs, Medicare and Tricare are operating in the red. (Florida Today)
HINGHAM OPINION: Joining in the heath care reform debate Sep 19, 2009
His past positions include CFO of AdminaStar, Inc. (a government fiscal intermediary administering regional Medicare, TriCare, and Medicaid contracts), Vice President of Well Point (a Blue Cross/Blue Shield franchise), Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Sheridan Healthcare (a 300+ multi-specialty physician practice management company), Co-Founder of American Health Network (a 300+ multi-specialty physician group), CEO of Total Sleep Diagnostics, Inc. (an operator of hospital based... (Hingham Journal, MA)
Ashcroft May Be Sued for Rights Violation Sep 19, 2009
Secondly, these people have control of MediAid, MediCare, VA, TriCare and other medical care administration that is reported to use only 3% to 4% of each dollar for overhead. Sounds pretty impressive to me given this is government work. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
County Health Department says there is plenty of vaccine on hand for seasonal flu Sep 15, 2009
Medicare Part B members and Tricare members are required to bring identification and membership cards. The seasonal-flu shots are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at these sites. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Electronic Medical Records Chart a New Course Sep 14, 2009
Charting a New Course - CBS Sunday Morning - CBS News. Charting a New Course. (CBS News)
Obama Speaks Out on Health Care Sep 13, 2009
" Once you can get over the paralysis caused by the above condition (manifested in the policy of NO by many detractors) -- American Ingenuity -- can solve any problem. by sd92161 September 12, 2009 2:53 PM EDT Misha- lets discuss facts....soemthing that you have been unable to as yet.... How will the Government pay to cover 30 or 45 million people? Sure, Obama will not add "one thin dime" to the deficit......do you really believe that? Especially in light of the tremedous success the Gov't has... (CBS News)
Heckling Rep's Son Defends Dad Sep 12, 2009
" MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Share: Video and Galleries from Politics Video Video Video Latest in Politics 1 by afmcalax September 11, 2009 9:57 AM EDT Here is Wilson's ultimate BIG LIE: Except that he's not?at least not when it comes to his, and his family's, government-run health care. As a retired Army National Guard colonel, Wilson gets a lot of... (CBS News -- Early Show)
Local residents sound off on health care Sep 10, 2009
Burleigh Redus, who recently moved to the area from Texas, said he was lucky to have his current insurance a combination of Medicare and TRICARE, a military insurance program. His plan has no premiums and covered the unbelievable cost of treatment after he suffered an aneurysm, he said. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Health insurance out-of-reach for hard-working CNA Sep 8, 2009
renjon7798 wrote on Sep 7, 2009 5:58 PM:" Really? While I feel horrible that this woman needs health insurance, why is the WCF being so one-sided about the whole health care issue? I for one am against the socialization of the United States and the government control of whether or not I go see my doctor. I also work of ABCM and I enjoy working for a small company. And for those making comments about small companies not being able to provide quality insurance for their workers, my husband works... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
On Your Mind Sep 7, 2009
Your Medicare will be just fine, as will your TriCARE and your veteran care. Not to worry. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Health care vigil held in Acton Sep 5, 2009
I have the best healthcare [Medicare and TRICARE] in the world and I would like other people to have the same. The Sept. 2 vigil was one of 365 rallies, including events in Wellesley and Westford, held nationwide by political action group MoveOn. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Call my cousin Vinny Sep 5, 2009
Tricare for reservists (Senate vote No. 282) -- Allow Reservists 00003341 and National Guard soldiers to buy into the Defense Department's health insurance plan at subsidized rates. Although it passed, only Republicans voted against it. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
IRS would become Obamacare's enforcer... Sep 4, 2009
Oh and Elio - yes please abolish Medicare, Chip, Schip, Champus, Medicade, the VA, and every other government medical program except possibly the Center for Disease Control. And end the insurance requirements forcing policies to provide for all manner of care that people don't want. (The Drudge Report)
LINCOLN’S TOWN HALL DRAWS RELATIVELY TAME CROWD Sep 4, 2009
In response to a question from a woman who identified herself as a senior citizen, Lincoln said Medicare, Medicaid, veterans health care and Tricare for active military won t be affected. Your Medicare is gonna be fine, she said. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
More of this story... Sep 4, 2009
Patients are offered a variety of payment options including commercial insurance, MediCare, Medi-Cal, CHAMPUS, Workers Compensation, and Cash Payment on a sliding fee scale according to family size and income. In the commercial insurance market, they provide both fee for service and capitated services through contracts with over fifty insurance companies and health plans. (The Exeter Sun, CA)
In touch with the people at health care town hall Sep 3, 2009
Compassionate wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:49 AM:" Fifty to seventy people die every day due to lack of insurance according to a study cited by the New York Times. Most of them are in the 55-64 age group. Their deaths compell us to move as quickly as possible to achieve universal coverage. Most of the call to slow down on Monday night came from people who already have government health care (Medicare, Tricare, VA) but they want to deny what they have to others. It is time for compasion. It is time to... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Giffords gets a message: Sep 3, 2009
Some retired military members wanted assurance that their Veterans Affairs and TRICARE for Life medical benefits would not be touched. They received the congresswoman s personal guarantee that the programs will be protected in any reform law. (Douglas Daily Dispatch, AZ)
Let's keep health debate on topic Sep 2, 2009
If Rounds were looking for a more apples to apples comparison, he might consider using TRICARE a government-run health insurance more comparable to a public-option health insurance than that of Indian Health Services. In South Dakota, about 34,000 people (10 million nationwide) are beneficiaries of the military personnel/family member health insurance plans and it does seem to indicate the government could in fact manage a public-option health insurance program. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Giffords gets a message: Slow down on health care reform Sep 2, 2009
Some retired military members wanted assurance that their Veterans Affairs and TRICARE for Life medical benefits would not be touched ... Support Our Soldiers wrote on Sep 1, 2009 2:44 PM:" TO TOM: First, Tom, I agree you earned your Tricare coverage and deserve it. As a former government Care Manager, I want to clarify how Tricare works. Triwest is a private company but the US government contracts with Triwest to administer (only) the Tricare Plan. The Tricare Program is a government program... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Answers to health-care questions from Rep. Giffords Aug 30, 2009
Q: Will we still be able to use our Tricare for Life plan (military) if there is a government health care plan ... Tricare would not be impacted in any way. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Health Care Reform Could Tax Veterans Aug 29, 2009
Continuous coverage for National Guard and Reserve members is not always necessary because they frequently transition to and from active duty where they have access to TRICARE.. I am pleased that veterans service organizations, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, the Wounded Warrior Project, Vietnam Veterans of America, Blinded Veterans Association, Jewish War Veterans, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, have also expressed... (Townhall.com)
A question for Sierra Vista conservatives Aug 29, 2009
Im Okay with Tricare wrote on Aug 28, 2009 4:27 PM:" To JD - I assume from your comment that you are retired from the military. I hope you realize that the federal government doesn't force retirees to use TRICARE. That is a personal choice. Sorry your experience has been lousy. " ... Matt Hickman wrote on Aug 28, 2009 1:28 PM:" Just to clarify, I wasn't talking about tricare or any military health insurance but the military in general as being an enormous government program. But feel free to... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Military wife and mother fights her own special battle Aug 28, 2009
Parents often join military service to get better health insurance for their families through the military's benefits program, TRICARE, which can offer a better option than the care available to them in the civilian world, she says. That works out well for the Mathewses and their kids: Tyler, 8; Theresa, 7; Shawn, 6; Cheyanne, 5, and Anthony, 4. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
My insurance wont pay for the doctor I want Aug 26, 2009
However, if a military member were to seek out a private doctor on their own, the would likely have to pay out of pocket for that care, unless the visit was pre-approved by Tricare or the member s PCP.. D-troit. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Don't use broken programs as templates Aug 26, 2009
There have been comparisons that the new system would mirror the existing Medicare/Medicaid and TriCare programs ... I speak from direct experience when referring to the TriCare system ... Sestak, having served 31 years in the U.S. Navy, endorses a health care program that is similar to TriCare. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Thune talks reform10:04 am | (1 comment(s)) Aug 26, 2009
Thune said none of the proposals will impact veterans insurance, known as Tricare. With respect to Tricare, military doesnt get drawn into this. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Perriello holds town hall meeting in Charlotte Court House Aug 26, 2009
"What will happen to Tricare for Life?" he asked. Eighty-five-year old John Henry Brown told of how he had been let down by insurance companies throughout his 85 years. (Brookneal Union Star, VA)
Sen. Coburn, lets talk about worlds best health care Aug 26, 2009
It s not a matter of thinking people are stupid or ignorant, it s just whether having the state finance care is a better use of taxpayer money, which already pays for about half of all health care expenses between Medicare/Aid, the VA, and Tricare. Why is shopping for an insurance plan an intelligence test anyway. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Some patients must move to keep 'Prime' coverage Aug 24, 2009
The Tilch family had to move -- and had only 11 days to do so after opening a letter from their TRICARE support contractor -- to remain eligible for TRICARE Prime, the military's managed-care network, said Debbie Tilch. As many as 190,000 TRICARE Prime enrollees across the United States have received similar letters ... They advise that TRICARE is enforcing a rule requiring beneficiaries enrolled in Prime at a military treatment facility (MTF) to seek a waiver, either from the MTF commander or... (NJ.com -- Times)
Kosmas phone forum respectful Aug 20, 2009
Changes to Medicare or military retiree health benefits: Kosmas said those currently covered by Medicare, VA or Tricare would see no change to their benefits. The effect on small business: Kosmas said she wants to see exemptions for very small businesses. (Florida Today)
Hope vs. Fear Aug 20, 2009
Bill Gattis MD wrote on Aug 19, 2009 12:35 AM:" "truth seeker", I share your concern. I am against gun-control laws for that reason. We the people need to keep the power. But it is too easy for your private insurer to keep the facts from you, make them opaque, keep taking your money until you get sick and discover that you were mislead. But after being in the trenches trying to get care for my patients for 10 years, I can say that I would much rather coordinate complex care for a publicly... (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Indexes Hit Hard; Leaders Wounded Aug 19, 2009
The winners of the new multi-year Tricare contracts are Aetna (AET) and. 07/15/2009 02:36 PM ET. (Investors Business Daily)
Kelly steps in at Legion town hall Aug 15, 2009
Green Valley resident Tim Dugan, however, said Tricare, Indian Health Service, the VA and Medicare the latter of which by a show of hands most people in the room indicated they were on are all fine programs. The government can do a good job, he said. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Secret Service detains man holding 'Death to Obama' sign ... Aug 14, 2009
"comments":[{"body":"I would definitely wager that this guy, holding the sign, is a man of the left. \n\nAlso, re the poster who said that people did not publicly call for Bush' death during protests; this is not true, and by a long shot. Please try to be intellectually honest. ","createdAt":"14 Aug 2009 05:46:19... (The Drudge Report)
AP Fact Check: No "Death Panel" In Bill Aug 12, 2009
Not only can I NOT get the complete health care I need from MEDICARE, the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, or TRICARE PRIME as all of these GOVERNMENT RUN programs are TOO POLITICIZED DENYING MUCH NEEDED CARE. Name-calling & vitriolic rhetoric is not a debate on the issue of SOCIALIZED MEDICINE. This is not a Democrat vs Republican political party issue, it is an issue for all Americans to decide for themselves ... Not only can I NOT get the complete health care I need from MEDICARE, the VETERANS... (CBS News -- Health)
Health care not a right Aug 11, 2009
karen wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:16 PM:" I would like to know if Mr Ellis is currently receiving his health care from the VA or Tricare for Life, if so he has very little to complain about and no reason to wish others not to have the same advantage he does. ". Bernard Thomas wrote on Aug 9, 2009 4:53 PM:" How about the Air Force? It seems to function.TARP, as a matter of fact, has done pretty well--a number of banks have paid it back and the government's continuing stake in Citigroup is worth $5... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
On Giffords visit, health care takes spotlight Aug 8, 2009
To Single Payer wrote on Aug 7, 2009 6:01 AM:" Do you use the VA? I do. Takes 45 to 60 days to get an appointment. Some vets can't get care from the VA because of funding, some are at the back of the line when it comes to getting appointments and treatment. Wife is on TRICARE, takes over 30 days for her to get an appointment with her Dr. Some meds we need are not available thru the VA or TRICARE, sorry too expensive, must reduce costs and they also want to triple premiums. Single payer may sound... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
ER Visits Mostly by Medicare, Medicaid Recipients Aug 4, 2009
Uninsured patients accounted for nearly 18 percent of emergency department visits nationally, 34 percent were billed to private insurance, and 6 percent were billed to worker's compensation, military health plan administrator Tricare, and other payers, according to the latest News and Numbers from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Among the other findings. (MEDLINEplus)
Humana earnings rise 34 percent Aug 4, 2009
Humana still unsure about TRICARE impact ... That figure does not reflect Humana Military Healthcare Services Inc. s loss of its U.S. Department of Defense TRICARE contract. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Read the story Aug 4, 2009
Insurance pays about 30% of the time, and yes, the VA has paid for a few treatments, and Tricare has paid for a few treatments ... The HBOT costs were $62,500, which Tricare and VA refused to pay ... Anyone who supports the current health care "reforms" should be forced to use the VA, Tricare or military medical facilities for themselves and their families. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Scorpion's sting leads Yuman to open health center Aug 4, 2009
At the center she said is contracted with most major insurance companies, including Aetna, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the Medicaid in Arizona, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare and TRICARE.. Sorrell, a graduate of Louisiana State University, earned her master's in nursing from Vanderbilt University. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Click to read:Wounded Marine Fights VA For Care Aug 4, 2009
Anyone who supports the current health care "reforms" should be forced to use the VA, Tricare or military medical facilities for themselves and their families ... However, as a military dependent I can attest that Tricare is very well administered, and I feel lucky to have it ... The main flaw in insurance coverage is that hyperbaric oxygen treatment, also called "HBOT," is not covered by Tricare or Medicare or most medical insurance, for the treatment of TBI. I've paid for it out of pocket, and... (CBS News)
James W. Terman: The uninsured aren’t deserving of that fate Jul 28, 2009
6 percent getting non-elderly Medicare, Medicaid and government Tricare. That leaves almost 25 percent to get private insurance or go without. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Fixing U.S. health system is vital, Giffords says Jul 28, 2009
A military retiree from Sierra Vista asked the congresswoman if TRICARE would be eliminated under the proposed legislation. Giffords said it is not in either the House or Senate bill, and she will not support any proposal that would eliminate the special program for the military. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Minimum Wage Hike Raises Recession Fears Jul 25, 2009
I also did over 20 years of service and receive TRICARE. If you do receive this benefit you should know how well the the government is capable of running healthcare and should be the first to call BS when people try to put out misinformation regarding government run health care insurance. which is really what we are talking here. (CBS News)
Border fence divides many, as Giffords stance shows Jul 23, 2009
Gabrielle Giffords time in Cochise County on Saturday, she spoke with Wick News Service about concerns expressed by veterans involving the future of TRICARE under the proposed national health care bill now before Congress. Saying she had read all 1,018 pages of the proposed health care reform measure, the congresswoman said veterans who are on TRICARE would not be required to pay any costs for their medical treatments ... TRICARE and TRICARE for Life are unchanged, the congresswoman said. (Douglas Daily Dispatch, AZ)
UnitedHealthcare buys some Health Net subsidiaries Jul 21, 2009
6 million people through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. Shares of UnitedHealth closed earlier down 25 cents at $24. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Newsweek: Why Obama may fail on health care Jul 21, 2009
Fineman: Will Obama Wipe Out on Health Care. In his bid to push health-care reform through Congress, Obama is counting on a wave of political good will. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Fitch Downgrades Health Net Ratings Jul 16, 2009
On Monday, the Pentagon awarded military health care contracts worth tens of billions of dollars to managed care providers Aetna Inc. and UnitedHealth Group Inc. Humana Inc. and Health Net are currently holding those contracts for Tricare, which is the Defense Department's health care program for military members, their families and survivors ... Fitch said the loss of the Tricare contract is significant to Health Net, as it comprises 49 percent of the company's enrollment and 90 percent of its... (ABC News -- Wire)
Fitch holds line on Humana despite TRICARE loss Jul 16, 2009
Louisville-based Humana (NYSE: HUM) announced Monday that it has lost its bid to continue providing benefits for the U.S. Department of Defense s TRICARE program. Through its Humana Military Healthcare Services division, Humana began serving TRICARE s South region in 2003. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Analyst Picks and Pans: Aetna, UnitedHealth, VMware, Callaway Jul 15, 2009
On Monday, The Pentagon picked the companies for its Tricare health program, replacing Humana Inc. and Health Net Inc. in 2010. Tricare is the Defense Department's health care program for military members, their families and survivors ... He said Tricare was expected contribute about 20% of Health Net's earnings before costs in 2010. (BusinessWeek)
Humana, Health Net Shares Drop After Contract Loss Jul 15, 2009
The decline in Humana and Health Net shares came after the Defense Department announced Monday that it was awarding Tricare contracts worth tens of billions of dollars to Aetna and UnitedHealth after a more than year-long bidding process. Tricare is the Defense Department's health care program for military members, retirees and their families ... Humana said Monday it could not yet forecast what impact, if any, the loss of the Tricare contract might have on its earnings for the year ending Dec.... (ABC News -- Wire)
House Democrats Unveil Health Care Plan Jul 15, 2009
As for the aforementioned Tricare, that has NOT been a good idea ... Already doctors who take Tricare patients are reimbursed at less than even Medicaid pays them ... That private insurance has to squeeze out a profit in the administration of Tricare means the doctors get less and don't accept us as patients. (CBS News)
TriWest Healthcare Alliance Awarded Third TRICARE Contract, Remains Health Care Contractor for Department of Defense in 21-State TRICARE West Region Jul 14, 2009
PHOENIX, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- TriWest Healthcare Alliance today was awarded the contract to continue providing military families access to high quality health care and manage the 21-state TRICARE West Region for the Department of Defense (DoD) ... "It has been our great honor and privilege to serve the healthcare needs for those who sacrifice so much in defense of freedom, and we are pleased that the Department of Defense has selected us again for this critical work," said David J. McIntyre,... (PR Newswire)
Health care thoughts Jul 8, 2009
There are a few tricare health care available to retired vets and their families, depending on circumstance some are free while others come with a small monthly fee (think tricare prime costs $400 a year for families). " dietz1963 wrote on Jul 2, 2009 3:16 PM:" MtMadeMan, if what you say is true and many would say part of the huge cost of health care is because of the lawsuits. (Helena Independent Record)
Humana gets award for military support Jun 17, 2009
Humana Military Healthcare Services, the TRICARE contractor for the South Region, has received an Above and Beyond Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization. The award recognizes employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for associates who serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces, according to a news release. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Health Care Reform FAQ Jun 16, 2009
The military (TRICARE), veteran (VHA), and aged (Medicare) health care plans all have significantly lower administrative costs and even with relatively more difficult health groups ... TRICARE is the closet to what a national health care plan population would be like and it admin costs are far lower and outcomes better than the typical private health care plan ... One never reads about TRICARE not providing a bone-marrow transplant. (Slate)
Queen's pays $2.5M to settle Feds' claims Jun 4, 2009
The settlement was the result of two whistleblower lawsuits brought by former pharmacy technicians, who alleged that Queen s overbilled the state s Medicare and Medicaid programs, as well as TRICARE, the federal health insurance program for military dependents, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Edward H. Kubo Jr.. The lawsuits were filed under the federal and state False Claims Acts, which allow the government to claim up to triple the damages, plus penalties, for submitting false... (Pacific Business News, HI)
Should Universal Health Care Cover Faith Healing? May 16, 2009
TRICARE, the military health plan, already covers these services. And the Federal Employee Health Benefits program provides partial reimbursement for stays in Christian Science nursing facilities. (Time.com)
Obama seeks rules on exec compensation May 14, 2009
As it is, America s largest health care providers like Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Humana would not be falling all over themselves to get the government contracts to administer both Medicare and TriCare, the military version of Medicare ... There is no dedicated tax to pay for TriCare and these veterans benefits make up 20 percent of the entire national budget ... Yes, Americans largest health care providers are making a lot of profits by administering Medicare and TriCare for the government. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
