70 changes so far to ObamaCare(PDF) By our count at the Galen Institute, more than 70 significant changes have been made to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, at least 43 that the Obama administration has made unilaterally, 24 that Congress has passed and the president has signed, and three by the Supreme Court. Changes By Administrative Action 1.) Employee reporting: The IRS … [Read more...] about 70 Changes to ObamaCare…So Far
First Biosimilar Medicine Launches; Price Disappoints Those Hoping For Deeper Discount
Pharmaceutical prices are dominating public concerns about health care, according to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation that shows three-quarters of Americans support limiting how much drug companies can charge for high-cost drugs. So it’s especially disappointing to see that the first imitators of a new generation of biologic cancer drugs approved for the U.S. market will be started … [Read more...] about First Biosimilar Medicine Launches; Price Disappoints Those Hoping For Deeper Discount
Letter to Congress Re: Co-Ops
Joel C. White, president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, and Grace-Marie Turner, president of the Galen Institute, have written to members of Congress seeking oversight of the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (co-op) program. All but one of the 22 co-ops created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) have produced negative net income, despite $2.4 billion in … [Read more...] about Letter to Congress Re: Co-Ops
Highmark Health Shifts to Narrow Network Plans Due to ObamaCare Costs
According to a Sept. 3 report by Anna Wilde Mathews of the Wall Street Journal, Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health announced it will cut back its range of plans offered through the ObamaCare marketplaces. The nonprofit company currently covers around 380,000 marketplace enrollees in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. During the first six months of 2015, Highmark recorded a loss of $318 … [Read more...] about Highmark Health Shifts to Narrow Network Plans Due to ObamaCare Costs
Sorry Mr. Trump, Canadian Health Care is Not Working
As is often the case in U.S. politics—though normally on the Democratic side of the aisle—Canada’s health care system was raised as a functioning alternative to the American model. Specifically, GOP front-runner Donald Trump described Canada’s health care system as working just fine. The facts are markedly different from Mr. Trump’s description. Canada suffers from a high-cost health care … [Read more...] about Sorry Mr. Trump, Canadian Health Care is Not Working
Families brace for steep hikes: Opposing view
USA TODAY invited us to respond to the lead editorial in today’s paper, “Don't believe Obamacare stories: Our view.” The editors argue that premium increases will “likely be modest” next year, despite “scattered double-digit rate hikes.” We disagree and explain that millions of Americans will be facing higher premiums, sometimes much higher premiums, for insurance many don't like. Here is our … [Read more...] about Families brace for steep hikes: Opposing view
The Coming Health Care Inflation
In the real economy, medical costs are on a sharp upswing. It’s becoming clear that a brief slowing in the pace of healthcare spending was transitory – more a result of one-time factors that tamped down on healthcare demand rather than any secular change in how medical care is being delivered. It’s important to distinguish between three common but different ways that most commentators try … [Read more...] about The Coming Health Care Inflation
Solutions to the Primary Care Physician Shortage
A primary care physician shortage currently exists in this country. As millions get health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, this shortage is likely to grow. It is imperative that leaders recognize the need to grow primary care capacity. This piece will explore solutions to increase primary care capacity in the United States. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates … [Read more...] about Solutions to the Primary Care Physician Shortage