HMO's press U.S. to allow them to raise premiums, cut benefits under Medicare
Article Abstract:
The HMO industry is pressing the government to let health plans raise their premiums and reduce benefits for Medicare beneficiaries next year. Without the changes, more health-maintenance organizations are likely to announce reductions in their Medicare operations, adding to the recent cutbacks already unveiled by a number of major Medicare HMOs, industry officials warned. The companies submitted their proposed plans in May, but now want to revise them because they say costs have been rising much faster than anticipated. If the government does allow HMOs to revise their packages, some companies that had decided to pull out of certin markets may reverse course. Health plans have until Oct. 1 to tell the Health Care Financing Administration whether they will participate in Medicare next year.
Comment:
Pressing the government to let health plans raise their premiums and reduce benefits for Medicare
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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Texas law allowing patients to sue health plans for damages is upheld
Article Abstract:
A challenge by Aetna Inc. to a Texas law that permits patients to sue their health plans for damages has been denied by a federal judge in Houston, prompting industry analysts to predict that managed-care reforms will continue to gain momentum in other states. The law, which allows lawsuits to be filed in cases where HMO patients believe they have been harmed though the denial or delay of health care services, was the first of its kind in the country. Industry analysts believe that federal managed-care legislation is unlikely to be passed this year.
Comment:
Has lost challenge to Texas law permitting patients to sue for damages related to denial or delay of health care services
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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First Lyme disease vaccine approved; SmithKline makes three-shot regimen
Article Abstract:
SmithKline Beecham PLC, based in England, has received FDA approval for the first Lyme disease vaccine. The drug is called Lymerix; it is about 80% effective; and it is not yet approved for children. The vaccine is approved for a three-shot regimen over 12 months, although it appears that a 3-month schedule could be just as effective. In either case, the final shot is best received in April, just before the peak season begins for getting bitten by an infected tick.
Comment:
Co. is the first with an approved Lyme disease vaccine
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
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