While the health care debate traditionally heats up in the summer months, this year the legislative scene has been comparatively quiet. Most of the energy has been spent explaining ? or debating ? the various provisions of the new Medicare law, especially the Temporary Drug Discount Card and Health Savings Accounts. The biggest excitement of the summer (and only in Washington would this be … [Read more...] about Summer Excitement
HSA Product Development at Fevered Pitch
IN THIS ISSUE: ? Consumer Choice Community Up and Running ? MA Creates Constitutional Right to Health Care ? HSA Product Development at Fevered Pitch ? CIGNA Survey Finds Consumer Appeal in HSAs ? Communication Key to Consumer Driven Health ? Education Key to HSAs - Akron Beacon Journal Consumer Choice Community Up and Running Wow, it is great to be back from vacation and … [Read more...] about HSA Product Development at Fevered Pitch
Response to July 19 article by Dr. Marcia Angell in The Financial Times
It is unfortunate that a scientist like Dr. Marcia Angell would be careless in her use of facts in arguing that ?Big pharma is a two-faced friend,? (The Financial Times, 19 July 2004). She says that ?prescription drug prices are sky high and rising fast.? But data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that from November 2003 to March 2004, prescription drug inflation was … [Read more...] about Response to July 19 article by Dr. Marcia Angell in The Financial Times
Response to July 19 article by Dr. Marcia Angell in The Financial Times
It is unfortunate that a scientist like Dr. Marcia Angell would be careless in her use of facts in arguing that ?Big pharma is a two-faced friend,? (The Financial Times, 19 July 2004). She says that ?prescription drug prices are sky high and rising fast.? But data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that from November 2003 to March 2004, prescription drug inflation … [Read more...] about Response to July 19 article by Dr. Marcia Angell in The Financial Times
New Studies Show Consumer-Directed Care Reduces Costs and Improves Access
A new study of purchasers of Health Savings Accounts shows that these health care financing arrangements are appealing to those who previously were shut out of the insurance market, to families, to older Americans, and to workers of all income levels. Click here to read the paper. … [Read more...] about New Studies Show Consumer-Directed Care Reduces Costs and Improves Access
New Studies Show Consumer-Directed Care Reduces Costs and Improves Access
A new study of purchasers of Health Savings Accounts shows that these health care financing arrangements are appealing to those who previously were shut out of the insurance market, to families, to older Americans, and to workers of all income levels. Click here to read the paper. … [Read more...] about New Studies Show Consumer-Directed Care Reduces Costs and Improves Access
Alarm Bells
The New York Times this week set off alarm bells in Washington with a lead story by Robert Pear entitled "Medicare law is seen leading to cuts in drug benefits for retirees." You will recall that the issue commanding attention at the highest levels during the Medicare debate last year was making sure that seniors' retiree coverage would be safe when the permanent drug benefit comes on line in … [Read more...] about Alarm Bells
Mending Images
It takes a lot for virtually every major newspaper in the country to feature a positive article about an announcement by a pharmaceutical company on drug prices, but that is exactly what happened yesterday. New York-based Pfizer announced on Wednesday a new initiative to provide its medicines to the uninsured at savings as good or better than they would get if they had a health plan to negotiate … [Read more...] about Mending Images