Health Affairs - Health Policy Briefs

Workplace Wellness Programs (Updated)

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

New draft rules elaborate on Affordable Care Act provisions expanding employers' ability to spur workers to improve their health.

Nurse Practitioners and Primary Care (Updated)

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Federal and state laws and other policies limit how these professionals can help meet the growing need for primary care.

Essential Health Benefits (Updated)

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

States have determined the minimum set of benefits to be included in individual and small-group insurance plans. What's next?

Per Capita Caps In Medicaid

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

One way to slow the rise of federal spending on Medicaid would be to calculate per capita spending and set an allowable annual rate of growth.

The Multi-State Plan Program (Updated)

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

To boost competition in new insurance exchanges, the federal government will select and oversee at least two nationwide plans.

The Multi-State Plan Program

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

To boost competition in new insurance exchanges, the federal government will select and oversee at least two nationwide plans.

The CO-OP Health Insurance Program

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Twenty-four "consumer operated and oriented plans" will offer coverage through health insurance exchanges.

Patient Engagement

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

People actively involved in their health and health care tend to have better outcomes--and, some evidence suggests, lower costs.

Medicare Payments to Physicians (Updated)

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

After enacting another short-term 'doc fix,' Congress may finally have a permanent solution in its sights.

Federally Facilitated Exchanges

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

States that do not establish an insurance exchange or 'partnership' model will have the federal government run one for them.

Medicare Payments to Physicians (Updated)

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Once again, Congress has enacted a short-term 'doc fix.' A permanent solution to this perennial problem still remains elusive.

Reducing Waste in Health Care

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A third or more of what the US spends annually may be wasteful. How much could be pared back--and how--is a key question.

Workplace Wellness Programs (Updated)

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

New draft rules elaborate on Affordable Care Act provisions expanding employers' ability to spur workers to improve their health.

Basic Health Program

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Affordable Care Act offers states another option besides Medicaid and the exchanges for health coverage for low-income residents.

Nurse Practitioners and Primary Care

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Federal and state laws and other policies limit how these professionals can help meet the growing need for primary care.

Pay-for-Performance

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

New payment systems reward doctors and hospitals for improving the quality of care, but studies to date show mixed results.

The Supreme Court and Health Reform

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The future of federal-state programs is more uncertain now that the high court has limited the expansion of Medicaid.

Improving Care Transitions

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Better coordination of patient transfers among care sites and the community could save money and improve the quality of care.

Graduate Medical Education (Updated)

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A debate continues over the size and scope of federal subsidies to support residency training of the nation's physicians.

Risk Adjustment in Health Insurance

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

When coverage is broadened in 2014, new arrangements will be needed to make sure that the market works appropriately.

Graduate Medical Education

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A debate continues over the size and scope of federal subsidies to support residency training of the nation's physicians.

Eliminating Fraud and Abuse

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

New tools to reduce improper Medicare and Medicaid payments promise savings. But many implementation challenges remain.

Assistance for Global HIV/AIDS

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has saved millions of lives, and is up for reauthorization in 2013.

Care for Dual Eligibles

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Efforts are afoot to improve care and lower costs for roughly 9 million people enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

Workplace Wellness Programs

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Affordable Care Act will expand the ability of employers to reward workers who achieve health improvement goals.

Essential Health Benefits

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

States will determine the minimum set of benefits to be included in individual and small group insurance plans. What lies ahead?

The Independent Payment Advisory Board (Updated)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Starting in 2013, a new entity will have authority to curb Medicare spending if growth exceeds targets. Should it?

Premium Support in Medicare

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The nation's fiscal crisis has renewed the focus on structural reform. Can a market-oriented solution cut costs and improve care?

Public Reporting on Quality and Costs

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Do report cards and other measures of providers' performance lead to improved care and better choices by consumers?

Medicare Payments to Physicians (Updated)

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Congress has enacted another short-term 'doc fix.' A permanent solution to this perennial problem remains elusive.

The Prevention and Public Health Fund

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A $15 billion effort to improve health by preventing disease has been cut amid debate over whether it's really needed.

Small Business Insurance Exchanges

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

States must form new marketplaces aimed at helping small companies buy coverage more easily and cheaply.

Next Steps for ACOs

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Will this new approach to health care delivery live up to the dual promises of reducing costs and improving quality of care?

Medicaid Reform

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Many states want greater flexibility, and there is pressure to limit federal spending. Critics fear serious damage to the social safety net.

The Independent Payment Advisory Board

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Starting in 2013, a new entity will have authority to curb Medicare spending if growth exceeds targets. Should it?

Legal Challenges to Health Reform (Updated)

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of the individual mandate. A decision is expected in 2012.

The CLASS Act (Updated)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The administration has decided not to implement a program to assist the disabled, amid serious doubts about its potential finances.

Community Development and Health

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Organizations promoting jobs, housing, and better conditions in low-income neighborhoods also focus on health.

Medicare Payments to Physicians

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Congress faces another deadline before automatic cuts will kick in--and once again may consider a major overhaul.

Legal Challenges to Health Reform (Updated)

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Both the Obama administration and plaintiffs in suits challenging the Affordable Care Act have asked the Supreme Court to rule.

Achieving Equity in Health

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Racial and ethnic minorities face worse health and health care disparities--but some interventions have made a difference.

Putting Limits on 'Medigap.' (Updated)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Medicare enrollees who buy supplemental private coverage also use more health services. Should the coverage be limited?

Putting Limits on 'Medigap.'

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Medicare enrollees who buy supplemental private coverage also use more health services. Should the coverage be limited?

Extra Federal Medicaid Support Ends (Updated)

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A temporary increase during 2009-11 in federal Medicaid funding to the states has expired. A crunch looms.

Legal Challenges to Health Reform

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The constitutionality of the individual mandate is likely to be decided by the Supreme Court.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

One in four Medicare beneficiaries belongs. How much will scheduled changes in payment affect future enrollment?

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (Updated)

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Amid disappointing enrollment, the government has taken steps to make the program more attractive to people with preexisting health conditions.

The CLASS Act

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The long-term care insurance program created by the Affordable Care Act will be reshaped to address concerns about solvency.

Improving Quality and Safety

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Despite some progress, the nation still faces an urgent need to build a less error-prone system that delivers better care.

The 1099 Provision (Updated)

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Congress has voted to repeal a tax-reporting requirement for businesses, designed to raise revenues to finance health reform.

'Unreasonable' Insurance Rate Increases

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Affordable Care Act requires states and the federal government to review premium increases that appear excessive.

Employers and Health Care Reform

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Affordable Care Act will assess taxes on companies that fail to offer their employees health coverage.

Congress and the Affordable Care Act

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Members opposed to the health reform law have pledged to repeal it, replace it, or block its implementation.

The 1099 Provision

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A tax-reporting requirement for businesses, designed to raise revenues to finance health reform, is now likely to be repealed.

Enrolling More Kids in Medicaid and CHIP

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The federal government wants states to find and enroll about 5 million eligible, uninsured children. What actions are being taken? Will they work?

Small Business Tax Credits

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Affordable Care Act offers incentives so that more of these companies will help provide their employees with health insurance.

Preventive Services Without Cost Sharing

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

New private health plans must pay for screenings and other preventive services. Will the benefits outweigh the costs?

Paying Physicians For Medicare Services (Updated)

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Congress has enacted a one-year fix, allowing time to develop a permanent solution to this long-term problem.

Paying Physicians For Medicare Services (Updated)

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

It is widely agreed that the existing payment system is broken. Congress has again enacted a short-term fix to a long-term problem that it must soon revisit.

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (Updated)

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

A new program provides coverage to people with costly preexisting health conditions. To boost enrollment, the government has already made changes.

Medical Loss Ratios (Updated)

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Health insurers will soon be required to spend a specific share of the premiums they collect on health care for policyholders.

Early Retiree Insurance

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

To encourage employers to maintain coverage for early retirees, the federal government picks up the tab for high-cost medical claims.

Medical Loss Ratios (Updated)

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Health Insurers will soon be required to spend a specific share of the premiums they collect on health care for policyholders.

Medical Loss Ratios

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Health insurers will soon be required to spend a specific share of the premiums they collect on health care for policyholders.

'Grandfathered' Health Plans

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The health reform law exempts certain existing health insurance plans from many requirements. What does that mean for consumers, insurers, and employers?

Comparative Effectiveness Research (Updated)

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A broad effort is under way to understand what really works in health care, perhaps leading to better value for dollars spent.

Comparative Effectiveness Research

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A broad effort is under way to understand what really works in health care, perhaps leading to better value for dollars spent.

Electronic Health Record Standards

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The federal government takes steps to ensure that these electronic systems are strong, secure, and able to communicate with each other.

Patient-Centered Medical Homes

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A new way to deliver primary care may be more affordable and improve quality. But how widely adopted will the model be?

'Meaningful Use' Of Electronic Health Records

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Hospitals and doctors will soon be eligible for federal incentives to help acquire and use health information technology.

Accountable Care Organizations (Updated)

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Under the health reform law, Medicare will be able to contract with these to provide care to enrollees. What are they and how will they work?

Extra Federal Support For Medicaid (Updated)

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Congress has voted to extend for six months a temporary increase in federal Medicaid funding for recession-plagued states. The measure will avert potentially drastic state spending cuts.

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A new program will provide coverage to people with costly preexisting health conditions. But the program faces challenges--starting with the funding.

Accountable Care Organizations

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Under the health reform law, Medicare will be able to contract with these to provide care to enrollees. What are they and how will they work?

Extra Federal Support For Medicaid

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A temporary increase in federal Medicaid funding for recession-plagued states will expire at year's end. Should Congress extend the aid further?

Paying Physicians For Medicare Services

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

It is widely agreed that the existing payment system is broken. Congress has again enacted a short-term fix to a long-term problem that it will have to revisit.

Health Reform's Changes In Medicare.

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Health Reform's Changes In Medicare. The newly enacted legislation contains a mix of provisions--some to expand benefits, and others designed to slow the program's growth rate.

Near-Term Changes In Health Insurance

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Near-Term Changes In Health Insurance: Newly enacted health reform legislation mandates dozens of health insurance changes. Many go into effect this year and next.

Employer Mandate

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Employer Mandate: Congress is negotiating final details of proposed requirements that employers pay a substantial share of their employees' health insurance or subsidize coverage of the uninsured.

Individual Mandate (Updated)

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Individual Mandate: Congress is now weighing different versions of a requirement that individuals obtain health insurance.

Public Health Insurance Plan (Updated)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Public Health Insurance Plan: Should some uninsured Americans be able to enroll in a newly created, publicly administered health plan as the nation works to expand health insurance coverage?

Health Insurance Reforms

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Health Insurance Reforms: Should there be a new federal law and regulations to broaden coverage and make the market work better for individuals and small businesses?

Individual Responsibility

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Individual Responsibility: Should Congress require that most Americans have health insurance--and that they be subject to penalties if they don't?

Key Issues in Health Reform

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Key Issues in Health Reform:
-The federal government's role in financing and delivering health care
-Lowering the rate of growth of Medicare spending
-Advance care planning for serious illness

"Shared Responsibility"

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

"Shared Responsibility": Should employers be required either to pay a substantial share of their employees' health insurance or to subsidize coverage of the uninsured?

Coverage for Low-Income People

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Coverage for Low-Income People: Should the Medicaid program be expanded to cover more of the uninsured? Should there be changes in the Children's Health Insurance Program?

Tax Debate

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Tax Debate: Workers who get health coverage from their employers don't pay income or payroll taxes on it. Should some of it be taxed to help spread coverage to others?

A Public Health Insurance Plan

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A Public Health Insurance Plan: Should Americans be able to enroll in a newly created, publicly administered health insurance option as the nation works to expand health coverage?

Competitive Bidding In Medicare Advantage

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Competitive Bidding In Medicare Advantage: If health insurance companies submitted competitive bids to offer Medicare coverage, President Obama says, the government could save billions of dollars.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Medicare Advantage Plans: Almost 1 in 4 Medicare beneficiaries is in a private Medicare health insurance plan. Studies show these plans are paid more than traditional Medicare. A debate is under way over cutting payments.