Monthly Archives: December 2011
Details Behind PCIP’s Potential Enrollment Cap
| December 8, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under Blog |
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A few weeks ago, we reported a potential cap on PCIP enrollment. We recently spoke with a representative from MRMIB and learned the details behind the enrollment cap scare. The Pre-Existing Condition Plan (PCIP) is a high-risk pool for individuals who have been uninsured for 6 or more months and… more
Creative Juices Flow in Alameda County: Converting Fire Stations to Health Portals
| December 7, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under Blog |
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Creative ideas from participants are always intriguing during our regional workgroups. Participants often propose unique strategies to improve health and health care delivery. For example, one participant proposed partnering with the Department of Justice to keep parks open later to reduce crime and increase physical activity. Another told us of… more
Payment Reform: Models in California and Provisions under ACA
| December 6, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under Blog |
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Doctors and hospitals are paid for services based on different types of payment models. The issue of reforming payment in order to reduce costs and improve quality through aligned incentives has been an ongoing discussion in California and various initiatives have been tested and implemented. In addition, ACA provides a… more
Quick Summary of HHS’s Final Rule on MLRs
| December 5, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under Blog |
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On Friday, HHS released the final rule on MLRs, effective January 1, 2012. MLRs, or “Medical Loss Ratios,” are the amount of premium revenues a health plan spends on health care. ACA requires MLRs of 80% and 85% and the small and large group markets starting on January 1, 2011.… more
Summary of HHS’ Final Regulation on MLRs
| December 5, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under State |
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On Friday, December 2, HHS released the final rule on MLRs, effective January 1, 2012. MLRs, or “Medical Loss Ratios,” are the amount of premium revenues a health plan spends on health care. ACA requires MLRs of 80% and 85% and the small and large group markets starting on January… more
Implementing Rate Review in California: Lessons Learned from Other States
| December 2, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under Blog |
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At Wednesday’s CPAC briefing in Sacramento, Dr. Richard Scheffler (Professor of Health Economics and Public Policy at UC Berkeley) reviewed findings from his recent study on rate regulation in two states. A recent Commonwealth Issue Brief found that family health insurance premiums have risen 29% in California since 2003 (from… more
Despite Claims, “Sequestration” Threatens to Injure Medicare Beneficiaries
| December 1, 2011 | Posted by Ashley Cohen under Blog |
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[The following post was written by Elizabeth Wessel. Elizabeth is a second year Master of Public Health student concentrating in Health Policy and Management at UC Berkeley. Prior to entering UC Berkeley, she was a Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Mike Thompson, handling Ways and Means Committee issues, specifically national… more
