Politics and Policy

Providers and payers appear to be moving steadily toward an accountable-care model of healthcare delivery, and competitive markets influence the development.

ACOs will be expected to have accreditation as a minimum standard.

While the politicians campaign, the federal government will continue to roll out the programs created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Industry experts say although it seems early for states to establish insurance exchanges, they shouldn't risk waiting too long.

Private exchanges are moving aggressively to address the challenges of providing quality healthcare at an affordable price, according to experts.

As expected, the Supreme Court will decide if key provisions of the healthcare overhaul law violate the Constitution.

Perhaps so, as federal and state programs look more to private insurers to help control spending.

Medicare Advantage plans are evaluating best practices in risk adjustment for the upcoming health exchanges and accountable care organizations.

The Obama administration has moved one step closer to defining the healthcare services insurers will have to offer in exchanges.

Republicans are fairly united in seeking to kill the Independent Payment Advisory Board and have gained support from physicians, pharma, insurers, and some consumer groups.

The debt ceiling legislation finalized last month calls for significant reductions in federal spending over the next decade.

Reform calls for establishment of the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan, which permits new nonprofit insurers to offer plans in individual and small group markets

Dual eligibles cost federal and state governments approximately $120 billion a year.

Up to 30% of employers might drop employee coverage after 2014.

A main theme of new rules for state-based health insurance exchanges is flexibility for states.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber signed legislation that will transition the state's Medicaid fee-for-service to care coordination

Flexibility is the new mantra among federal health policy officials, as the Obama administration rolls out alternative programs likely to appeal more to providers and patients.

Embedded care managers increasingly are becoming members of clinical teams in physician offices.

The push to overhaul Medicare took on added urgency last month as Medicare trustees predicted earlier insolvency for the program than expected.

As the total ranks of the insured grow by upwards of 35 million people in the coming years, plans will face the burden of vastly increased administrative tasks.

State governments are clamoring for assistance in funding fast-expanding Medicaid programs, increasingly looking to private insurers to help them save money and improve care.

Despite Republican attacks, the budget blueprint passed by the GOP-controlled House of Representatives likely would require an individual mandate for Medicare.

All health plan products offered through state health insurance exchanges will be required to provide an essential health benefits package

A little noticed provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act offers opportunities for Medicaid managed care.

Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) unveiled an ambitious plan to fundamentally revise the Medicare and Medicaid programs