Insight, analysis & opinion from Joe Paduda
One of the more puzzling arguments against universal coverage is that advanced by the worthies at the Cato Institute. They argue that if insurance companies could just charge people based on their risk profile, the market would solve the problem … Continue reading ‘Free markets’ in health insurance just don’t work
Read More...A backlash is what happens after something occurs. That being the case, a “pre-lash” is a “reaction” to something before it occurs. Awkward, but accurate when describing what’s happening with consumer-directed health care.
Read More...In yet another sign of the impending attainment of critical mass on health care reform, the SEIU and WalMart have found common ground. Who woulda thunk it?
Read More...After a year of badgering other bloggers to host an edition of Health Wonk Review, I’ve been guilted into hosting the Cavalcade of Risk, a related-but-different grand rounds of things insurance- and risk-management related. I’m doing this from a beach-side … Continue reading Cavalcade of Risk – the Paduda edition
Read More...Boston’s Mayor is outraged at Humana’s decision to raise premiums on it’s basic Part D plan by 130%. Humana’s stockholders should be equally upset.
Read More...Kaiser Permanente, one of the oldest and largest HMOs, is going to offer PPOs, high deductible plans, and plans with Health Savings Accounts. This marks a significant change by the big HMO, one that at first seems odd. But from … Continue reading What is Kaiser up to?
Read More...CMS’ head Mark McClellan believes that over 90% of Medicare beneficiaries will have drug coverage after Monday’s deadline for Part D enrollment. That may be true, but that does NOT mean Part D enrollment is at 90%. As has been … Continue reading 90% < 72%
Read More...A new study released by Part D advocacy group Medicare Today makes a compelling case for seniors’ enrollment in Part D. Authored by the Lewin Group (an excellent and unbiased health care reseach and analysis firm) the study makes a … Continue reading Part D financials make no sense
Read More...My regular job took precedence over getting HWR out on time last week – apologies to those of you who have been sitting at your keyboards waiting eagerly for the latest edition to once again enter the bitstream. This edition’s … Continue reading Health Wonk Review May 4 (actually May 8) edition
Read More...The Washington Post published results of a study that indicate a generally modest level of satisfaction with Part D among enrollees. According to the Post, “Three-fourths of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the drug benefit say paperwork to sign up was … Continue reading Part D enrollee satisfaction
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