July 2005

Change in Thinking For Pharmacy Benefits in CDHP
The plan du jour requires a different mindset and approach in order to succeed. Be sure to include incentives.

Tony Berberabe

Turning the Corner

Momentum Shifts Toward Consumer-Directed Plans
Looking at past enrollment shifts and at the evolution of managed care can shed light on how to compete in the new market for account-based consumer-directed care, now expected to become one of the predominant health plan models.

MargaretAnn Cross

For More and More Workers, Small Pay Means Small Plans
Some large health insurers are starting to offer limited-benefit plans (often called mini-meds) for an unexpectedly vibrant niche — the working poor.

John Carroll

Is Pay for Performance Part of the Cure or the Problem?
Paying for performance promises improved quality, reduced cost, and higher income for doctors. So why are some of them worried?

Martin Sipkoff

Support Grows for Establishing National Clinical Trial Registry
Stakeholders are pushing for a national clinical trial registry, and efforts by UnitedHealth Group are in the forefront. Medical journals are setting hard and fast rules.

Martin Sipkoff

Build a National Network One Region at a Time
Regional health information organizations are getting more scrutiny on Capitol Hill. They might hold the key to funding a national online network that links providers.

John Carroll

TOMORROW'S MEDICINE

Can CDHPs Resolve Issues Raised by Age of Biologics?
While the potential of consumer-directed health plans is promising, this design still leaves many questions about coverage unanswered.

Thomas Morrow, MD

Compensation Monitor

Economically, country mouse does better
Editor’s Memo

Talk About Consumer Plans Rapidly Becoming Reality

John A. Marcille

Employer Update

Efforts To Cover the Uninsured An Opportunity for Health Plans
Employers and state governments are getting together to design imaginative programs to cover low-pay workers.

MargaretAnn Cross

The Formulary Files

Cost being equal, consumers prefer older drugs
Managed Care Outlook

Premium hikes for 2006 could be lowest in 5 years
Viewpoint

Insurers Can No Longer Afford Not To Share Some Data
Pay-for-performance programs imply improved patient care, but are frustrated by fragmented data collection and reporting systems. Think big.

Stanley Hochberg, MD



News & Commentary

Two Major Studies Focus On Mental Health

Fear Called Primary Factor In How Coverage Is Chosen

Headlines On Deadline ...

Seeing is believing?