Colorado says health plans must be large, have specialists

Article Abstract:

The Colorado Legislature has approved a bill that will require health plans to have enough specialists to assure timely patient access to a specialist. Governor Roy Romer is expected to sigh the bill, which the Colorado Medical Society supports. Some managed-care executives believe that the legislation formalizes existing policies, but others fear that it will cause higher costs, increased paperwork, and fewer plan options.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Programs-State, Health Plan Administration, Laws, regulations and rules, Health care industry, Social policy, Colorado, Managed care plans (Medical care), Health policy

---

Blues headed for steep underwriting losses, report says

Article Abstract:

A report from Milliman and Robertson Inc states that Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans should expect at least another three years of underwriting losses. Pressure on premium prices and higher medical costs are the major reasons for the expected downturn, and a continuation of plan mergers could be one result. The underwriting loss trend began in 1994 after six years of profits according to the actuary who wrote the report.

Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, Finance, Reports, Health insurance, Milliman and Robertson Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

---

Study shows PPO costs lower than in fee-for-service plans

Article Abstract:

Study results indicate that preferred-provider organization (PPO) patients' healthcare costs are 12% less than those of patients participating in fee-for-service plans that have utilization review. However, the study found that the savings do not result from lower per-claim costs, but from lower utilization rates. The study was published in Inquiry's winter 1998 issue.

Preferred Provider Health Plans, Research, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Preferred provider organizations (Medical care)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: HMOs: doctors can freely talk to patients. Study: HMO hospital stays same as fee for service. HHS: managed care applied brakes to '95 health spending
• Abstracts: GWU-Universal deal cleared despite lingering concerns. Calif. merger expected to usher in new environment. Hospital finds new buyer: medical staff concerns prompt new affiliation
• Abstracts: AMA urges nation to broaden public health perspective. Dr. Satcher urges different kind of response: collaborations needed to improve U.S. health

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.