Health insurance quotes care reform weekly

States with Republican governors continued to press last week in Washington to the state greater control over health care in protecting patients and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Twenty-one Republican governors sent a letter to Health and Welfare (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius seeking more authority over some provisions of health care reform, including the ability to define "essential" health benefits and the minimum for participation in insurance exchanges. They threatened to not run their own state-based exchanges, if HHS does not act on their demands. Sebelius responded quickly with their own letter in which he examined the various options states have to cut costs in their Medicaid programs, and it shows it is still a preview of what power it May have to "give up the effort to maintain current law." Senate bills have been introduced to address the role of government in health care, which is sure to keep this issue on the front burner. Visit Easy ME Provide for more information



House Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing last week on 'Health Protection Act impact on Medicare and its beneficiaries, "featuring testimony CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, MD, and the CMS Chief Actuary Richard Foster. Berwick testified that PPACA has a positive impact on Medicare, noting that users now first dollar coverage of key preventive benefits, additional help for prescription drug costs and annual wellness visit a doctor of their choice. In response to questions provided by several members of the Committee on the impact of funding cuts to Medicare Advantage, Berwick indicated that Medicare Advantage enrollment grew by 6 percent in 2010 - 2011. He suggested that the program offers a robust and healthy choices. Foster reiterated his testimony before the screening that PPACA will cause Medicare Advantage enrollment to decline by about 50 percent by 2017 -. Of the projected 14.5 million under the pre-law PPACA 7.3 million under the new law His testimony further explained that the advantage of Medicare enrollees will experience a "big increase in out-of-pocket expenses" and "less generous benefit packages" because PPACA will reduce rebate to Medicare advantage plan, while reducing discounts reaching $ 1,500 per beneficiary by 2019.



States

Arizona: Industry supports the exchange of law was introduced last week under the auspices of the Health Committee and Chairman of the appropriate House and Senate Banking and Insurance odbora.Bill provides a market mechanism, management, board representation to the insurer, without dual regulation, and conditional elimination odredbe.Prvo hearing will be held this week. Meanwhile, Governor Jan Brewer named Don Hughes, a former AHIP retained counsel, as an expert adviser for health innovation. Hughes will help direct the state's efforts to improve cost effectiveness and accessibility of health care. He will participate in strategic planning with an emphasis includes public health and the Arizona large private health insurance industry.

Connecticut: jointly held a public hearing for public health and insurance Properties Committee is scheduled for this week two new health care bill. The first law to establish the body plan SustiNet, quasi-public agency authorized to implement public health opciju.SustiNet Plan is health insurance program consisting of coordinated individual health insurance plans that provide health insurance products for civil servants and employees, Medicaid enrollees, HUSKY Plan , Part A and Part B enrollees, HUSKY Plus enrollees, municipalities, municipal related employers, non-profit employers, small employers, other employers and individuals in Connecticutu.Tijelo is authorized but not required, starting with the SustiNet coverage of employees and retirees of non-state public employers, public utility relating to employers, small employers and nonprofit organizations of employers after 1 January 2012. Beginning January 1, 2014, SustiNet will offer coverage for individuals and employers. Among other things, the Bill directs the body to implement the primary care case management and patient centered medical homes for all SustiNet plan members, establish a pay-for-performance system, and establish procedures to prevent adverse selection.