WEB Sponsors Reference Based Reimbursement Session In March Meeting

webqJoin the Worldwide Employee Benefits (WEB) network for our March luncheon for an in depth look behind the driving costs of Healthcare as we discuss Reference Based Reimbursement.  This session will address why costs continue to rise each year and provide case studies of groups who have successfully beaten this trend. 

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Thoughts on “Repeal and Replace”…

mess

I am not the first to say this, but I am disappointed that given the opportunity to replace the “access” program represented by ACA/Obamacare with real reform, our friends in Washington have “punted” again! I guess the financial and other benefits provided by the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association ultimately outweigh doing the right thing.  

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What Can US Policymakers Learn About Essential Health Benefits From Israel?

israel

It may surprise readers to know that Israel has a system very much in line with many US policymakers’ goals of fostering a competitive private insurance market. The Israeli system rests on the concept of competing private health plans selling care in a market of empowered consumers. But one crucial difference is how Israel approaches the question of what it means to be covered.

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The Tale of Two Waiting Rooms

whores

Like the old whore houses of the Wild West, patients at the Mayo Clinic may be directed to one of two waiting rooms. In the good ole days, upon entering the local cat house one was directed to one of two waiting rooms. The room on the left was for “second rate citizens” and the room to the right was saved for “1st class citizens” such as lawyers, doctors, and the wealthy.

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The Coming Implosion of TRS ActiveCare?

angryteacher

TRS-Care 1, 2 and 3 will go away………….There will be only one plan: a high deductible health care plan…….Premiums would be an estimated $430 per month, or $5,160 per year!…..The deductible of $4,000 would need to be met before plan coinsurance starts……There would be 80/20 coverage after meeting the $4,000 deductible…….The maximum annual out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit will be $7,150……There would be no prescription copays. All prescription coverage is part of deductible requirements…

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Why Benefits Advisors With A Future Are Developing More Transparent Arrangements

klepper

Currently, many benefits consultants drive decisions that are at odds with optimal health plan performance. Organizational purchasers, benefits managers and brokers are increasingly advocating for consulting practice principles that align more directly with purchasers interests.

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TRS Healthcare Bill Offers Fewer Options, No Savings

Man shouting, pulling hair

If passed, SB 789 would limit districts that may participate in TRS-ActiveCare to those with 1,000 or fewer employees. The bill would eliminate the traditional co-payment insurance plan option, leaving only one plan (high-deductible, no copays) Districts with fewer than 1,000 employees will be given a one-time opportunity to opt out of TRS-ActiveCare.

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