Politics and Policy

High court rulings shape health plan policies.

Congress rejects White House Medicare pharmacy plan while moving forwardwith its own reform strategy

MCOs are on the front lines to deliver benefits, curb Medicare and Medicaid spending

A sharp rise in healthcare spending puts the spotlight squarely on theerosion of managed care

Initiatives that promote industry competition remain key to modernizingthe nation's healthcare system

Legislators seek Medicare "givebacks," malpractice reform,tax credits for health insurance

Officials don't expect the situation to improve as tax revenues declineand healthcare costs continue to rise

The U.S. health care system is at a crossroads. Purchasers must think what lies around the bend before they abandon proven tactics in a flurry of short-term cost sharing.

The 10th annual State of Health Care in America is now available online. We've highlighted a few select articles below, or click the link above for the full Table of Contents.

Responding to terrorism sidetracked Congressional work on health care, but the issues aren't about to go away.

House panel examines soaring insurance rates, while analysts paint gloomypicture for M+C program

Vote helps M+C plans and pressures the Senate to act, while HomelandSecurity proposals raise concerns

Bioterrorism bill gives MCOs more time to file rates for next year, as payment "give back" deliberations continue

Runaway litigation is boosting healthcare costs and reducing patient access to care

Employees with disabilities have more than physical limitations to overcome. The legal system itself may be just as disabling.

Americans complain about access, while MCOs struggle with appeals, privacyand reimbursement

Medicaid is on the rocks already, and the Medicare+Choice program isn'tvery far behind

Administration health agenda includes drug benefits for low-income seniors and support for patients' rights

National health protection and the economy redefine the issues

Legislators postponed key decisions on Medicare rates, mental healthreform and assistance for the uninsured

National health protection and the economy redefine the issues

The September terrorist attacks and the subsequent anthrax scare haveprompted managed care organizations, healthcare providers and governmentagencies to expand emergency preparedness efforts and reevaluate policiesand programs. Stung by criticism of its confusing response to the bioterrorismthreat, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has created anew Office of Preparedness and brought in new infectious disease and vaccineexperts to rescue the situation.

News brief.

Although fewer seniors will be forced to switch to new coverage optionsnext year than did last January, MCOs still are dropping out of the Medicare+Choiceprogram at a disturbing rate. Aggressive efforts by Tom Scully, administratorof the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), encouraged somehealth plans to stick with the program for now, but dozens of MCOs abandonedor curtailed service areas when they filed cost proposals for contract year2002 in September. Consequently, 536,000 seniors will have to find new coverageby January, much less than the 934,000 affected by MCO departures last year.But many of those plans that remain are reducing optional benefits or raisingpremiums in order to continue coverage.

Federal government's budget situation.