by Tom Barrett | Sep 27, 2014 | Employer Issues, General Health, Healthcare Issues, Healthcare Reform, Providers
Despite the fact that narrow networks continue to come under fire, we believe they will remain an integral part of the fabric of health plan options. Narrow network strategies are employed by carriers as a means to control costs, offer lower-priced health insurance...
by Tom Barrett | Sep 19, 2014 | Employer Issues, General Health, Healthcare Issues, Managed Care - Group Health, Pharmacy Costs, Providers
Last week I wrote about improving healthcare literacy. It’s an important and worthy goal. However, I always juxtapose this with something a highly respected physician colleague and friend said to me a few years back. It really resonated with me back then and still...
by Tom Barrett | Sep 12, 2014 | Employer Issues, General Health, General Insurance Issues, Health Policy, Healthcare Issues, Healthcare Reform, Providers
We can all agree that our healthcare system is difficult to understand. Have you considered the confusion for people who have never had health insurance, or perhaps have not had it for a really long time? According to Drew Altman, president and CEO of the Kaiser...
by Mike Barrett | Aug 28, 2014 | Employer Issues, General Health, General Insurance Issues, Healthcare Issues, Healthcare Reform, Pharmacy Costs, Pharmacy, PBMs and Pharma Costs
Recently the Obama Administration compromised to allow waivers for religious organizations to restrict paying for contraceptives on their health plans. What does that mean for most religious groups that offer health benefits? Unless a group is self funded and writes...
by Tom Barrett | Aug 15, 2014 | Employer Issues, General Health, Healthcare Reform, Providers
In primary care, like many other things, bigger isn’t always better. And in the case of primary care physician practices, this study backs it up. It’s no secret among those who know me well that I have a strong affinity for small businesses and have long...
by Mike Barrett | Aug 7, 2014 | Employer Issues, General Health, General Insurance Issues, Health Policy, Healthcare Reform, Humor
I wonder how much time and money employers have spent planning on the various dimensions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that died on the vine, have been changed, pushed back or remain so cloudy that no one really knows the correct answers. Do you think it’s enough...