A survey of 321 seniors 65 and older revealed that 61% think the healthcare reform bill has weakened Medicare in the year since it became law.
A survey of 321 seniors 65 and older revealed that 61% think the healthcare reform bill has weakened Medicare in the year since it became law. At the same time, 57% of those surveyed say they will take advantage of a free physical exam and personal wellness plan benefit included in the bill that went into effect this year.
Moreover, 73% of seniors surveyed think the health care bill will continue to weaken Medicare over the long term. When asked about attempts under way in the U.S. House of Representatives to defund the bill, 43% of seniors surveyed support defunding the bill entirely and 29% think only certain provisions of the bill should be defunded.
The survey was fielded from March 18-21, 2011 by Extend Health, Inc., which operates a private Medicare exchange. The company says the bill does not cut any Medicare benefits, and instead adds some benefits, including the previously mentioned free physical exam and other free preventative care services.
In this second part of a two-part podcast episode, Managed Healthcare Executive's Managing Editor Peter Wehrwein spoke with CeCi Connolly and Margaret "Meg" Murray about Medicare Advantage utilization and challenges, highlighting proposed CMS payment cuts and prior authorization issues.
Listen
New approvals this week include a $4.25 million gene therapy, a drug that treats hypertension in a new way, a nonsteroidal drug for Duchenne, and an oral drug for aggressive leukemia. The agency has set an action date for resubmitted Lymphir in rare skin cancer, and Celltrion has launched Zymfentra, a subcutaneous form of infliximab.
Read More
In this first part of a two-part podcast episode, Managed Healthcare Executive's Managing Editor Peter Wehrwein kicks off our new podcast series "DC Roundtable," with guests Margaret "Meg" Murray, CEO of the Association of Community Affiliated Plans, and member of MHE's Editorial Advisory Board, and CeCi Connolly, president and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, for a discussion on healthcare policy issues.
Listen