Insight, analysis & opinion from Joe Paduda
Wellpoint is continuing to consolidate its hold on the nation’s Blues plans with its recent announcement regarding the pending deal to acquire Wellchoice, the holding company that owns New York’s Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The transaction is valued … Continue reading Wellpoint’s acquisition of Empire Blue Cross
Read More...Sen Wyden (D-OR) claims he has enough votes in the Senate to pass legislation authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for Medicare drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. Critics were quick to decry the move, with the … Continue reading Senate moves to allow negotiation for pharma prices
Read More...Concentra Inc.’s presentation at the Bank of America Investor Conference earlier this month focused on their continued growth, focus on workers comp, and impact of the acquisitions of Beech Street and Occupational Health and Rehab. Here are some of the … Continue reading Concentra’s investor briefing
Read More...The investigations into broker/insurer malfeasance continued to make their presence felt last week, as Conn. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced the expansion of the state’s charges against Marsh. Blumenthal, never one to avoid the limelight, said “We have uncovered powerful … Continue reading Marsh hammered again
Read More...I have been engaged in an email debate with a libertarian about the value of “freedom of choice”, impact of payment sources on health care expenditures and inflation thereof, and potential impact of consumerism on health care costs. He is … Continue reading The myth of consumerism in health care
Read More...Not much new has come out about Revolution Health, Steve Case’s effort to bring consumerism, education, information, and innovative insurance products to the world of health care. Since the splash of the initial announcement two months ago, the silence has … Continue reading What’s up with Case’s Revolution Health?
Read More...In another sign that meaningful reform initiatives do work, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) filed rates for Florida that represent a 4.5% decrease; making the total filed decrease since 2003 22.1%. These decreases were due to lower medical … Continue reading Florida’s Workers Comp physician fees
Read More...While we were paying attention to the mess uncovered by the Broward County School Board’s workers comp audit , Ohio’s workers comp scandal moved into new territory. A report from a panel appointed by Gov. Bob Taft (R) to review … Continue reading Ohio’s Work Comp Scandal – fallout continues
Read More...Pres. Bush noted in a speech earlier this week that health care is a drag on the economy and family budgets. Ben Bernanke, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, said ” These are issues that we are going to … Continue reading Bush mentions health care
Read More...Concentra will acquire Beech Street for $165 million. The announcement indicates that the deal will be finalized this year, and a definitive agreement has been signed by both parties. Beech’s senior management, led by Bill Hale, will be continuing in … Continue reading Concentra to acquire Beech Street
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