The Government and Costs: Should Medicare be cut?

As the fiscal cliff is fast approaching the US Government, the House is debating what can and cannot be cut to improve the budget.  On of the big glaring expenses is Medicare.  It is one of the fastest growing accounts in the United States.  As it stands, it's not currently sustainable in the long term.  The program did see cuts $116 billion from the Affordable Care Act, but this was not to beneficiaries but to insurance programs and hospitals.   According to the Huffington Post, the Democrats see this as one of the places that can be cut, but care can still be accounted for.  It is unanimous that eligibility and the retirement age can't change.

This February at The Medicare Congress, John Gorman, Founder and Chairman, Gorman Health Group will be on hand to present "Know Thyself in the Post-ACA Era: Government Program Strategies for
Payers and Providers" to discuss the effects after the the cuts to the program and will address the current state of the funding.  For more information on this session and the rest of the agenda, download the program.  If you'd like to join us February 11-13, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, as a reader of this blog when you register to join us and mention code XP1807BLOG, you'll save 15% off the standard rate.

Do you think that Medicare will be a part of the Fiscal Cliff?  If so, what do you think is the best way to reduce costs of Medicare to the US Governed?

Does the dual eligibles population make financial sense for your plan?

The dual eligibles population comprises 24% of Medicare enrollees, but accounts for almost 35% percent of Medicare expenditures. With healthcare expenditures increasing at an alarming pace across the board, managing the care (and finances) for serving duals is now more important than ever.

At the Annual Medicare Congress, taking place on February 11 – 13 in Phoenix, you’ll hear best practices to determine if providing coverage for dual eligibles makes sense for your health plan. Panelists will share their insight on evaluating the financials of providing care to duals, predicting utilization patterns and how to overcome marketing barriers.

Evaluate if Dual Eligibles Make Financial Sense for Your Plan Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 11:45am:

• - John Gorman, Founder and Chairman, Gorman Health Group
• - Rhys W. Jones, MPH, Vice President, Medicare Policy and Market Development, Specialty Products Group, Amerigroup Corporation 
• - Jeff Flick,National Vice President, Government Programs, HealthCare Partners 
• - Austin Ifedirah, Vice President of Medicare

To view the 2013 program, download the agenda.

As a reader of the Medicare Congress blog, you get a 15% discount off the standard rate when you register to join us and when using code XP1807BLOG. If you have any questions about the agenda or event, please contact Kate Devery at  or visit our webpage here.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
The Medicare Congress Team

Many states are rushing to create a health insurance exchange

The results are in! Now that the election is over the states that chose to 'wait and see' are rushing to create a health insurance exchange. They must decide whether or not they want to create an online marketplace or allow the federal government to run it for them. Currently, there are only 15 states that have created a blueprint for an exchange, the rest have until next Friday to decide.

The election came just 10 days before a critical deadline for states in carrying out the law, and many that were waiting for the outcome must now hustle to comply. Such efforts will coincide with epic negotiations between Mr. Obama and Congress over federal spending and taxes, where the administration will inevitably face pressure to scale back some of the costliest provisions of the law.  Although they've had years to start drafting a plan for their state, many wanted to wait to see the outcome of the election. Those states will now be the ones that are working down to the wire to create an efficient health insurance exchange for their residents.

Want to learn more about the health insurance exchange? Join us next week, November 13-14 in Chicago, IL for the Health Insurance Exchange Congress.

Health Insurance Exchanges are Here to Stay!

Now that President Barack Obama has been elected for a second term in office, it has become even clearer that we need to get to work now to ensure exchanges are ready for January 1, 2014.

Over the upcoming weeks and months, the federal government will continue to roll out regulations, and begin to implement the healthcare reform law. It is vital that we prepare now: either beginning to move forward or continuing on the path to reform implementation.

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the FIRST conference following the election. If you are ready to be informed on the future of the healthcare reform, this event is not to be missed! You will walk away with a deep understanding of how states and healthcare plans are addressing the challenges and questions you are facing now.

For more information on the event, download the agenda. The Health Insurance Exchange Congress takes place next week November 13-14 in Chicago, IL.  As a reader of this blog, you’ll save 15% off the standard rate when you register to join us and mention code XP1710BLOG! If you have any questions about the program, feel free to email me at kdevery@iirusa.com or visit the homepage.

Best,

The Healthcare Reform and Health Insurance Exchanges Team

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Election day is here!

After months of covering the health insurance exchange, election day is here! The campaign trail comes to an end tonight, and by this time tomorrow we will know the next President of the United States. Some healthcare experts are saying that this may be the most important election since the 1960s. It was a long road, with a lot of information, but we have you covered. Below is a recap on what this year’s election means for healthcare.

Obama’s Position: Signed the 2010 healthcare overhaul bill.Calls for patient protections like allowing coverage for pre-existing conditions, not letting insurers cancel policies when patients get sick, and requiring individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine.

Romeny’s Position: Created similar legislation in Mass. but believes it's not appropriate for all of USA and wants to repeal. Proposes encouraging individuals to purchase their own health insurance rather than via employers, and allowing insurance across state lines.

For the past few months many states have been finalizing the final details of their health insurance exchange. However, some chose to 'wait and see' how the election turned out and for those states tomorrow will answer whether they will finally set up their own health insurance exchange. The lines may be long, but remember every vote counts, so be sure to take some time and head to the polls! Not sure where to vote? Type in your address here to be directed to the closest polling place.

No matter what the outcome of the election is, the Health Insurance Exchange Congress will answer all your needs for the health insurance exchange in your state.  Join us next week in Chicago, and as a reader of this blog, register and mention code XP1710BLOG and save 15% off the standard rate!

Health Insurance Exchange Update: Thursday, November 1

The election is just days away, and the health insurance exchange deadline just two weeks away. States all across the U.S. are putting the final touches on their programs. Today we look at Tennessee, Idaho, and California.

In Tennessee, Requirements of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 continue to be implemented, but one provision on the horizon that has customers, insurance companies and regulators concerned is the formation of state health insurance exchanges where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance coverage. Everything from the way health insurance is purchased to the amount of risk insurers will soon change, and the state wants to make sure that all of these last minute glitches are taken care of, and above all that the insurance is the best quality and affordable for everyone.  

This week in Idaho, a panel made up of 13 members not only urged the Governor to create a state based exchange, but also gave him a list of recommendations. The 50-page report issued by the group includes data collected by the working group over a series of meetings, which took place over the last few months At the Oct. 26 meeting, the group debated the pros and cons of a state-based exchange, but chose that option over a federally mandated alternative. Panel members felt a federal exchange could be more costly, and less flexible. The governor received the list yesterday and is currently reviewing it before making a decision.  

California is setting up an exchange that is not only state based, but officials say that each region will have a specific plan. The exchange, branded Tuesday as Covered California, will negotiate with insurers for the best rates and will assist consumers and small businesses in choosing a plan by separating them into five categories based on cost and level of benefits. The state is hoping the more options, the better and are doing everything they can to minimize raising the cost of new insurance policies. 

Want to learn more about the health insurance exchange? The Health Insurance Exchange Congress will be held November 13-14, 2012 in Chicago, IL.  Here, state officials and health plans with the only opportunity to come together to discuss PPACA and strategize on how to make this a successful opportunity for all.  For more information on this year's agenda, download the program here.  As a reader of this blog, when you register to join us and mention code XP1710BLOG, you'll receive 15% off the standard rate!