CVS-AETNA MERGER GETS NY APPROVAL, TO BE FINALIZED THIS WEEK

Health Leaders by BY JOHN COMMINS | NOVEMBER 26, 2018 The approval from New York comes with a boatload of conditions, including enhanced consumer and health insurance rate protections, privacy controls,…

Continue ReadingCVS-AETNA MERGER GETS NY APPROVAL, TO BE FINALIZED THIS WEEK

Humana, Kaiser Permanente top customer satisfaction index

HEALTHCAREDIVE- AUTHOR -Les Masterson- Nov. 13, 2018 Dive Brief: The health insurance industry is the least satisfying category in any sector, according to the latest report from the American Customer Satisfaction…

Continue ReadingHumana, Kaiser Permanente top customer satisfaction index

CMS Finalizes Changes to Advance Innovation, Restore Focus on Patients

cms.gov- November 01,2018 CMS Finalizes Changes to Advance Innovation, Restore Focus on Patients Changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program will shift clinicians’ time from completing…

Continue ReadingCMS Finalizes Changes to Advance Innovation, Restore Focus on Patients

Cigna revenue boosted by commercial growth, now eyes Medicare Advantage

HealthcareDive- AUTHOR -Les Masterson- PUBLISHED- Nov. 1, 2018 Dive Brief: Cigna announced Thursday its revenue increased by 9% to $11.5 billion in the third quarter and credited growth in its global healthcare and…

Continue ReadingCigna revenue boosted by commercial growth, now eyes Medicare Advantage

Private Medicare Plans Faulted by Watchdog Over Denials of Care

Bloomberg - By John Tozzi- September 26, 2018, 9:01 PM PDT A new federal watchdog report warns that privately run Medicare health plans used by millions of older Americans may be improperly…

Continue ReadingPrivate Medicare Plans Faulted by Watchdog Over Denials of Care

New Medicare Advantage tool will lower prices, but also limit choice

Benefits PRO - Susan Jaffe | September 19, 2018 at 11:07 AM Under the new rules, private Medicare insurance plans could require patients to try cheaper drugs before moving on to…

Continue ReadingNew Medicare Advantage tool will lower prices, but also limit choice

A Little-Known Windfall for Some Hospitals, Now Facing Big Cuts

New York Times - By Austin Frakt- Aug. 29, 2018 A program meant to help the poor has grown beyond its original intent. Most hospitals are nonprofit and justify their exemption…

Continue ReadingA Little-Known Windfall for Some Hospitals, Now Facing Big Cuts

How Walmart Outflanks Amazon To Win Seniors In Medicare Advantage Plans

Forbes -Bruce Japsen- Contributor - Aug 21, 2018, 08:09 am Walmart is establishing closer ties with seniors covered by Medicare Advantage plans, an increasingly popular health plan choice for millions of U.S.…

Continue ReadingHow Walmart Outflanks Amazon To Win Seniors In Medicare Advantage Plans
Read more about the article CMS is allowing Medicare Advantage plans to cross negotiate Part B and D drug prices
Confused about Medicare / Medicaid issues? Ask the experts at The Firm Services

CMS is allowing Medicare Advantage plans to cross negotiate Part B and D drug prices

Healthcare Finance - Susan Morse, Senior Editor - August 07, 2018 Starting in 2019, insurers may use step therapy to choose the least expensive drug first before moving on to another…

Continue ReadingCMS is allowing Medicare Advantage plans to cross negotiate Part B and D drug prices
Read more about the article CMS Proposes New Reimbursement Cuts for 2019 Medicare OPPS –
Firm Services provides Physician Credentialing and Revalidation

CMS Proposes New Reimbursement Cuts for 2019 Medicare OPPS –

LEXOLOGY- Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease LLP- AUGUST 01,2018 On July 31, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published its proposed changes to the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective…

Continue ReadingCMS Proposes New Reimbursement Cuts for 2019 Medicare OPPS –