The FairCo$t Health Plan is an innovative plan design seamlessly integrated with a High-Performance Healthcare Solutions platform that provides best-in-class benefits at substantially lower costs while improving clinical and financial outcomes for health plans and their members.
Continue reading FairCo$t Health PlanMonth: October 2023
Carrier Retains Right To Order Autopsy
A major carrier (one of the BUCAs) retains the right to order an autopsy but not in places where death is prohibited by law?
“The carrier shall have the right and opportunity to exam the person of the Participant for whom claim is made, when and so often as it may reasonably require during the pendency of a claim hereunder and also the right and opportunity to make an autopsy in case of death where it is not prohibited by law.”
Continue reading Carrier Retains Right To Order AutopsyEmployee Benefit Meetings Are A Waste of Time
Smart Employees Are The Best Employees
We’ve been doing employee benefit meetings for a long time and conclude they are a waste of time and counter productive. Yet employers continue the practice. Why?
Continue reading Employee Benefit Meetings Are A Waste of TimeWhy Insure Dental & Vision Benefits?
By James Farley
It always amazes me that benefit advisors will tell a plan sponsor that they should self insure their medical plan in order to save money and then turn around and sell that same plan an insured dental and/or vision plan.
Continue reading Why Insure Dental & Vision Benefits?GAG CLAUSE ATTESTATION REQUIREMENT DUE 12/31/2023
WHAT PLANS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY?
Continue reading GAG CLAUSE ATTESTATION REQUIREMENT DUE 12/31/2023High Cost Claim Diversion Strategy Saves Plan Sponsors Big Bucks
Patient dumping or smart risk management? Are lasers relevant anymore? The HOT POTATO risk transfer method……………….
“Exchange Dumping is a risk transfer mechanism whereby plan sponsors may induce high-risk plan participants to opt out of employer-sponsored coverage in favor of insurance available on the individual market. If properly designed, such an employer dumping strategy can promote the interests of both employers and employees by shifting health care expenses on to the public at large.” – Amy Monahan and Daniel Schwarcz, Associate Professors of Law at University of Minnesota Law School
Continue reading High Cost Claim Diversion Strategy Saves Plan Sponsors Big BucksCounty Adopts Cash Pay Rx Program With Outstanding Success
By Molly Mulebriar – Special To RiskManagers.us Blog
The Problem
A county’s self-funded health plan was bleeding. Prescription drugs were out of control, representing 50% of plan spend. County officials had to make a decision whether to continue their group plan or gift employees money to buy individual policies through an ICHRA.
Continue reading County Adopts Cash Pay Rx Program With Outstanding SuccessWhy A Patient Paid A $285 Copay For A $40 Drug
Americans pay more for prescription drugs than any country in the world, and the pharmaceutical industry earns billions in profits each year.
Continue reading Why A Patient Paid A $285 Copay For A $40 DrugAmerican Risk℠
Innovative Risk Transfer Strategies
“The Affordable Care Act (ACA) leaves self-insured employer plans virtually unregulated allowing employers a tremendous amount of freedom in designing the terms of their plans.”
Continue reading American Risk℠Providers Cutting Ties With Medicare Advantage Plans
‘It’s a scam’: Why 2 practices no longer accept Medicare Advantage patients
Continue reading Providers Cutting Ties With Medicare Advantage PlansHow To Avoid High Cost Ambulance Services
When you wake up from being unconscious and they’re threatening you with an ambulance ride, run………………
Continue reading How To Avoid High Cost Ambulance ServicesGot a Bogus Medical Bill? Sue ‘em!
Small claims court flips the power balance in medical billing disputes. Pat Pawlowski shows us how it’s done.
Continue reading Got a Bogus Medical Bill? Sue ‘em!Prescriptions Medications at Unbeatable Prices – Shop Smart, Save Big!
GHM Canada is a game-changer for American self-funded companies, providing them with a cost-effective solution to manage their prescription medication expenses.
Continue reading Prescriptions Medications at Unbeatable Prices – Shop Smart, Save Big!Who’s Driving the Craze for Ozempic, Other Weight Loss Drugs
Extensive media coverage and high obesity rates are fueling interest in prescription weight loss drugs, writes deputy head of industry intelligence Nicki Zink.
Continue reading Who’s Driving the Craze for Ozempic, Other Weight Loss DrugsWhat Do PPO Physicians & BUCA Brokers Have In Common?
The BUCAs have it both ways. They control product services and market distribution.
Continue reading What Do PPO Physicians & BUCA Brokers Have In Common?Wanna A Peek At A Blue Cross Hospital Contract?
The Power Of An Annuity…………………
As a kid were you ever told NO! you couldn’t have something? That’s when you wanted it even more and would do anything to get it. We were told some years ago by a Blue Cross official “Bill, you will never get a copy of one of our hospital contracts, so stop asking!”
Continue reading Wanna A Peek At A Blue Cross Hospital Contract?Hope For Fat Kids As Young As 6 Years Old
The already booming market for weight loss treatments like Ozempic might get even bigger as drug companies seek to make them available for children. The CDC estimates that ~20% of kids 6+ in the US have obesity, and manufacturers are working to make their weight loss drugs available for that age group.
Continue reading Hope For Fat Kids As Young As 6 Years OldChocolate Factory Appointment
“Honey, I have an appointment at the Chocolate factory this afternoon. I may be late for dinner so you might want to bring some take out home for dinner” says Christina to her husband.
Continue reading Chocolate Factory AppointmentHow To Make Health Care Free
Watch Here: How to Make Healthcare Free for Your Employees | LinkedIn
Is free employee #healthcare really possible in a market where costs are expected to increase to the highest they’ve been in a decade? We think so!
Continue reading How To Make Health Care FreeMiddlemen Pocket 70% of Medicare Spending On Widely Used Generic Drugs, Study Finds
Victor Lustig Would Be Proud
This article hints of the money flow distribution through third party intermediaries. Prescription drug commissions (rebates) average 30-40% of total plan Rx spend inclusive of generic and brand name drugs. This article outlines a breakdown of who gets paid what through generic drugs: 40% to the PBM, 17% to retail pharmacies, 12% to wholesalers, leaving 30% for the pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Continue reading Middlemen Pocket 70% of Medicare Spending On Widely Used Generic Drugs, Study FindsHow To Impress Your Girlfriend
Aldeen’s Sunday Morning Bathroom Read
By Doug Aldeen
Bottom of first inning:
Citizens and Plan Sponsors of the State of Wisconsin Antitrust Case (1): vs. Aspirus Health (Regional Monopoly) (0)
Continue reading Aldeen’s Sunday Morning Bathroom ReadPBM Is Transparently Honest
I was introduced to yet another PBM this week – Benecard. A fellow consultant highly recommended I check them out. So I went to their website.
Continue reading PBM Is Transparently HonestPlan Sponsor Screws Plan Members
By Bill Rusteberg
I just ran the numbers on a 2,500 life school district and you may be surprised by the results.
Continue reading Plan Sponsor Screws Plan MembersDon’t Ever Pay A Hospital Bill Without……
By Bill Hennessey, M.D. – Chief Innovation & Billing Integrity Officer
Hospital MUST Provide Itemized Bills Before Payment or Collections
and This Should Be a Law in All 50 States…………
Gary F. Slavearbejderen Has An Epiphany
Gary F. Slavearbejderen, a group health insurance broker, works hard for his money and takes a lot of abuse from unhappy claimants at the same time. He has to keep up with ongoing federal regulations continuously advising his clients about new developments in a fast moving industry. Gary earns a hard $350,000 a year.
Continue reading Gary F. Slavearbejderen Has An EpiphanyNext Insurance
NEXT is an admitted carrier NEXT Insurance: Small Business Insurance Quotes offering small business insurance to over 1,300 professions. Start selling with us as soon as today.
Continue reading Next InsuranceBrownsville ISD Changes Logo
The Brownsville Independent School District, the largest employer south of San Antonio, will be changing logos on their self-funded health plan effective January 1, 2024.
Continue reading Brownsville ISD Changes LogoPharmaceutical Sales Reps Penned Up
SOURCE: Inversionism
This is Dr. Jeffrey Caren’s 1200+ pen collection that he amassed over 6 years of pharmaceutical reps coming to his office to try and get him to prescribe their drugs.
Continue reading Pharmaceutical Sales Reps Penned UpKilleen ISD To Save $10,000,000 By Joining Government Health Plan
At their September 2023 board meeting TRS ActiveCare officials approved transitional rates for the Killeen Independent School District (KISD). KISD is joining the TRS ActiveCare program effective January 1, 2024.
Continue reading Killeen ISD To Save $10,000,000 By Joining Government Health PlanNew Medical Dictionary Released
Employer Lawsuits Heat Up Against Health Plan Administrators
Employers are obligated to make sure “that there are no hidden fees and expenses and limitations” on audit rights in the contracts they enter into with service providers.
Continue reading Employer Lawsuits Heat Up Against Health Plan AdministratorsAn Offer You Can’t Refuse
A Texas school district is out to bid for a new health insurance consultant. The usual suspects will apply and the outcome is predictable. A brand name, national brokerage/consultancy will win the account and life will go on with little changed.
Continue reading An Offer You Can’t RefuseMDsave
All-Inclusive Healthcare Pricing
Take the guesswork out of your healthcare spend. Get access to a network of local providers offering procedures with upfront prices and exclusive savings. No middlemen. No surprise bills.
Continue reading MDsaveHow Much Do You Charge?
By Bill Rusteberg
Invariably we are asked at our first meeting “How much do you charge?” Here’s how we answer:
Continue reading How Much Do You Charge?Lawsuit Exposes How Health Insurance Brokers Can Earn Enormous Commissions
By Bill Rusteberg
“You Don’t Want Me To Know Your Business Because It Won’t Be Good For You!”
Continue reading Lawsuit Exposes How Health Insurance Brokers Can Earn Enormous Commissions“When Will The Reaper Come For Employer Health and Welfare Plan Sponsors?”
General Electric will pay $61M in ‘largest ever’ 401(k) mismanagement suit
ARTICLE REFERRED BY NEIL QUINN with note: “When will the Reaper come for employer health and welfare plan sponsors?”
Continue reading “When Will The Reaper Come For Employer Health and Welfare Plan Sponsors?”Healthcare Retailers In The News
Healthcare retailers in the news: Best Buy Health, Walgreens, Dollar General
Dave Pearson | October 10, 2023 | Health Exec | Business Intelligence
The past several days have seen a series of noteworthy healthcare developments involving brick-and-mortar consumer stores. Here are three (plus one).
Continue reading Healthcare Retailers In The NewsEveryone Is Paying For Mary’s Deductible Because Mary Isn’t
Lucky Mary. She has a $1,500 deductible through her employer’s health plan but everyone else is paying for it because she’s not.
Continue reading Everyone Is Paying For Mary’s Deductible Because Mary Isn’tThe Service Contract Act
The 2023 Service Contract Act fringe rate was announced in July 2023 at $4.98 or $4.57 per hour. Employers can offer employees fringe benefits in lieu of a cash payment.
Continue reading The Service Contract ActFair Market Payment(TM): Big Savings, Less Friction than BUCA or RBP Plans
Hospital Administrator Reacts To RBP Payment
By Joe Candio
We help employee benefits brokers and consultants achieve better outcomes, save 25-35%, and provide an overall better member experience for their clients and prospects
Continue reading Fair Market Payment(TM): Big Savings, Less Friction than BUCA or RBP PlansOneTest™ for Cancer
Transform your practice with OneTest™ for Cancer. The affordable multiple cancer screening test that makes early detection accessible to your patients. Offer this cutting-edge technology and attract more patients, enhance their experience and boost revenue
Continue reading OneTest™ for CancerAnother Great Butler Analogy
Josh Butler – President, Butler Benefits
What if your employer were responsible for withholding money from your paycheck every pay period and tasked with buying your groceries each week?
Continue reading Another Great Butler AnalogyMary Lou Retton In ICU – Has No Health Insurance
Mary Lou Retton ‘fighting for her life’ with rare form of pneumonia, daughter says
By Jack Baer Tue, Oct 10, 2023
Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win all-around gymnastics gold at the Olympics, is “fighting for her life” with a serious illness, according to a fundraiser posted by her daughter.
Continue reading Mary Lou Retton In ICU – Has No Health InsuranceInsurance Business For Sale For A Piddling $10,000,000,000
Truist in talks to Sell Insurance Business for $10 Billion………….
Continue reading Insurance Business For Sale For A Piddling $10,000,000,000Pickle Ball To Cost Millions In Healthcare?
Pickleball-related injuries will cost Americans $377 million in health care this year, making up 5% to 10% of total unexpected medical costs in the country.
Continue reading Pickle Ball To Cost Millions In Healthcare?Learn How To Make Healthcare Free For Your Employees
Vitori Health Announces Acquisition of Flume Health’s TPA Operations
Tue, October 10, 2023
Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vitori Health, a national precision-built health plan solution that provides a high-performing alternative for mid-market employers and their employees, announced today its acquisition of Flume Health’s third-party administrator (TPA) operations.
Continue reading Vitori Health Announces Acquisition of Flume Health’s TPA OperationsLower Rio Grande Hospital Pricing Study Shows Plan Sponsors Getting Screwed
Recently we ran 100% of 12 months of paid hospital claims through several payer systems, both inpatient and outpatient, on a group of 225 employee lives in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. We used a firm that reprices claims for a number of PPO networks as well as out-of-network claims using Medicare and Medicaid benchmarks.
Continue reading Lower Rio Grande Hospital Pricing Study Shows Plan Sponsors Getting ScrewedThird Party Intermediaries Make Up 45% Of Healthcare Spend
Direct Primary Care coupled with Cash Pay Centric Health Plans eliminates costly middlemen, providing better, more efficient health care at half the cost of traditional managed care plans.
Continue reading Third Party Intermediaries Make Up 45% Of Healthcare SpendBISD Board Member Censured For Calling Insurance Consultant A Liar
To be branded a liar publicly for all to see affects an independent consultant’s ability to attract and retain clients now and in the future. The damage is irreversible, Feathers In the Wind.”
Continue reading BISD Board Member Censured For Calling Insurance Consultant A LiarBob Reim Insurance Newsletter
Prior to 2020 the United States averaged 7.9 billion-dollar-damage weather disasters each year. The average for the last three years has been 20 billion-dollar-plus, and as of September 2023, the United States has already set an unfortunate record of 23 billion-dollar-plus, with over a quarter of the year still to come.
Continue reading Bob Reim Insurance NewsletterHow UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into one
By WENDELL POTTER – OCT 5, 2023
America’s biggest health insurer and I have something in common. Next year, we’ll both be celebrating 40 years in health care. One of us is worth a lot more money.
Continue reading How UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into oneExcess Re
Excess Reinsurance Achieves Performance Assessment Rating of PA-2 (Excellent) by AM Best
MyHealthGuide Source: Excess Reinsurance 10/7/2023
Woodbury, NJ — Excess Reinsurance, a leading player in the stop loss insurance industry, proudly announces that it has been awarded a Performance Assessment Rating of PA-2 (Excellent) by AM Best, a globally recognized credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry.
Continue reading Excess ReThe American Health Care Crisis – Is It Time For Civil Disobedience?
By Bill Rusteberg
The American health care delivery system has reached a boiling point. The average working American can no longer afford health insurance and those who can often find they can’t afford to use it.
Continue reading The American Health Care Crisis – Is It Time For Civil Disobedience?How to Prepare For Possible Health Plan Litigation
SOURCE: How to Prepare For Possible Health Plan Litigation | PLANSPONSOR
Fiduciaries and service providers should act now to mitigate the legal risks associated with lawsuits alleging health plans paid unreasonable and imprudent fees and expenses.
Continue reading How to Prepare For Possible Health Plan LitigationThe C-Suite Solution
Jeff Evans, CRM, ACSF Passionate Risk/Insurance Educator-Coach-Author
Please don’t miss your chance to get your FREE copy of Healthcare’s C-Suite Solution.\
Continue reading The C-Suite SolutionCapital Rx Employee Shitcanned
Brianna Pinnix, a 30-year-old talent acquisition specialist at Capital Rx lost her job this week.
Continue reading Capital Rx Employee ShitcannedTexas School District Seeks Insurance Consultant
The Mission Independent School District is seeking an insurance consultant.
Continue reading Texas School District Seeks Insurance ConsultantRisk Tolerance – The Fundamental Basis of Goal Setting
The problem I see with most health insurance consultants is almost all pre-determine a client’s tolerance for risk before determining where the risk tolerance actually lies.
Continue reading Risk Tolerance – The Fundamental Basis of Goal SettingHospitals and Their BUCA Moat Must Go Bye Bye
By Bill Hennessey, M.D.• Chief Innovation & Billing Integrity Officer
Non-profit hospitals have been known to send hate mail to employer groups using reference-based pricing (RBP), meaning a health plan that is not Blue Shield, United, Cigna or Aetna (BUCA). This illegally denies access to care the very working poor entitled to free care under the ACA IRS 501r, dating back to March of 2010.
Selling A Health Plan Without A Logo Is Hard
I can sell a health plan that guarantees double digit rate increases year after year along with increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket costs ultimately resulting in functionally uninsured plan members whose employer “cares about them.”
Continue reading Selling A Health Plan Without A Logo Is HardAldeen’s Sunday Morning Bathroom Read – “NOPE”/RBR Plan Renewal Edition
By Doug Aldeen ERISA Healthcare Attorney and General Counsel
Sunday Morning Bathroom Read “Nope”/ RBR Plan Renewal Edition (second in an ongoing series):
Is a not for profit facility able to request charges upfront from a patient ( who has less than adequate insurance read: RBR) without first determining eligibility under their financial assistance policy prior to treating for medically necessary elective services?
Continue reading Aldeen’s Sunday Morning Bathroom Read – “NOPE”/RBR Plan Renewal Edition