Rationing for medicare, it’s a conversation that’s here
Latest thinking in this article by a great noted author only serves to continue the same conversation of rationing and cost shifting. We can do better.
cost
Sins of omission will occur because of so much change
There has never been more change in a shorter period of time than now. Gain added certainty at a time when things couldn’t be more uncertain.
Rise of the flex economy
Employer benefit plans need more attention from benefit professionals and seasoned benefit professionals want more flexibility in their work
Uncompensated care is now the providers problem
Changing plan deductibles is not lowering the cost curve.
BCBSM Value partnerships for hospitals
Reimbursement model changes but who is getting the incentives?
Self funding down to 35 lives
In order to give more options to employers self funding has become popular. The question to ask is, do you want to be an insurance company? That’s what you do when you self fund.
Healthcare spend is flat for 10 years
“He also blamed himself and his fellow CEO’s for not demanding payment reform sooner.”
Political move to help Insurers have Lower Renewal Rates at November Elections
The Obama administration has quietly adjusted key provisions of its signature healthcare law…
ACA: Continuous Change for the Industry
Recently, at a conference, the speaker explained how the status quo, the new normal, is overwhelm. In their experience, ACA has brought about 4 years of tremendous change, and more change is on the way. They identified with industry professionals and explained, “it will be another couple years before a calm can set in.” Constant … Read more
A calculator for employers to estimate their cost of smoking and overweight.
For the first time there is a company whose providing end-to-end health services in a single system. They’re able to research and create products across 100 diagnosis groupings, offer instant diagnosis and testing improving results and speed to diagnosing. This includes at home testing that’s fed directly to physicians and hospitals. But, what’s really exciting … Read more
The Details Always Provide Answers
This is a good example of good change coming as a result of reform. We’re opening up avenues of communication to CEO’s and owners to take more control over their benefit plans by being able to provide the research.
Consulting firms are reaping the benefits
We are trusted by some of Michigan’s largest agencies, brokers, consultants, carriers, etc. to provide independent, 2nd opinion and analysis to their clients. Trust us to provide the same to you.
Actuarial reporting for OPEB, SEC, VEBA reserve statements, COBRA rates
Reporting is an increasing burden for all plans. Our Actuaries can help with the required reporting.
Self funding for many employers is an awful idea
Self funding turns your business into an insurance company. Before making this move you must prepare an analysis without influence from the sales process. Beware of anyone who says you will save money. Call us, put our independence to work.
A Note about older posts
Old “Blogger posts” have been consolidated into this one posting location. Over time I have posted blog pages, written articles, spoken on TV or been interviewed about employee benefits, healthcare, retirement and topics like that. I’ve not been consistent where these things have been located. If you know of posts I should retrieve, please let … Read more
ACA requires an actuary to “calculate appropriate adjustments to the AV”
Employer plan sponsors who use HRA accounts or wrapping programs must certify the plans actuarial value by using the IRS calculator, and in cases where the calculator doesn’t fit, an Actuary must certify.
Health Reform is here
MARCH 2010 Health reform was the initial plan but what we got was health insurance change. Here is a collection of quotes in late March, 2010. Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson talks politics, media in Holliday Forum “The downside of the bill is that we shouldn’t make a change this big in a partisan fashion,” … Read more