Vol. 9, No. 9
September 2000
Aetna U.S. Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente have taken some financial hits recently. Their corporate cultures have changed as a result. The "new" Kaiser and Aetna face a future that may hold even more unpleasant surprises. Are they ready?
Disease Management Consolidation
There is a trend among disease management vendors to consolidate. The several causes include lack of capital, headaches associated with managing risk, and hesitancy on the part of HMOs to sign contracts.
Q&A: A Conversation With Peter Boland
This author-consultant sees big changes coming in the next 10 years. An increase in the demand for chronic care and a shift to a defined-contribution system are just two of the things Boland predicts will happen as baby boomers age.
Assessing Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
One of the studies looked at in this review article says that a vaccine program for the experimental heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine would save $342 million in medical expenses and $415 million in work-loss and other costs.
The future for Kaiser, Aetna.
News and Commentary
Three New England States Form Drug-Buying Cooperative
More cost-shifting in the pharmacy benefit: Copayments at new highs, while 3-tier formularies spread [charts]
WellPoint Product Makes New Bid For Working Poor
Key Texas Lawsuit Against HMO Now Off Court Docket
Pending Affiliation Could Make Blues Group Biggest Not-for-Profit
Headlines on Deadline...
Allocating tobacco settlement money.
HIPAA standards are costly.
Capitation: Cover your back. [charts]
Taking a look at the moral and legal implications of women's health issues.
Drug benefit would help employers.