Maryland launches campaign to help promote new marketplace

Maryland is the latest state to launch a health care campaign using television, radio, and print ads, to help promote, educate, and encourage consumers to sign up for health insurance coverage. The state's new insurance marketplace, The Maryland Health Connection, opens October first and will allow residents to compare plans, and also help them determine their eligibility for subsidies.

The state is spending $2.5 million on the campaign through the end of 2014, and hopes to attract nearly 300,000 people to buy health insurance or sign up for expanded government coverage over that time. Health officials said they expected the ads to be an efficient and effective method to educate state residents about the opportunities in a way that grabs their attention and is understandable.

Do you think advertisements will be the most effective way to promote the new marketplace?

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!

Last Chance To Register For MDRP!

There is still time left to register for the 18th Annual Medicaid Drug Rebate Program Summit! Online registration closes this Sunday, September 8th, use code XP1858LINK to save 15% when you register!

Are you ready? MDRP 2013 is THE authoritative event for everything government pricing, rebates and regulation. Join 60+ speakers, 500+ MDRP executives, 20+ solution providers in the only event where the government programs and pricing industry comes together each year to debate and create a roadmap to operational solutions.

Don't miss out on these key highlights on the MDRP 2013 agenda:

• New for 2013! Pharmaceutical VA Contracting and Compliance Summit

• Direct access to State Rebating Representatives in State Dispute Resolution Meetings

Four jam-packed session tracks:

• Overcome Challenges to Medicaid Drug Rebating Methodology to avoid costly calculation mistakes that affect company financials

• Financial Implications to Government Pricing Programs to establish connections between the departments affected by government pricing programs

• Understand and Comply with State Processes, Operations and Requirements to sustain positive relationships with the states and avoid disputes

• Contract Management, Business Analytics and Systems Implementation updates to ensure you have the latest methods that will lead to the most accurate calculations and rebates

To learn more, download our brochure. Questions about the event? Feel free to contact Kate Devery at kdevery@iirusa.com or visit the webpage.

Sincerely,
The MDRP Team

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P.S. - You can find the most up-to-date hotels that have availability and current rates near our host hotel here.

Register today for our HIX Webinar: Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders in Health Reform Outreach

Approximately half of people eligible for health insurance exchanges don't know what exchanges are, or that they're eligible. With enrollment beginning on October 1, it's all hands on deck to educate consumers on exchanges and how to enroll. The government and health plans are working together for this effort, and one of the most successful ways to connect with potential enrollees is to work with community based organizations that have established trust with members of the community. This includes working with faith-based groups, local libraries, health care, behavioral health, and human service providers, and many other groups who have contact with potentially eligible enrollees.

DATE: September 18, 2013 TIME: 2:00PM-3:00PM EST

SPEAKER:  John Lovelace, President, Government Programs and Individual Advantage, UPMC Health Plan

Mr. Lovelace is President of UPMC for You, a managed care organization that serves Medical Assistance and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan recipients in 40 counties in Pennsylvania.

COST: Complimentary

This webinar will cover strategies to:
• Increase awareness of the general public in regards to health insurance marketplaces
• Develop understanding of how the Health Insurance Marketplace will work in your state(s)
• Identify what information consumers need in order to make informed decisions
• Understand the role of Navigators, Certified Applications Counselors and others who can assist consumers in enrollment

And more!

Space is limited, reserve your seat today!

Want to learn more about this year’s HIX Reloaded event? Download our agenda. As a reader of this blog, mention code XP1810BLOG when registering to save 15% off of the standard rate. Questions? Feel free to email Kate Devery (KDevery@IIRUSA.com) or visit our homepage.

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

Cheers,
The HIX Reloaded Team

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P.S. – Don’t forget to vote for the 2013 HIX Reloaded Agenda Topics!

Overcome Challenges to Medicaid Drug Rebating Methodology

We're pleased to announce a new content partnership Huron Life Sciences. Each week they'll be sharing their latest insights on the Medicaid Rebate Process, Government Pricing & much more. Want to join them at this year's Medicaid Drug Rebate Program taking place September 9-11 in Chicago, IL? Save 15% when you mention XP1858BLOG to register. Today’s Author: Keren Isaacson
 With the AMP Final Rule looming in January, IIR’s MDRP Summit is the place to be for all things Government Pricing. On Tuesday afternoon, the conference offers four dynamic tracks for attendees. Track 1, “Overcome Challenges to Medicaid Drug Rebating Methodology,” is dedicated to some of the current “hot topics” in the GP world, especially with regards to your overall methodology. John Shakow from King and Spalding is speaking on “Government Pricing Policies and Methodologies – The Foundation of Compliance,” that will look at what documentation manufacturers should be maintaining to ensure they are compliant. John will discuss best practices for format, scope, depth, updating, supporting materials and reasonable assumptions documentation.

In this age of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, there are two sessions of note in this track: “Understand Company Needs When Acquiring an Authorized Generic” and “Plan for the Effects of Acquiring or Divesting a Product or Company,” which includes a panel discussion. There are always unanticipated issues that arise when a company undertakes an acquisition and both sessions will address the questions to keep in mind if you’re faced with this situation, including: What calculation methodology should be used if an acquired product has a special set of requirements? How can a manufacturer best handle calculation methodologies that differ across the organization?

And who doesn’t learn from a Case Study? David Buckley from GlaxoSmithKline will share one manufacturer’s experience in using state reported data to help eliminate URA issues/errors, including communication tips for internal and external stakeholders.

Bringing together participants from all across the industry, and providing the opportunity to network with industry experts as well as representatives from over 100 companies, including Huron Consulting Group, IIR’s MDRP Summit is a one stop shop for answering many of your GP questions. It is an exciting time in our industry and participation in the event will no doubt bring ideas to help resolve many GP challenges.

Contract Management, Business Analytics and Systems Implementation

We're pleased to announce a new content partnership Huron Life Sciences. Each week they'll be sharing their latest insights on the Medicaid Rebate Process, Government Pricing & much more. Want to join them at this year's Medicaid Drug Rebate Program taking place September 9-11 in Chicago, IL? Save 15% when you mention XP1858BLOG to register. Today’s Author: Rajiv Mehrota 
Currently, the life sciences industry is seeing a variety of software solutions emerge in the areas of contract management and business analytics. These solutions offer automation for contract renewal and enhancement of future contracts, pricing calculations for chargebacks and rebates, and comprehensive audit trails. The value of shifting to a digital landscape is very apparent and unquestionable from a data capture, analytics, and compliance standpoint, and therefore many companies are embracing some form of system-based solution with open arms.

The not-so-apparent aspect of systems solution is the integration hurdles they could present if proper guidelines are not followed during system implementation. For example, companies must take measures to ensure their contract management systems sync up to the respective master data systems for both government and commercial contracting. An out-of-the-box solution may promise to do one or the other but properly integrating and testing functionality prior to go-live is a significant step that could derail the automation and create excess costs if done incorrectly.

System-based contract management and pricing calculations for accurate and compliant rebate processing is moving into its next phase. As the amount of data entering these systems grows, business analytics on big data will provide invaluable insights into how manufacturers can further preserve revenue and gain competitive advantages in the marketplace.

This year’s Annual Summit on the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program will include presentations on how to implement contract management and rebate processing systems correctly the first time around as well as how to best bundle systems to maximize value. Make sure you register for this important event and tune into the Huron Consulting Group live-blog to learn what tips and suggestions are being shared and follow related discussions including the future of contracting and system processing!

Cover Oregon Releases New Online Ads

This week, Oregon's new marketplace, Cover Oregon unveiled 3 new health insurance ads to help promote awareness for their upcoming open enrollment, which begins in just 35 days. Each ad focuses briefly on comparing, coverage options, and savings. What do you think of online ads to help promote and educate consumers on the upcoming health insurance marketplace?



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!

Collaboration is King at IIR's HIX Reloaded, Vote Today!

With so many people having a stake in health insurance exchanges and expectations and regulations rapidly evolving, collaboration amongst stakeholders will continue to play an important role in ensuring deadlines are met and enrollment and care management go as smoothly as possible. Join industry leaders share how they've been working with, and will continue to work with, key stakeholders at IIR's HIX Reloaded, taking place November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD.

Hear the Partnership Model Perspective: Rita M. Landgraf, Cabinet Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services

Rita Landgraf was sworn in as Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services on Jan. 22, 2009. As Secretary, she leads the principal agency charged with keeping Delawareans healthy, ensuring they get the health care they need, and providing children, families, and seniors with the essential human services they depend on. She also oversees one of the largest departments in the Delaware government, with an annual budget of more than $1 billion.

Hear the State-Led Exchange Perspective: Tequila Terry, Director of Plan and Partner Management, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange

Tequila Terry joined the MHBE as the Director of Plan and Partner Management in February 2012. She is responsible for establishing, cultivating and maintaining relationships with commercial medical and dental insurance carriers, cooperatives, managed care organizations (MCOs), insurance producers and third-party administrators (TPAs).

And the best part-you have the power to vote on which topic in the "Collaboration is King" category these speakers discuss. Choose from:

A. States Collaborating with Health Plans
B. Hospitals & Health Plans Collaborating to Decrease Costs
C. Pharma's Role on Exchanges

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. For more information about the event, visit our homepage. We look forward to seeing you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD.

Alaska Insurance Company Worried About the Uncertainty of New Market Place

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, the largest provider in the state of Alaska, is one of two insurers that will offer coverage under the federally run marketplace. The President of the company, Jeff Davis, is accepting the fact that things may not run as smoothly the first time around. Davis has also acknowledged, and prepared for the possibility of the company losing a substantial amount of money the first year. Although Premera will be increasing the number of consumers they're currently insuring, it will take some time before they can reap the benefits of expansion.

The new law has provisions, like open enrollment periods, to help lessen the impact. But Davis thinks the first wave of people to sign up on the marketplace will have significant health problems. Then he expects healthier people will follow, especially those who qualify for subsidies. In Alaska, that’s anyone who makes less than $57,000 a year. But for those without subsidies, individual insurance could be quite costly. Premera says most rates it filed to offer on the marketplace are higher than its current plans. Davis explains the policies are required to have better benefits and smaller deductibles than the most popular plans today. 

How else will the new marketplace affect both businesses and consumers? How are other states preparing for their first year? 

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!

Financial Implications to Government Pricing Programs

We're pleased to announce a new content partnership Huron Life Sciences. Each week they'll be sharing their latest insights on the Medicaid Rebate Process, Government Pricing & much more. Want to join them at this year's Medicaid Drug Rebate Program taking place September 9-11 in Chicago, IL? Save 15% when you mention XP1858BLOG to register. Today’s Author:  Dana Zelig

Don’t let the name fool you, this year’s Medicaid Drug Rebate Summit isn’t just for your Government Pricing teams. In fact, IIR projects that only 20% of conference attendees will be in GP-specific job functions. The largest group of participants, with a whopping 37% of attendees, will represent Contracting functions. For those new to the space that might seem like a head-scratcher, but industry veterans know that contracting decisions have a huge impact on Government Programs participation. For this reason, IIR has dedicated one of its four conference tracks to discussing the Financial Implications to Government Pricing Programs.

Showcasing speakers from pharma companies, law firms, and industry service providers, the Financial Implications track discusses how to maximize profit while ensuring compliance and managing the government as a customer. The Gross to Net and Accrue and Forecast sessions will discuss the importance of tracking commercial transactions accurately and efficiently to provide visibility into GP liability. Put simply, $1 million in sales for the quarter does not mean $1 million in profit. Once the books are closed, GP and Medicaid teams still have to pay Medicaid rebates, process chargebacks to PHS entities, and identify Best Price implications driven by discounted contract prices. Contracting teams will have to assess the Financial Impact of Fee for Service vs. Managed Medicaid contracting relationships, to identify the agreements that meet the company’s sales targets, as well as its compliance requirements.

To wrap up the day, the Clarify the Branded Drug Fee Calculation session helps to explain why Finance and Accounts Payable departments are now tracking the various sales to Federal entities and the need to collaborate with the GP department to develop joint Policies and Procedures. If you’re a GP Manager who has been trying to explain this joint accountability to your counterpart in A/P, the final session, The Evolution of the GP Professional – Working Across the Organization, will recognize your herculean efforts to reach across the aisle. As you have probably already realized, your job isn’t just about managing vertically, it’s about managing horizontally throughout all divisions of your company. The Financial Implications track will give you the tools you need to explain to those in your organization that we are all “covered employees” who need to work together to share the responsibility, and the success.

Have questions throughout the Summit? Come visit us at the Huron Life Sciences booth, or find us between the sessions to share your thoughts – they might make it into our blogs!

Look Who’s Attending MDRP 2013

IIR’s MDRP is just 3 weeks away! It's THE authoritative event for everything government pricing, rebates and regulation where 500+ MDRP executives convene to identify solutions and create an implementation roadmap for 2014 and beyond. Join us September 9-11 in Chicago, IL.

340B Prime Vendor Program/Apexus*Abarca Health*AbbVie Inc*Acorda Therapeutics Inc*Actelion Pharmaceuticals*Activus Solutions*Aetna*Afaxys Inc*Akorn Inc*Alkermes Inc*Allergan*Alliance Life Science Consulting Group*Alvogen*Amgen Inc*Amneal Pharmaceuticals*Amylin Pharmaceuticals*Apotex Corporation*APP Pharmaceuticals*Aptalis Pharma*Arnold & Porter Llp*Astellas Pharma LLC*AstraZeneca*Auxilium Pharmaceuticals*Banner Life Sciences*Baxter Healthcare*Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals*BD Medical Diabetes Care *Berkeley Research Group*Bio Marin Pharmaceutical*Biogen IDEC Inc*Blue Fin Group*Braintree Laboratories*Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical*Camber Pharmaceuticals*Cangene bioPharma*Celgene*Cepia Sanofi*Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing*Compliance Implementation Services*Cornerstone Therapeutics*County Line Pharmaceuticals*Covance*CSL Behring*Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc*Daiichi Sankyo Inc*DDN*Deloitte & Touche LLP*Dendreon Corporation*Department of Health & Human Services*Eisai*Eli Lilly *Epstein Becker & Green*Ernst & Young LLP*Express Scripts Inc*Faulkner Mackie & Cochran PC*Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc*Forest Laboratories Inc*Fresenius Kabi USA*Fresenius Medical Care*Galderma Laboratories*GE Healthcare*Genentech*Genzyme*Gilead Sciences*GlaxoSmithKline*Glenmark Pharmaceuticals*Gold Standard Inc*Grifols Inc*Halozyme Therapeutics Inc*Healthpoint Medical Affairs*Hewlett-Packard*HighPoint Solutions*Hogan Lovells*Horizon Pharma Inc*Hospira Inc*HP Enterprise Services*HPMG*Huron Consulting Group*iContracts*Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services*Impax Laboratories*IMS Health*Ipsen Bio Pharmaceuticals *Iroko Pharmaceuticals*Janssen*Jazz Pharmaceuticals*JHP Pharmaceuticals LLC*Johnson & Johnson*Kadmon Pharmaceuticals LLC*King & Spalding LLP*KPMG*Lilly USA*Magellan Health Services*Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals*Marathon Pharmaceuticals*McKesson Packaging Services*Meda Pharmaceuticals*Merck & Company Inc*MERZ Pharmaceuticals LLC*Midlothian Laboratories LLC*Millennium Pharmaceuticals*Mindlance*Mission Pharmacal Company*MLEE Consulting*Model N*Molina Medicaid Solutions*Morton Grove Pharmaceutical*MSNBC*MT DPHHS*Mylan Pharmaceuticals*ND Medicaid*Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp*New Jersey Divison of Medical Assistance & Health Services*New Jersey Medicaid*North Dakota Department of Human Services*Novartis*Novo Nordisk*Office of Inspector General*Office of Pharmacy Affairs HRSA*Oklahoma Health Care Authority*Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development*Paragon Solutions*Pfizer*PriceWaterhouseCoopers*Prime Therapeutics*Procter & Gamble*Professional Provider Services*Purdue Pharma LP*Qualitest Pharmaceuticals*Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc*Relasoft Solutions Inc*Revitas*Rising Pharmaceuticals*Sandoz Inc*Sanofi*Shionogi Inc*Shire Pharmaceuticals*Sidley Austin LLP *Sun Pharmaceutical Industries*Sunovion*Taro Pharmaceuticals USA Inc*Teva Pharmaceuticals*Ther-Rx*United Therapeutics Corporation*Upsher Smith Laboratories*US Department of Justice District of Mas*Versapharm Inc*Vertex Pharmaceuticals*Warner Chilcott*West Ward Pharmaceuticals*Wockhardt USA LLC Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals

Register today and save 15% off of the standard price by using priority code XP1858BLOG.

To learn more, download our brochure. Questions about the event? Feel free to contact Kate Devery at kdevery@iirusa.com or visit the webpage.

Sincerely,
The MDRP Team

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P.S We invite you to join us at the Women's Government Programs Leadership Forum & Dinner hosted on September 9th by Ernst & Young -To participate, you must add-on the $75 Special Event option to your registration.