Round two of the health fight begins
Article Abstract:
Health care reform needs to strike a delicate balance between reining in the cost of medical care and curbing the financial cost of consumer protection measures for health insurers. The Clinton administration has introduced proposals embodied in a Consumer Bill of Rights in Nov 1997, aimed at empowering patients to challenge the decisions of health insurers. Pres Clinton also called on health insurers to institute patient protection initiatives. However, health insurers contend that federal mandates would only result in more difficult access to treatment options and higher premiums.
Publication Name: Best's Review Life-Health Insurance Edition
Subject: Insurance
ISSN: 0275-0988
Year: 1997
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A renewed battle looms over mental health coverage
Article Abstract:
Psychiatric disability and mental health benefits will continue to be important political issues in 1997, as both insurers and federal regulators try to reduce exploding costs related to mental and nervous disorders. Social Security disability payment recipients increased from 412,000 to 1.1 million from 1989 to 1995, while UNUM Life Insurance Co. reported a 335% increase in mental and nervous disorder claims over the same period. Integrated care and early treatment may help to reduce costs.
Publication Name: Best's Review Life-Health Insurance Edition
Subject: Insurance
ISSN: 0275-0988
Year: 1997
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Washington's next target: managed care
Article Abstract:
Congress may devote a significant amount of time and attention to improving the quality of managed medical care in 1997, following an active 1996 when lawmakers looked to facilitate access to health insurance. The opinions of concerned purchasing cooperatives such as the Pacific Business Group on Health should have an impact on the direction Congressional policy takes regarding quality of care.
Publication Name: Best's Review Life-Health Insurance Edition
Subject: Insurance
ISSN: 0275-0988
Year: 1997
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- Abstracts: Relaxing ... at the speed of light. Reinsurance broker's role expands to risk manager. Managing risk is key to brokers' survival
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