Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 30

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
Denver Post: Colorado Republicans balk at applying for millions in federal funds to start health insurance exchanges
Oregon Public Broadcasting: Oregon Takes Step Forward In Adopting Health Care Plan
Salt Lake Tribune: Governor wants to grow Utah's Health Exchange
Cincinnati.com: Health care exchange tab: At least $19M

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 29

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
The Lund Report (Oregon): Insurance Exchange Board Member Have High Hopes, and Many Concerns
KBOI TV (Idaho): Idaho applies for federal money for insurance exchange
The Providence Journal: Devising insurance exchange
The Foundry (Wisconsin): Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) Outlines a New Paradigm for Health Care Reform
Go Update: South Carolina nabs its largest health grant

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Montana governor asks to create healthcare policy for his state

Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana notced that his neighbors across the border in Saskatcewan have a population very similar to the state of Montana, but the citizens of that province in Canada live longer and also spend far less on health care.  According to Forbes, He has stated he will ask the federal government if he can set up health care on their own for the state of Montana, and bypass the current health care reform that is currently taking place in Washington.  He believes he can create a better health care plan for Montana by focusing on it's own needs.  The Democratic governor believes that this is one of the best ways to create more affordable care for his citizens, including lower prices on medicine.

At the Health Insurance Exchange Congress, officials from around the United States will be gathering to discuss how to best create a health insurance exchange that best fits each state and those who will be covered by the new health care laws.  To find out more about the program, download the agenda here.

Do you think Montana will be successful in deviating from the national health care reform?  Will this harm or succeed for better health care coverage for all?

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 28

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
Arkansas News: GOP lawmakers say no to health insurance exchange grant
The Hill: Feds offer insurance marketplace partnership options for states
The Foundry: States Must Return Obamacare Grants, Pursue Own Health Care Reforms
The Foundry: New Study Shows Obamacare’s Impact on Ohio Coverage and Premiums

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Exclusive Podcast from MA and UT Health Insurance Exchange Experts

We invite you to download the exclusive Health Insurance Exchange Podcast from Glen Shor of the Massachusetts Exchange and Norm Thurston of the Utah Exchange, the only two states which currently have working health exchanges.

Here is an exceprt from this exclusive podcast:

Glen, to you and Norm, do you have any advice for states that are just starting the process?
Glen Shor: I wouldn’t pretend that there is any one best way to do it for all 50 states. Each state has to first and foremost know their audience. The uninsured, of course, and the insured who are looking for better options in terms of affordable coverage and a good shopping experience. I think doing the best that you can to simplify the experience for people looking for affordable coverage will be to their benefit. Get the word out to everyone that you are in business and that you are here to help them. Closely collaborate with key stakeholders. Listen to their ideas and take advantage of their resources. Be flexible. Don’t think that after you’re up and running that the work is done. The work is really just beginning. Improve on things you do well. Look for new solutions for things that you could be doing better. I think these are probably words of advice for any successful enterprise and it is certainly the case for health insurance exchanges as they spring up throughout the country.

Norman Thurston: Some of the things that we would really encourage people to do is definitely understand your marketplace, understand what the problems are and develop a solution that is tailored to those problems. But, recognize that that solution has to be scalable. It can’t be based on manual processes. It can’t be based on paper and people doing data entry. It definitely has to be automated and be able to handle a large volume.

It’s also critical to keep as much of the existing market intact as you can. Most states will find that they have a lot of people who are insured and they want to keep them insured the way that they are currently insured. You don’t want to design something that interferes with what’s already going on.

Then, in terms of technology, making sure that you reach out to private solutions. Do a lot of beta testing to make sure that the private solution really does what you want it to do. It’s going to take more time than you think; it always will. Just plan on going slow to make that work.

Join Glen and Norm as they discuss their experiences with establishing a state Health Insurance Exchange at the Health Insurance Exchange Congress where health plans, states and the federal government are addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by the implementation of Exchanges.  This event will take place November 9-11, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland.  For more information on the presentations from Glen and Norm and the rest of the program, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 27

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
Maine Biz Online: Plan details health insurance exchange
Forbes: Arkansas insurance commissioner seeks exchange support
Health Data Management: HHS Extends Comment Period on Insurance Exchanges
Government Computer News: Oracle releases platform for building health insurance exchanges

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 26

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
The Daily Journal (Illinois): State: Cost of planned health exchange questioned
Go Local Prov: Rhode Island’s New Health Exchange: Five Crucial Questions
Oregon Live: Oregonians will benefit from new health insurance exchange
Associated Press: Maine health care exchange rules recommended

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 23

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network: Planning for Health Insurance Exchange Comes Under Fire
Associated Press: Insurance commissioner to pursue exchange options
Reno Gazette Journal: Sandoval appoints five to health care insurance exchange panel

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Healthcare costs see lower growth rate for 2012

For the first time in several years, healthare costs will only grow 7.1%, whereas over the last few years 9% has been the standard since 1997.  A few reasons for this, according to the Los Angeles Times, is the fact that many patients are staying away from doctors in the poor economy in addition to more health education which is keeping patients away from the emergency room.   Employers have also been making cost-cutting efforts by moving workers into lower-cost health plans or slashing expenses by raising insurance deductibles.

However, the cost cutting will still outpace of the growth earnings, which will leave employers with a need to find a way to cover the costs.  This will likely be through higher deductibles and copays.

What can employers and patients to next year to continue to slow the cost of growing healthcare rates?

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 21

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

The Detroit News: Blues invests in health exchange
Reuters: States still unclear on health insurance exchanges
The Spokesman Reviews: IACI to Otter: ‘Wise decision’ on health insurance exchange grant
Rockville Patch: State Health Care Reforms Speed Toward Uncertainty

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) Summit 2011 Photos

We are back from the 16th Annual MDRP Summit, which took place in Chicago last week. We'd like to thank all of our speakers, sponsors and partners, and every one who attended for yet another wonderful event this year. Here are some photos from the event below:

 

 Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for 2012, the 17th Annual MDRP Summit will take place September 10-12, 2012, in Chicago.

We hope you to see you there! Visit www.medicaiddrugrebates.com for upcoming news on next year's event.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 20

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

Bloomberg Business Week: Arizona groups urge state to create health exchange
Sun Herald: California could pose problem for Obama's health care reform
The Spokesman Review (Idaho): Otter OKs fed grant for insurance exchange
Kansas City Star: States set up insurance exchanges to comply with health care reform

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 19

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

The Providence Journal (Rhode Island): Governor to issue executive order to establish health-benefits exchange
Topeka Capital-Journal (Kansas): Colyer stands against health insurance reform
Becker's ASC Review: Colorado Attorney General Will Assist With Health Insurance Exchange While Battling Federal Reform Law
Casper Star Tribune (Wyoming): Health exchange legislation timeline
Santa Fe New Mexican: Federal grant helps state address insurance concerns
Nashville Public Radio: State Weighing Whether to Run Insurance Exchange

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 16

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Bloomberg Business Week: Missouri delays work on health insurance exchange
The Gadsten Times (Alabama): Health insurance exchange commission to hold inaugural meeting Friday
The Pueblo Chiefton (Colorado): Eye-popping salaries proposed for health care exchange
Kaiser Family Foundation: Implementing Health Insurance Exchanges: State Profiles

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 15

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.


Tulsa World (Oklahoma): Officials debate health-care costs
New Jersey Spotlight: Taking the First Steps Toward a New Jersey Health Exchange
Billings Gazette (Montana): Committee keeps open possibility of federal partnership on Wyoming health exchange
Back Creek Enquirer (Michigan): Snyder wants state to become healthier

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 14

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
The Sacramento Bee: Michigan Business and Professional Association Supports State-Run Health Insurance Exchange Program
Insurance Journal: Illinois Lawmakers on Exchange Panel Get Insurance Funds
California Health Line: What Texas Can Teach California About Health Care Reform
DL Online: New task force for MN health insurance

The Lund Report: Insurance Board Looks to Provide Solutions for Oregonians amid Uncertainty

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Is your State or Health Plan Prepared for Health Insurance Exchanges?

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress offers health plan executives and state officials two unique tracks to prepare for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act starting January 2014. With Exchanges to take at least 18 months to develop, now is the time to plan your strategy with industry experts so you are ready.

State Health Officials Track’s focus is to Assess and Design. State Health Officials will learn how to lay the groundwork for a successful Exchange that best meets the needs of their citizens. Sessions to focus on this include:

• - Create a System for Health Plan Certification Identify the Operational and IT Implications an Exchange Might have for a State
• - Create a Working Risk Adjustment Mechanism

The Health Plan Executives Track will focus on preparing and laying the groundwork for Health Plan Executives. It will assess the opportunities that various state Exchanges offer and learn how to evaluate the benefits of different Exchanges. Sessions focusing on this include:

• - Identify Unexpected Expenses of Participating in an Exchange from the Beginning
• - Consider the Role and Compensation of Brokers
• - Ensure Comprehensive Provider Network Coverage to Better Meet the Needs of Potential Members

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is taking place November 9-11, 2011, in Baltimore, MD.  For more information on the presenters of these sessions and the rest of the brochure, click here to download the conference brochure.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 13

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

Oregon Live (Oregon): Health insurance marketplace: Oregon Health Exchange must bargain to survive
Chicago Tribune (Illinois): Lawmakers on Illinois health exchange panel get insurance funds
Idaho Reporter (Idaho): Dept. of Insurance won’t defend director’s health exchange job loss claim
International Business Times: Health Care Reform Endangered as States Resist Insurance Exchanges

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 12

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

The New York Times (New York): G.O.P. Senators in Albany Block Federal Aid to Fulfill Part of Health Law
Heartland News (Minnesota): Minnesota Governor Ignores Legislature, Pushes Forward With Exchange
Colorado Springs Gazette (Colorado): Health Exchange Committees Underway
Live Insurance News (Ohio): Problems with Ohio’s high-risk insurance pool bode ill for residents with chronic ailments

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 9

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

Times Union (New York): Health exchange lags at $38.7M
Yakima Herald (Washington): Yakima forum to explain new state-run health exchange
Minot Daily News: Consumers wary of health insurance exchange
Salem News (Oregon): Two Papers Examine Threat to Oregon's Health Exchange Posed by 'Adverse Selection'

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 8

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

The Sacramento Bee (Oregon): Oregon Health Authority Selects CDI Infrastructure Subsidiary
Billings Gazette (Montana): Montanans need voice in insurance shoppers exchange
Market Watch (Utah): State of Utah Selects CGI to Provide Consulting Services for Utah Health Exchange
Health Tech Zone (Texas): Accenture Helps Texas Health Services Authority Set Up HIE

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Does healthier living suggest lower costs for healthcare?

The state of Utah spends less per capita per person on health insurance than any other state.  The Salt Lake City Tribune suggests that their healthier living style is one of the factors leading to this.  Their premiums are below the national average, at an average premium is of $173 a month.

In addition to their healthy lifestyle, the Tribune suggests these reasons for lower cost in healthcare:

• -By not mandating coverage on certain coverage, such as contraceptives
• -Utah employers offer health benefits at rates below the national average
• - Insurance companies and their ability to negotiate discounts with hospitals.

You'll have the opportunity to hear from Norman Thurston, Health Reform Implementation, State of Utah, who will discuss the state of healthcare and reform in Utah during the panel Create Choice and Competition in Health Insurance Exchanges at the Health Insurance Exchange Conference this coming November.  For more information on the event, download the brochure.

What do you believe?  What makes Utah a place where health premiums are lower?

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 6

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

Hometown Source (Minnesota): Commerce commissioner creates Health Insurance Exchange Advisory Task Force
Civ Source (South Carolina): Haley refuses health insurance exchange, HCR
The Pubelo Chieftain (Colorado): One-stop help for needy divides lawmakers
Amarillo Globe News: New Mexico physician chosen for health care reform
Gotham Gazette (New York): Senate Republicans in No Rush on Health Insurance Exchange

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 2

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:
Reuters: South Carolina passes on health exchange grants
Insurance Journal: Big Iowa Health Insurer Unsure About Exchange
Healthcare for All New York: More folks fed up with health insurance rate abuses
Hutch News: Health care insights

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: September 1

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.

Here's today's news:

Fox Illinois: Few want state to run Illinois’ health-care exchanges  
WRDW-TV Augusta (Georgia): Gov. Haley says she will not apply for healthcare funds
LA Times: South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley rejects health insurance exchange funds
The Bismark Tribute (North Dakota): Crowd gives mixed take on insurance exchanges
Peninsula Clarion (Alaska): State moving ahead with health exchange plan

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.

Is it illegal to omit abortion in healthcare exchanges?

American Civil Liberties Union have served the state of Kansas a lawsuit that claims it is sex discrimination to purposefully leave abortion out of health care exchanges, which the state of Kansas has passed a law to do starting 2014. They also claim it is illegal to tax on a constitutionally protected procedure as abortion is. According to the New York Times, Kansas forbids abortions in complete state plans, but allows insurances to sell separate riders. Kansas is just one of 13 states that has enacted this law concerning health care exchanges.

At the Health Insurance Exchange Congress this November, we'll bee debating the constitutionality of exchanges and the ACA, as well as recent court cases that have ruled for and against specific aspects of exchanges.  For more information on this session and the rest of the program, download the brochure.

Do you believe it is legal for Kansas and other states to leave abortion off of the things that are covered in health care exchanges? What is the point that is going to catch the eye of the legal system more, the fact that it specifically refuses to cover just something for women, or that it is failing to supply accessibility to something that is constitutionally protected?