Blues plans gird for compensation onslaught with mergers

Article Abstract:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans are merging in order to compete with regional health networks which may spring up as part of health care reform. For example, the Blues in Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota will merge by 1994; the combined plan will cover 3.6 million subscribers and pay out $3.8 billion on 41 million claims. In addition to merging for competitive reasons, some Blues are also merging because they are financial trouble, and others are marketing their plans in areas where the local Blue Cross/Blue Shield organization is financially weak.

Patent owners and lessors, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Insurance industry, Economic policy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Health Care Service Corp., IASD Health Services Corp.

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Retirees feel pinch from cuts in benefits

Article Abstract:

Retirees have less money to spend on healthcare because of cuts in company retirement benefits, especially among retirees who are pre-Medicare - younger than 65 years old. As a result, physicians must sometimes act as bill collectors or negotiate fees for treatments. A number of companies are reducing benefits to cut costs despite lobbying efforts by unions and senior citizens groups. Because they have less money, the elderly may avoid seeing a doctor altogether or skip filling important prescriptions.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Economic aspects, Physicians, Medical professions, Social policy, Retirement benefits

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Poll; Satisfaction comparable for HMO, indemnity plans

Article Abstract:

A poll of 65,000 readers by 'Consumer Reports' revealed that consumers are just as satisfied with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as they are with indemnity insurance plans. Figures published by the Group Health Association of America tend to support the survey's results: HMO's enrolled 2.2 million members in 1991, a 6% increase from 1990, and they now cover 15% of the US population. The 'Consumer Reports' survey spanned the period between spring 1990 and spring 1991.

Surveys, Health insurance, Public opinion, Health maintenance organizations

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