News
What’s behind Medicare Advantage product deserts
11+ hour, 43+ min ago (520+ words) Product deserts are locations where Medicare Advantage plan disruption, shrinking availability and choices are creating challenges for enrollees and advisors. What is causing these deserts was among the topics discussed during the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors" recent…...
Medicare Advantage shifts focus to quality
1+ day, 9+ hour ago (395+ words) Medicare Advantage plans face pressure to be profitable, so carriers are shifting their focus to quality. "The entire MA ecosystem is for the benefit of seniors and we must remember that," said Steve Kaplan, chief legal, compliance and privacy officer…...
Health Insurer Stocks Slide After Trump Administration Proposes Keeping Medicare Payment Rates Steady
1+ week, 1+ day ago (59+ words) Health Insurer Stocks Slide After Trump Administration Proposes Keeping Medicare Payment Rates Steady'InsuranceNewsNet The Trump administration's proposal would raise Medicare Advantage payment rates to insurers by 0.09% in 2027, well below Wall Street estimates of between 4-6%. UnitedHealth Group shares falling on Medicare…...
Researchers at Augusta University Target Managed Care (The importance and challenge of comparing stroke care, utilization and outcomes in Medicare Advantage and Fee-for-Service Medicare: a narrative review and vision for the future): Managed Care
1+ week, 5+ day ago (134+ words) According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "Given the importance of stroke in Medicare and the growth in MA enrollment, comparing the effectiveness of MA and FFS warrants further study among appropriately matched MA and FFS beneficiaries with stroke....
University of Kansas Study Shows e-Brokers Like SelectQuote Extend Rural Residents’ Access to Medicare Advantage Plans
2+ week, 10+ hour ago (270+ words) Research finds e-brokers bring access to low-income seniors across a 10-state region; approximately 400,000 residents live in communities without a single licensed Medicare insurance agent OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- E-brokers greatly expand opportunities for rural residents to obtain health insurance…...
Senate report alleges Medicare upcoding by UnitedHealth
3+ week, 5+ hour ago (371+ words) A Senate report released Tuesday alleges that UnitedHealth Group is gaming the Medicare Advantage system to reap inflated payments. The report from Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, claims that UnitedHealth leverages its scale, data assets, and vertically integrated provider network to…...
Detailing Medicare prescription drug coverage
3+ week, 2+ day ago (658+ words) Although prescription drug plans vary, all provide a standard amount of coverage set by Medicare. Every plan offers a broad choice of brand name and generic drugs at local pharmacies or through the mail. However, some plans cover more drugs…...
PAYMENT RATES FOR MEDICAID HOME CARE AHEAD OF THE 2025 RECONCILIATION LAW
4+ week, 2+ day ago (662+ words) The following information was released by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation: Authors: Alice Burns, Maiss Mohamed, and Molly O'Malley Watts All responding states reported taking actions to address workforce shortages, with most states raising payment rates (Figure 1). All states reported…...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Report New Data on Managed Care (The Quality Incentive Program and Patient-Centered Dialysis Care: Mastering the Numbers): Managed Care
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (198+ words) According to the news editors, the research concluded: "We conclude with specific recommendations for future iterations of the QIP." This research has been peer-reviewed. For more information on this research see: The Quality Incentive Program and Patient-Centered Dialysis Care: Mastering…...
Insurer switches Tacoma health systems for coverage on individual plans
1+ mon, 4+ week ago (641+ words) An insurer that nearly parted ways with MultiCare in 2024 in a contract dispute has moved away from the Tacoma-based health system for its 2026 individual-plan network including in Pierce County while retaining it for commercial plans. Individual plans are purchased by…...