Politics and Policy

Insurance exchanges will not exist in a vacuum; they will touch every part of the healthcare system and require substantial changes to the way payers do business.

Medicare cuts, quality measures and operational scrutiny is high on the list of insurers' other concerns in 2010

Two senators investigating medical loss ratios and pricing rationale for small-business policies

Coverage percentages in the high 90s needed to reach critical mass and spread risk

More modest legislative package would stand to gain bipartisan approval in light of Baucus plan reaction

CMS wants to reduce low-value plans and improve information systems to help seniors shop for the best coverage options

State of the Industry survey results

State of the Industry survey results

As the healthcare debate wages on, tea parties are top of mind.

Exchanges could channel subsidies, specify plan design and provide an efficient way to enroll members

The Senate Finance Committee is hammering out a bipartisan bill while other leaders will drive ultimate implementation

AHIP healthcare reform ads touted as one that will resonate with many Americans.

Sensitive to market pressures, 67% of employers prefer a phased approach to reform and 68% believe the current tax treatment of coverage should not be changed

Democrats back insurance market changes, coverage mandates and a public plan option. House leaders generally ignored Republican protests.

Through access to more robust data, actuaries can help predict and analyze the long-term feasibility of proposed healthcare reform plans.

Educate policymakers on the industry to avoid bad or over-simplified healthcare reform legislation.

Industry weighs the pros and cons of an Obama-appointed Federal Insurance Czar.

In the wake of healthcare reform, pharmaceutical executives help take charge.

Independence Blue Cross premium increases illustrates the need for individual mandates and finding a way to level out risk pools.

Providers, plans and pharma companies promise to produce savings through tried and true methods, but skeptics doubt they'll make any sacrifices

Federal government lags when it comes to domestic partners' equal treatment in benefit, but states make progress.

New federal health IT leaders need to focus more on personal health records, says one expert.

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius is confirmed as HHS Secretary.

The reinvestment act contains more than $100 billion in federal funding for healthcare initiatives

MedPAC reports 2009 MA payments will be 14% above fee-for-service rates.