Detroit proposes to shift retirees into new insurance markets to help cut costs

How will the health insurance marketplace impact retirees in Detroit with the state filing for bankruptcy? Detroit owes around $5.7 billion in health costs for retirees, but as they prepare to file for bankruptcy, people are wondering where the state will come up with the funding. This week, they announced a proposal that could possibly help them save millions of dollars in the future, so what is the solution?

State officials are proposing that they deny younger retirees, ones who would be too young to qualify for Medicare out of city-run coverage and into coverage that's issued by Obamacare. Officials say the plan would be part of a broader effort to save Detroit tens of millions of dollars in health costs each year, a major element in a restructuring package that must be approved by a bankruptcy judge. It is being watched closely by municipal leaders around the nation, many of whom complain of mounting, unsustainable prices for the health care promised to retired city workers.

What is the best solution for unfunded retiree healthcare costs?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Download the All-New HIX Reloaded Brochure!

We know. Health insurance marketplaces offer numerous opportunities for all of the stakeholders, but the sense of uncertainty and lack of concrete information may also be a thorn in your side. As of now, you are preparing for HIX deadlines that are constantly changing, strategizing for marketplaces that haven't launched, and trying to move forward without clear regulatory guidance. Your job may seem unmanageable and your business goals unattainable.

The good news is we just may have the solution to your problems. We are proud to introduce HIX Reloaded (formerly the Health Insurance Exchange Congress), taking place November 14-15 in Baltimore, a brand-new unconference experience providing clarity in your world of unknowns and uncertainty.

What makes HIX Reloaded relevant and unique?

HIX Reloaded is the ONLY FORUM designed for early adoptors and HIX entrants to share what they’ve learned, discuss anticipated challenges ahead, and crowdsource solutions—in real-time. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014. As deadlines pass, health plan participation emerges, and the smoke clears, your needs will be in front-and-center in a trustworthy, precompetitive environment this Fall.

Don't forget to VOTE!

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We look forward to seeing you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD!

Cheers,
The HIX Reloaded Team

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CMS terminates the National Average Retail Price (NARP) Survey

The National Average Retail Price (NARP) Survey, which provides prescription revenue for thousands of brand and generic drugs, was recently cut by CMS. The NARP Survery compiles data that includes, the cost of ingredients, copayment information, as well as dispensing fees.

“Effective July 1, 2013, CMS has suspended Part I of the nationwide retail survey for collecting information about consumer purchase prices, pending funding decisions. Therefore, the resulting draft NARP file will not be published on Medicaid.gov at this time; however, archive files will remain on the website.”
How will this impact the data and calculation reporting used to determine rebates for manufacturers? Want to learn more about the future of the NARPs? Join us for the 18th Annual Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, September 9-11 in Chicago, IL. We'll be covering information regarding AMPs, NARPs, and NADACs. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog, you'll receive 15% off the standard rate to register when you use code XP1858BLOG. We look forward to seeing you in September!

What happens when states won't expand Medicaid under ACA?

Although Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was originally mandatory for all states, it has now been ruled a choice, not a requirement. 6 states are still undecided, while 21 have already decided against it, the remaining 24 have decided to carry out the expansion. So what is the cost of not expanding?

An analysis prepared by the Urban Institute for KCMU, finds that if the 27 states currently not moving forward or still debating do not implement the Medicaid expansion, an estimated 6.4 million fewer people would gain coverage. They represent nearly two-thirds of the potential reduction in the uninsured tied to the expansion. The analysis also finds that the 27 states would have received more than 60 percent of the $80.6 billion increase in federal funding for Medicaid in 2016 if all states were to expand their Medicaid programs.

How will these state decisions help define the outcome of the Medicaid expansion? View the data from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation below:




Want to learn more about the future of Medicaid expansion? Join us for the 18th Annual Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, September 9-11 in Chicago, IL. To learn more, download our agenda.

Mention code XP1858BLOG and you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when registering. We hope to see you this fall!