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Healthcare Finance News

• Report: BCBS companies hit hard in 2009
  Blue Cross Blue Shield companies experienced both a decline in underwriting earnings and lower premiums in 2009, according to a report by the credit rating firm A.M. Best. Investment income also declined for BCBS plans because interest rates remained low, the report said. The Oldwick, N.J.-based firm said the turnaround in the financial markets resulted in r […]
• Employers scramble to make changes as health insurance costs increase
  A survey of large employers found they are anticipating an 8.9 percent increase in the cost of health insurance next year, up from an average 7 percent this year. As a result, employers said they are planning to make changes to their 2011 healthcare benefit programs. […]
• 40 health systems join Premier's ACO Readiness Collaborative
  Forty health systems have joined the Premier healthcare alliance's Accountable Care Organization Readiness Collaborative, which will help health systems prepare to become ACOs. "ACOs are a departure from the status quo and will be an ambitious goal for even the most advanced healthcare systems," said Premier President and CEO Susan DeVore. […]
• Study: Magnet hospitals don't offer better working conditions for nurses
  Magnet hospitals, which are recognized for better patient safety and outcomes, don't provide better working conditions for nurses than non-magnet hospitals, according to a new study by the University of Maryland School of Nursing. […]
• Michigan health system expands hospitalist program
  As the demand for hospitalist physicians increases nationwide, Allegiance Health has decided to expand its own program by entering into an agreement with a hospitalist management company. Hospitalists are one of the fastest growing subspecialties in contemporary medicine. These physicians are usually internal medicine specialists who care exclusively for hos […]
• Study: Medical errors cost U.S. economy almost $20 billion in '08
  A new study estimates that measurable medical errors cost the U.S. economy $19.5 billion in 2008. Commissioned by the Society of Actuaries and completed by Milliman, Inc., the study used claims data to project a measurement of costs for avoidable medical injuries. Of the approximately $80 billion in costs associated with medical injuries, around 25 percent w […]

Medicare Spotlight

• Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap
  This page will help you to learn 5 ways to lower your costs during the coverage gap. […]
• Learn More About Plans in Your Area
  Part of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder tool that will help you to identify the plans in your state. […]
• Know What to do about the Flu.
  Seasonal flu shots are available right now. H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is being shipped and will soon be widely available. […]
• Medicare & You 2010
  Medicare & You contains important information about what's new, health plans, prescription drug plans, and rights and protections to help people with Medicare review their coverage options and prepare to enroll in a new plan if they choose. It is available in both English and Spanish.Each fall, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mails […]
• MyMedicare.gov
  MyMedicare.gov provides direct Internet access to your Medicare benefits, eligibility, enrollment (including prescription drug plans) and preventive health information - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the site, sign up, and Medicare will mail you a password to allow you access to your personal Medicare information. MyMedicare.gov also allows you to vie […]