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.

Analysis, Health care reform

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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.

Specialty outpatient clinics, not elsewhere classified, Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers, Administration of Public Health Programs, Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs), Mental Health Care, Special Disability Insurance, Mental Health Programs, Finance, Political activity, Insurance industry, Political aspects, Psychiatric services, Mental health services, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Insurance, Disability insurance, Mental health benefits

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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.

HEALTH SERVICES, Health Plan Administration, Managed care plans (Medical care)

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