Blue Cross investigation is expandedThe Baltimore SunMarch 29, 2011A probe of alleged anti-competitive agreements between Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and hospitals has been expanded
For more than 20 years, PNHPās Senior Health Policy Fellow Don McCanne, M.D. wrote a daily health policy update, taking an excerpt or quote from a health care news story or analysis and commenting on its significance to the single-payer movement.
PNHP has archived Dr. McCanneās listserv below; to read current daily analysis on a broad range of health justice topics, please visit the McCanne Health Justice Monitor website.
Market or government for hospital pricing?
Because of market dominance, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans have been able to negotiate lower hospital prices in many regions throughout the nation.
New RAND study on high-deductible plans
Healthcare Spending and Preventive Care in High-Deductible and Consumer-Directed Health PlansBy Melinda Beeuwkes Buntin, PhD; Amelia M. Haviland, PhD; Roland McDevitt, PhD; and Neeraj Sood,
New RAND study on high-deductible plans
The Affordable Care Act has established silver or bronze plans, with low actuarial values of 70 or 60 percent respectively, as the new
Elliott Fisher questions whether ACOs will work
The Model of the Future?By Avery JohnsonThe Wall Street JournalMarch 28, 2011The 2010 health-care law encourages the development of accountable-care organizations as a way to
Elliott Fisher questions whether ACOs will work
Accountable care organizations (ACOs) began as an abstract concept of integrating health care providers into a not-yet-defined entity that would be rewarded for
Aetna pushes back and sues doctors
Ultrasound at $59,490 Spurs Aetna Outrage in Suit Naming DoctorsBy Peter WaldmanBloombergMarch 23, 2011Aetna Inc. (AET) is suing six New Jersey doctors over medical bills
Aetna pushes back and sues doctors
The most important innovation in coverage established during the managed care revolution was that private insurers could contract with physicians and hospitals to
Are we ready for universal HIT and EHRs?
Tapping the Unmet Potential of Health Information TechnologyBy Ann S. OāMalley, M.D., M.P.H.The New England Journal of MedicineMarch 23, 2011Although EHRs laudably provide immediate access
Are we ready for universal HIT and EHRs?
What is the current state of the development of health information technology (HIT) and electronic health records (EHRs)? Quoting from this NEJM article,
The Economist on the birthday of the Affordable Care Act
A not very happy birthdayThe EconomistMarch 17, 2011As for costs, Mr Obamaās reforms deserve praise for expanding coverage, but they do this by adding millions
The Economist on the birthday of the Affordable Care Act
The Economist joins the chorus of those who say that "Americaās health spending will continue to soar under the reforms." Many have contended