Briefly, every morning I get an array of emails in my In-Box offering up what they think can be interesting reads. I would definitely read Economist David Zetland student’s writings on water shortages in other countries. Most Interesting Read Economist David Zetland’s Students Studying the Impact of Water Shortage in Europe, The one-handed economist, The Hague. What something interesting to do? Write to David’s students on his site. David does...
Read More »AHA Urges CMS to Correct Medicare Advantage Plan 2024 Rule Violations
With this particular American Hospital Association letter, I pulled out the particular points in which the AHA is pointing out and filing complaints. The balance of the letter can be found at the link above, in the title (below), or in the attached PDF file at the end of this post. Unfortunately, it is too long in making its legitimate points. Insurance typically have a delay in payment which is normal fact. Every plan has different rules for...
Read More »AI Algorithm allegedly leads to Medicare Advantage Denial of Claims
Industry has been talking about AI (Artificial Intelligence) for a while now. And of course, industry has been looking to reduce the amount of labor input with AI. Having used computerized systems such as MRPII, ERP, etc., I have always followed the wisdom of people such as Oliver Wight and George Plossl. The system is as accurate as the input to it. Which means, you have to check your work. A system can also be used to intentionally mislead in its...
Read More »Fee For Service Medicare Part D Price Increases
I am late on the draw for this information on Medicare. Been busy with other issues. Had dinner last night at VA’ Bene, a restaurant in Chandler which is not too far from us. An older couple joined us afterwards as we were sipping some Chianti. The heat finally got to this couple and they are moving back to Oregon after living here for twenty years. Medicare Part D in 2024: A First Look at Prescription Drug Plan Availability, Premiums, and Cost...
Read More »Semaglutides and the next public health revolution
It is hard to overstate the transformational public health benefits of anti-hypertensives and statins for blood pressure and serum cholesterol control. For a modest cost, these drugs not only mitigate human suffering but save billions, if not trillions, of dollars by avoiding costly surgical interventions.The repurposing of anti-diabetic drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss in obese populations promises to be similarly...
Read More »Slowing Growth in seniors opting for insurer-run Medicare Advantage plans
When I start to get comments and questions from some of the more expert authorities on healthcare such as Merrill Gooz, Andrew Sprung, Steve Early (Suzanne Gordon), and Kip Sullivan; I start to feel pretty good about some of my commentaries or comments. This last go around on Gooz News in the comments section, we were talking about “Fee For Service” Medicare and “Medicare Advantage” plans. The one issue I am experiencing is a 67% increase in the...
Read More »Creating Workplace Flexibility in the Health Care Industry
I know Dean Moore from a German Company in upstate New York where we both worked. Great area to be. the Germans operated like they had a board up their backs. Working in Germany was fun and I got to explore on weekends on their dime. As it was, I left after three years. Dean followed a year or so later. Dean Moore is vice president of work/life at St. John’s, a full-service senior care provider with options that range from independent living to...
Read More »2022 Overpayment to Medicare Advantage? Somewhere between 22% and 35%
Maybe $88 billion and $140 billion will get your attention? Congress does not blink an eye at this expenditure. Received an email from PNHP’s Kip Sullivan who is knowledgeable on Single Payer and Medicare Advantage healthcare plans. Whenever he writes an article, he sends me an email so Angry Bear can be first in line to place it on the blogosphere. Computer was down and I am a couple of days late in posting his commentary. If you are unaware...
Read More »Medical Debt in the United States
This is mostly a recital of an article by Peterson-KFF (March 2022) on medical debt as held by average people. A few tweaks here and there. The article content adds another block of reasoning to the foundation for Medicare for All, single payer, etc. It is long and I know some who have short attention spans. Myself? I like numbers as it tells me more in a direct fashion than decipher words and intent. If you have a few minutes, read it and scan the...
Read More »Legislation to Alleviate Administrative Burdens for Family Caregivers
To detail why this is so important, I turn to Doctor Barry J. Jacobs: “Caregivers, like marathon runners, must learn the lay of the land, find a sustainable pace and accept replenishment along their journey if they have any hope of gamely persevering from start to finish line. With this metaphor in mind, we can say that the family member who accepts this role blindly is akin to the misguided runner in Crocs and jeans with no clue about how far...
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