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Hundreds of Thousands Face Health Law Subsidy Deadline

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Hundreds of thousands of Americans are at risk of losing or having to pay back health insurance subsidies from the Affordable Care Act and face a Tuesday deadline for reconciling the problem. Reported by Wall Street Journal 6 hours ago.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Plans Expansion Of Living Wage For Thousands At Bottom Of The Pay Scale

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Sept 29 (Reuters) - New York Mayor Bill de Blasio plans to expand the city's living wage measure to include thousands of additional workers, as well as increase the amount workers are paid under the law, the New York Times reported on Monday.
De Blasio will sign an executive order on Tuesday to make the change, which his administration estimated could extend coverage to 18,000 workers over the next five years, the newspaper said on its website.
The living wage would go to $11.50 an hour from $10.30 for workers who receive benefits such as health insurance, and for those without benefits, it would rise to $13.13 an hour from $11.90 an hour, the paper said.
The planned action follows moves by several cities to raise wages for workers at the bottom of the pay scale.
Seattle approved a phased-in $15 overall minimum wage in June, while San Francisco residents will vote on a $15 minimum in November and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has pledged to bring the city's minimum wage to $13.25 an hour by 2017.
During his campaign for mayor last year, de Blasio railed against economic inequality in America's most populous city.
"We cannot continue to allow rampant and growing income inequality," de Blasio told the paper. "Every tool counts. If we reach 18,000 families with this tool and get them to a decent standard of living, that's a game-changer for those families."
The mayor's executive order would cover employees of commercial tenants in development projects that take in more than $1 million in city subsidies, the paper said.
The 18,000 workers who would be covered represent about 70 percent of all jobs at businesses that will get financial help from the city's Economic Development Corporation, it added.
The city's living wage law was passed in 2012, and officials told the newspaper that it applied to about 1,200 jobs.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, supports a plan to raise the state's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, from $8 now, and allow New York City and other areas to set it 30 percent higher.
If approved by the state legislature, the plan could allow de Blasio to match the minimum wage to the living wage. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Reported by Huffington Post 46 minutes ago.

3 Ways to Lower Your Medical Debt

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The Association of Credit Counseling Professionals, ACCPros, Offers 3 Ideas to Help Consumers Tackle Rising Medical Bills

Falmouth, ME (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

According to federal statistics, about 75 million adults in the U.S. experience problems with medical bills -- and more than half of those individuals were contacted last year by a collection agency for unpaid medical debts.

Depending on the severity of a healthcare crisis, medical bills can run into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. A recent study by the Federal Rerseve found the great majority of medical debts on Americans’ credit reports – more than 85% of them – are for bills less than $500.

“Sky-high medical debt often drives people into bankruptcy. But even smaller medical bills can impact one’s credit,” says Judy Sorensen, president of the Association of Credit Counseling Professionals, ACCPros.

“So it’s important for consumers to understand their options,” Sorensen adds.

ACCPros officials recommend the following three ways to help lower your medical debt.

1. Watch Your Budget

Too often, when people create a household budget, they forget to factor in health-related expenses, like co-pays, emergency trips to the doctor or out-of-pocket medical costs that aren’t covered by health insurance.

“Medical expenses that aren’t budgeted for can wreak havoc on your family’s finances,” says Sorensen. As a result, she advises consumers to always include a “medical” category in your monthly budget.

Sorensen also notes that individuals and couples who don’t plan for medical expenses typically wind up putting those bills on credit cards, which can drive a family further into debt. This can frequently be avoided with proper budgeting.

2. Scrutinize Your Medical Bills

Every time you visit a hospital, clinic or healthcare provider, make sure you request a detailed, itemized statement of your bill. Upon receiving it, double-check each and every charge to make sure you’re not overbilled – or even worse, charged for products or services you never received.

To check the trueness of your billing statement, ensure that the dates and times match the times you were actually at a facility. It’s also helpful to make notes about what you did and received during your hospital stay or healthcare appointment. You don’t want to later get billed for shots, injections, medicine or other items that may not have actually been dispensed to you.

Your own notes will help you to later recall the specifics of test, procedures and medicines you received.

“If you see something questionable on your medical bills, contact the provider for an explanation or a removable of that charge,” Sorensen says.

3. Negotiate With Health Care Providers

Most consumers don’t know this, but you can negotiate healthcare costs with a doctor or other healthcare specialist – especially if you do it upfront, before you actually receive medical services. The key is to agree only on a rate that is “reasonable.” Paying $5 for a bottle of aspirin might be OK, but $25 for that same bottle is ridiculous.

To know “reasonable” rates for procedures, check-ups, exams or surgery, you must know the going rate that a physician would be paid or reimbursed by an insurance company for those services.

Luckily, you can get this information simply by knowing that medical practitioners frequently cut their full-price bills to Medicare rates, which are commonly used as a benchmark for costs. Check Medicare reimbursement rates (i.e. the Medicare Fee for Service Schedule) on the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services web site at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov. Armed with this knowledge, you can typically get doctors to knock off one-third to one-half of their normal billing rates.

Don’t be afraid to also seek discounts from the hospitals, clinics and healthcare professionals that service you. Such discounts may be available based on your income status, whether or not you’re working or receiving public benefits, or other personal conditions.

Managing medical debt is important to your overall finances and credit standing.

Fortunately, there is one bit of good news regarding medical debt and its impact on your credit. Recently, Fair Isaac, the company that created FICO credit scores, said that it would

This decision came in the wake of a May report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that medical debt collection items on a credit report often don’t accurately reflect a consumer’s creditworthiness.

The member agencies of ACCPros are skilled in working with consumers nationwide who are deep in debt. They are familiar with state and federal laws and can assist Americans with resolving delinquent credit card bills, past due medical accounts and other unpaid obligations.

About ACCPros

The Association of Credit Counseling Professionals, ACCPros, is the credit counseling industry’s newest and fastest growing trade association.

ACCPros hopes to distinguish itself from other associations by placing an emphasis on ethics and compliance and focusing on best practices, quality service, education, training, and professional ethics.

ACCPros member agencies can be a great resource for consumers seeking help managing their debt. Call the toll-free ACCPros Locator Line at 800-635-0553 to speak with a certified credit counselor at an agency licensed/registered in your state. Reported by PRWeb 50 minutes ago.

The Brokerage, Inc. Expands Life Insurance Division with Help from Industry Veteran Brad Schommer

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The Brokerage, Inc., a national insurance marketing organization and leader in the health and life insurance marketplaces, puts industry veteran and sales expert Brad Schommer in charge of expanding their life insurance division.

Lewisville, TX (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

The Brokerage, Inc., (http://www.TheBrokerageInc.com) based in Lewisville, Texas, began as an IMO focused on products and issues in and around the health insurance marketplace. Over the years, the staff has become authorities on the subject, and the company has grown into a major brokerage with a presence in all 50 states thanks in part to the team’s efforts to educate people about the Affordable Care Act. The Brokerage, Inc. is now poised to expand their life insurance department by helping their agent base learn the benefits of selling life and annuity products to their existing health clients.

And they’ve found the perfect fit for the job in Brad Schommer, CLU—an insurance industry veteran with more than 40 years of sales experience and a series 7, 63, and 24 (registered principal) license with FINRA. Schommer graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and started work at the John Hancock General Agency in 1973. He qualified for the Leaders’ Conference his first year and was a Presidents’ Club qualifier. Since then, Schommer has thrived at a myriad of illustrious insurance companies including Old Line Life, Ameritas, and American National respectively.

“We found synergies with Brad’s experience in both selling life insurance and helping agencies sell more life insurance,” said The Brokerage, Inc. President Mike Smith, “We see life insurance as the next area to grow the business in terms of our agency and our producers. By offering more products and ideas, our agents can help to secure their clients’ financial futures as well as their own.”

“We have all the major life carriers available to help agents find the product and carrier to fit their clients’ needs,” says Schommer, “While term sales have been a mainstay, it is our goal to help agents grow their life premium with the sale of Universal Life, Whole Life and Indexed Universal Life products. A part of that is due to the newest development in the life arena: Living Benefit Riders. With carriers adding Critical and Chronic Illness benefits along with the Terminal Illness Benefit, life insurance is no longer an oxymoron. It is life insurance, not just death insurance.”

“Our company’s motto is ‘Linking producers to markets,’” said Smith, “Health agents need life sales to solidify their relationship with clients, and with Brad Schommer’s knowledge and proficiency, we are more than prepared to assist them in making that gigantic leap.”

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About The Brokerage, Inc.

The Brokerage, Inc., a national insurance marketing organization specializing in life, health and accident products, has been a nationally recognized leader in the Medicare marketplace for over 36 years. The Brokerage, Inc. is proud to provide products such as annuities, health insurance, life insurance, and long term care insurance, as well as marketing services to over 10,000 actively appointed independent insurance agents nationwide. The Brokerage, Inc. helps independent brokers with their marketing efforts and increases the value of their agency with specialized features such as quality Medicare leads, help with Medicare certification, top contracts, free E&O coverage, and marketing support through various avenues year-round, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period. The Brokerage, Inc. has also played a vital role in training agents for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is a preferred GA for Blue Cross Blue Shield. For more information, visit http://www.thebrokerageinc.com. Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.

New Atlantic Information Services Virtual Conference Will Detail Private Exchange Strategies for Health Plans

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The Nov. 12 virtual conference from Atlantic Information Services will outline where private health insurance exchanges are today, where they are heading and what the industry is expected to look like when they get there.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

An estimated 40 million people may be enrolled in private insurance exchanges within three years, profoundly impacting health plans’ business models. Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS), is pleased to announce its upcoming virtual conference, “Private Insurance Exchanges: Bottom-Line Strategies for Insurers,” which will offer a valuable lesson on where private health insurance exchanges are today, where they are heading and what the industry is expected to look like when they get there.

During this Nov. 12 program, participants will hear from — and have a unique chance to interact with — leading insurance executives, market consultants, financial experts, employers and vendors operating in the private exchange space. These experts will share:· Strategies Cigna Corp. is implementing to position itself as a leader in private exchange enrollment.
· Details of how existing private exchanges are performing and which models hold the most promise for insurer participation.
· Risks and rewards that private exchanges offer insurers ... and how to assess the bottom-line prospects.
· Best practices for building and operating a private exchange.
· Real-life experiences employers have had participating in different exchanges, including Mercer Marketplace.

AIS’s virtual conference allows participants to attend a live conference — and get their individual questions answered by the speakers — without having to travel to a meeting site. Plus, the registration fee includes a free On-Demand recording of each session, so any agenda items can be reviewed at a later time.

For more information, including a full agenda, speaker biographies and registration instructions, visit http://aishealth.com/private-insurance-exchanges.

About AIS
Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS) is a publishing and information company that has been serving the health care industry for more than 25 years. It develops highly targeted news, data and strategic information for managers in hospitals, health plans, medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies and other health care organizations. AIS products include print and electronic newsletters, websites, looseleafs, books, strategic reports, databases, webinars and conferences. Learn more at http://AISHealth.com. Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.

Revealed: How Much Drug Companies Pay Your Doctor

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Revealed: How Much Drug Companies Pay Your Doctor Filed under: Health Care, Drug Companies, Barack Obama, Health Insurance

*Carolyn Kaster/AP*

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR

WASHINGTON -- Striving to shine a light on potential ethical conflicts in medicine, the Obama administration is releasing data on drug company payments to tens of thousands of individual doctors.

As conceived, the so-called Open Payments program was intended to allow patients to easily look up their own doctors online. That functionality won't be ready yet. And although preliminary data to be released Tuesday will be incomplete, it's expected to be useful for professional researchers.

President Barack Obama's health care law requires manufacturers to report payments and gifts to physicians, unless they are valued at less than $10. It's part of a shift under his administration, supported by lawmakers of both parties, to open the books of the medical profession. A few months ago Medicare released its massive claims database, showing program payments to more than 825,000 providers for 2012.

Drug companies traditionally have prized their relationships with doctors, the gatekeepers between patients and prescription medications. But consumer groups see a built-in conflict of interest that could influence prescribing decisions.

Some doctors' offices have started curbing pharmaceutical marketing, which can include anything from free pens and pizzas to paid speaking engagements and golf outings at fancy resorts. But many doctors also receive significant payments to help drug companies conduct clinical research.The investigative journalism website ProPublica says it has tracked 3.4 million payments to health professionals since 2009 totaling more than $4 billion. More than half that amount was for research.

The American Medical Association says it is "extremely concerned" about release of the payments file, adding that the data may contain inaccuracies and lacks context to help the average person evaluate the information. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided individual doctors an opportunity to inspect their data prior to release, but the AMA says the window was short and the process cumbersome.

Consumer groups call the disclosure program the "Sunshine Act," and say it's overdue.

"Research has shown over and over that these financial relationships influence doctors, even a meal," said John Santa, medical director for health projects with Consumers Union. "Studies also show that doctors believe it does not affect them, but strongly believe it affects other doctors."

*'Appropriate Relationships'*

AMA President Robert Wah said in a statement that some financial dealings between doctors and the drug industry help patients, particularly when it comes to research. There are "appropriate relationships in this realm that can help drive innovation in patient care," Wah said.

The information being released Tuesday covers payments by drug and medical device manufacturers to doctors and teaching hospitals. Also to be reported are doctors' ownership stakes in "group purchasing organizations" that buy drugs and devices for a broader community.

The program covers doctors, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors.

It's unclear how many clinicians will be included in the initial release. The administration has estimated that about half of the 897,700 medical professionals potentially covered have industry transactions that must be reported. Of those, it estimated about 224,000 would want to review their reports -- indicating significant financial payments.

The disclosure provision was championed in Congress by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who said Monday that he hopes the data will become a resource for consumers over time.

"The patient who is prescribed a drug that might be beneficial yet risky will be able to learn whether the prescribing doctor accepted drug company money to study the risks." Grassley said in a statement. "The information might not change the outcome, but it's something a patient might like to know."

Others worry it will discourage doctors from participating in research sponsored by drug companies.

"My biggest concern is it will have a chilling effect and physicians will say 'I don't want to see my name on a list,'" said Mary Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, an umbrella group that includes doctors, hospitals and drug companies. She would like to see the $10 reporting threshold increased, and more context on payments for research.
 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Reported by DailyFinance 22 hours ago.

Clients Can Compare Health Insurance Quotes to Find Affordable Plans

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Healthinsurancefacts.org (http://healthinsurancefacts.org/ ) announces a new blog post, “5 Tips to Find The Best Health Insurance Plan For Your Family!”

(PRWEB) September 30, 2014

Healthinsurancefacts.org has released a new blog post explaining how to find affordable health insurance for the entire family.

Health insurance plans can provide financial protection for many families. Finding affordable coverage is now possible by comparing online quotes.

Insurance brokerage websites provide multiple quotes from different agencies. Clients can review multiple plans on a single web page. This will help them find affordable coverage for their families in an convenient and cost-free way.

Individual health insurance can be expensive, but it provides better financial protection and better medical care in case a family member needs treatment.

Healthinsurancefacts.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

Healthinsurancefacts.org is owned by Internet Marketing Company.

For more information, please visit http://healthinsurancefacts.org . Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.

New Cancer Drugs Have Fewer Side Effects -- But Worryingly High Price Tags

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By Ben Hirschler
MADRID, Sept 30 (Reuters) - A raft of new cancer drugs promise better, longer-lasting treatments with fewer adverse side effects -- but their high cost is a growing concern.
Drugs that help the body's own immune cells fight tumors are expected to be used in multi-drug cocktails, pushing the price of therapies costing more than $100,000 a year even higher.
At the same time, other expensive medicines are being combined to produce impressive results fighting diseases including breast and skin cancer.
Price -- just as much as safety and efficacy -- has proved a hot topic for nearly 20,000 oncology experts at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) annual congress in Madrid.
"It's going to be a real problem for society," said Solange Peters, a cancer specialist at the University Hospital of Lausanne and a member of ESMO's educational program. "We are working to make oncologists more aware of the costs."
It all spells an increased financial burden for healthcare systems already struggling to meet the demands of aging populations, and for individuals who have to pay out-of-pocket costs in markets such as the United States.
"Financial toxicity, or more generally the financial burden of disease, is a side effect just as potent as fatigue or nausea in patients," consultancy IMS Health said in a report last week, noting the average price of cancer drugs had almost doubled in the past decade to $10,000 a month.
America's Health Insurance Plans, representing U.S. insurers, says it is alarmed by a coming flood of new cancer treatments that will carry "astronomical price tags," while pricing rows have also flared in Britain, France and Italy.

TREATMENT BACKBONE
By blocking a tumor's ability to camouflage itself from attack by the immune system's cells, immunotherapy has the potential to send cancer into long-term remission.
The approach has come of age this month with the first U.S. approval of a drug blocking a protein known as Programmed Death receptor, or PD-1, from Merck and the first late-stage trial results for another PD-1 drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb presented at ESMO.
High prices are central to forecasts that sales of these new immune-boosting drugs from companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb , Merck & Co, Roche and AstraZeneca may top $30 billion a year.
But an ESMO survey showed patients in poorer parts of Europe already lack access to existing drugs such as Roche's Herceptin for breast cancer, so immunotherapies are likely to be out of reach in most of the 131 countries represented in Madrid.
Immunotherapies seem to work in more and more cancers, suggesting they could become the backbone of treatment in much the same way that chemotherapy is today.
Clinical updates in Madrid showed the efficacy of such therapies extending well beyond melanoma -- the initial focus -- to lung, kidney, bladder, head and neck, and stomach cancer.
ESMO president Rolf Stahel said they were likely to prove especially useful in diseases such as kidney and lung cancer, where slow growth favors the immunological approach.
Still, the new immunotherapies only help some patients and they do not act as quickly as other targeted drugs, suggesting the best approach will be to develop cocktails of medicines.
"Our vision is combinations," said Johann de Bono from Britain's Royal Marsden Hospital and head of ESMO's scientific committee. "We have new avenues for really changing practice globally, though there are obviously fiscal costs and concerns."
So far, doctors only have access to two types of immune system checkpoint inhibitors -- PD-1, plus the related target PD-L1, and CTLA4. But there are many other brakes and accelerators on the immune system that may be targeted. Some, like OX40, are already the subject of early trials.BIOMARKERS
Jeffrey Weber, a cancer doctor at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, who has led much of the research on Bristol-Myers' immune system drug Opdivo, is a big believer in the potential of immunotherapy but shares the concerns about costs.
"We've kind of maxed out what we're either willing or able to pay for these kinds of drugs, so it's a problem when you start combining them," he said.
"It can't just keep going exponentially, so that eventually it will be $1 million a year to get treated -- that's crazy."
Competition between companies may help drive down the cost, he believes, since there is no strong evidence as yet to differentiate the new PD-1 or PD-L1 drugs, which he expects to play a central in future drug combinations.
There is also debate as to whether cancer patients should be tested before treatment to see if their tumors carry biological markers that would make them more likely to respond, thereby limiting the numbers eligible for therapy.
Such biomarkers are already used for other cancer drugs that only work if there is a specific gene mutation. But the situation is not black and white with the new treatments and some oncologists worry it could exclude patients who might benefit.
Drugmakers argue they need a fair price as reward for their investment, with cancer accounting for 23 percent of the $70 billion spent by the industry on research last year, according to Thomson Reuters unit CMR International.
But they acknowledge the public purse is not bottomless.
"The willingness to pay in oncology will remain higher than in other therapeutic areas, because of the high need, but there will be a ceiling," said Joerg Barth, head of oncology at Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim. (Editing by David Clarke) Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.

Nutritionists & Dietitians in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated

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As the United States has experienced a crisis in health over the past decade, with a critical obesity problem, skyrocketing levels of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases, demand for the Nutritionists and Dietitians industry has increased and will continue to rise significantly. For this reason, industry research firm IBISWorld has updated a report on the Nutritionists & Dietitians industry in its growing industry report collection.

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

As the United States has experienced a crisis in health over the past decade, with a critical obesity problem, skyrocketing levels of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases, demand for the Nutritionists and Dietitians industry has increased and will continue to rise significantly. According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Dmitry Diment, “Wellness maintenance and disease prevention have become some of the buzzwords circulating among people who are becoming increasingly concerned about what they eat and how it affects their health.” In addition, major multinational food companies are adopting public health priorities and hiring nutritionists and dietitians to identify food safety risks and include nutritional control points. As a result of these trends, IBISWorld estimates that industry revenue has grown significantly over the past five years.

However, because many view nutrition counseling as a luxury expense, demand for services is subject to changes in per capita disposable income and health coverage. As the economy went into the recession, unemployment rates skyrocketed and disposable income levels plummeted, resulting in fewer physician visits, which can lead to referrals to a dietitian or nutritionist. Consequently, industry revenue growth slowed through 2010. However, the economic recovery has since boosted demand for industry services. In 2014, revenue is expected to robustly increase with the establishment of health insurance exchanges and subsidization of insurance premiums under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will help an estimated nine million people obtain private health insurance during the year.

The Nutritionists and Dietitians industry is characterized by its large number of small-scale establishments that service relatively narrow, geographically dispersed markets. Its four largest players account for a small minority of industry revenue. The fragmented structure of this industry is evident in the total number of private firms and independent wellness centers. Additionally, many participants employ fewer than five people. The larger-scale players in this industry are multi-establishment firms that operate across many regional markets and typically maintain permanent operations in each location.

The industry has a positive outlook given increasing emphasis on prevention through improved dietary habits. “Demand for industry services will further be spurred by a growing and aging population that increases demand for meals and nutrition counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs and home healthcare agencies,” says Diment. Growing focus on preventative care services and public interest in nutrition will also underpin demand. Higher income levels, higher education and aging trends will drive demand for quality and diversity over quantity. Industry operators will further benefit from healthcare reform that is expected to provide coverage to an estimated 32.0 million of previously uninsured people. During the five years to 2019, IBISWorld estimates industry revenue to grow markedly.

For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Nutritionists & Dietitians in the US industry report page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry includes establishments of health practitioners who have a bachelor's degree, licensure, certification or registration in, and primarily advise on, matters of diet and nutrition and their effects on health. These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices or in the facilities of others, including hospitals or other medical centers.

Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.

Laguna Niguel Veterinarian Receives National Award from Pets Best

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Latest My Vet's the Best contest honors veterinarian Dr. Pat Echolds.

Boise, IDAHO (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, a leading U.S. pet insurance agency based in Boise, Idaho, announced today that veterinarian Dr. Pat Echolds has been voted the most recent winner of the agency’s My Vet’s the Best contest. The nationwide contest honors veterinarians for their outstanding service.

The latest round of the contest brought in 7,600 votes cast by pet owners across the U.S. through the Pets Best website, http://www.petsbest.com, and the company’s Facebook page.

“The thousands of votes cast in this contest demonstrate how many pet owners appreciate the efforts of dedicated veterinarians,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best. “Dr. Echolds embodies the hard work and passion that are essential to providing the highest quality of veterinary care, and Pets Best is pleased to see so many people support his work.”

Dr. Echolds, who practices at the Rancho Niguel Animal Hospital in Laguna Niguel, California, won the contest after receiving 4,054 online votes. He was among hundreds of veterinarians nominated for the seasonal award. The contest’s other five finalists each received a significant number of votes. Runners-up Dr.'s Frank and Mindi Metzler from 2222 Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas, finished with 2,191 votes.

As this round’s winner, Dr. Echolds received $1,000 from Pets Best to treat animals in need. Dr. Echolds and the team at the Rancho Niguel Animal Hospital plan to use the $1,000 cash prize to help sick and injured animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter. The pet owner who nominated Dr. Echolds also received $200 from Pets Best.

Dr. Echolds is known for his dedication to providing ethical service and personalized care. His clinic is run with what he calls a “good, old-fashioned family doctor practice” feel to it, which may have contributed to the thousands of votes he received.

“By treating our clients and their pets like family, people can see we truly care for our patients and their owners,” said Dr. Echolds. “We are so excited that we won the contest, and we’re very grateful for all of our wonderful clients who voted.”

Graduating with honors in 2007 from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, he was part of the first graduating class at the veterinary school. When he’s not at the clinic caring for animals, he enjoys spending time outdoors in the California sunshine.

In 2010, Pets Best became the nation’s first pet insurance company to develop a contest aimed at recognizing outstanding veterinarians. Each year, hundreds of veterinarians receive nominations from grateful pet owners. While voting for the contest’s seasonal winners is open to the public through the Pets Best website and Facebook page, each year’s grand prize winner is selected by an internal review panel comprised of respected veterinarians.

For more information about the My Vet’s the Best contest, visit http://www.petsbest.com/vetpromo.

About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinary medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit http://www.petsbest.com for more information.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: http://www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.

Health insurance: Five tips about Medicare Advantage

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Health insurance can be complicated, and the wide array of differences in types of Medicare coverage can make it even more so. Understanding your Medicare options can help you save your money and sanity when it comes to health insurance.  Reported by Christian Science Monitor 18 hours ago.

Blue Cross CEO Terry Kellogg on Alabama's health insurance landscape

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Terry Kellogg is the president and CEO of the most dominant health care provider in the state of Alabama. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama makes up nearly 90 percent of the state's health insurance marketshare, but it could be facing more competition once the second enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act opens on Nov. 15. I sat down with Kellogg to get his thoughts on the upcoming second enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act, the current state of Alabama's health insurance market… Reported by bizjournals 17 hours ago.

ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions Receives Certification to Assist Kentucky Residents With Enrolling For Kynect, Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection

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ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions licensed and certified team are ready to assist individuals and families identify and enroll in a comprehensive health plan through Kynect.

Bedford Park, Illinois (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

At no cost to the individual, the ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (ACAMES) professionals can assist Kentucky residents enroll in Kynect, Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection. The licensed and certified ACAMES professionals specialize in: helping individuals determine their eligibility for premium assistance and calculate if they qualify for a subsidy or tax credit; shopping from ACAMES national insurance companies to select the plan options that best meet their individual needs; assisting in senior products such as Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Products and helping those who recently lost their job-based health insurance coverage.

Who is ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions?·      ACAMES is a licensed, certified and multi-lingual national enrollment firm that specializes in the Health Insurance Marketplace and Senior Products.

·     ACAMES is not affiliated with any governmental agency. As a Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment provider, we are here to assist individuals and families secure health insurance. The insurance carrier compensates ACAMES and there is no cost to the potential customer or enrollee.

·     ACAMES agents, who are certified on the Marketplace Exchange, possess extensive knowledge on the enrollment process. These certified agents also help calculate subsidies and explain how deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and copayments work under The Affordable Care Act.

Who ACAMES can assist?

1. Individuals and families:
ACAMES makes it easy for individuals to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

2. Employers and organizations:
The advent of the Health Insurance Marketplace is an extraordinary opportunity for subsidy eligible individuals and part-time employees to obtain health insurance at a low cost in many scenarios.

3. Agents and brokers:
With our help, your clients will have a clear outline and understanding of coverage options available and of government premium subsidies.

4. Associations and organizations:
Enrollment opportunities are available for associations, churches, and community groups.

About ACAMES:
ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions is a national enrollment firm specializing in the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Senior Product Market. ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions is not affiliated with any governmental agency. We work with consumers to determine their subsidy eligibility, review benefits and plans that will meet their healthcare needs and get them enrolled for coverage. We offer opportunities for producers to have access to our carriers on a national level. Our call center is staffed with multi-lingual and licensed health insurance agents who also are certified on the exchange. The company’s website http://www.ACAenroll.com and our call center staff are available to assist enrollees through the entire enrollment process. Go to http://www.ACAenroll.com or contact 1-800-342-0631 for more information. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.

Wonkblog: HHS is kicking immigrants off Obamacare coverage without fair warning, complaints allege

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Potentially tens of thousands of people set to lose new health coverage on Tuesday didn't receive proper warning that they were at risk of becoming uninsured, new federal complaints allege.

About 115,000 people are expected to lose new coverage purchased through the federal health insurance marketplaces because they failed to provide documentation that they're U.S. citizens or they're legally present in the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services announced two weeks ago. But multiple notices from HHS warning people that they needed to provide further documentation were only provided in English and Spanish, failing to meet the diverse language needs of people purchasing Affordable Care Act coverage, according to immigrant advocacy groups filing the complaints on Tuesday. Reported by Washington Post 15 hours ago.

Health insurance plans: Five tips about Medicare Advantage

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Health insurance plans can be complicated, and the wide array of differences in types of Medicare coverage can make it even more so. Understanding your Medicare options can help you save your money and sanity when it comes to choosing health insurance plans.  Reported by Christian Science Monitor 15 hours ago.

Doctor Sends Patients to the “Farmacy” at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center

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Hospital-based Organic Produce Stand Operated by Local Non-Profit the Rawfully Organic Co-Op Launches Wednesday

Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

Renowned bariatric surgeon and advocate of plant-based eating Garth Davis, M.D. has partnered with Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and the Rawfully Organic Co-Op to open Houston’s first hospital-based organic produce stand.

The project is an extension of Dr. Davis’ “Farmacy” program that he launched earlier this year.

“Along with a recommendation for regular exercise, I write all of my patients a prescription for more fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Davis, who created special “Farmacy” prescription pads for this purpose. “Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day has been shown to prevent cancer, lower the risk of heart disease and help people live longer. It’s a form of medicine for the body and soul.”

The idea to sell fresh fruits and vegetables in a hospital came to Dr. Davis as he was making his patient rounds.

“As physicians, we perform surgery or prescribe medications to our patients to make them well,” added Dr. Davis, who sees most of his patients at Memorial Hermann Memorial City. “Why not also educate them on healthy eating, and make fresh fruits and vegetables readily available? These foods are also a form of medicine that can heal from the inside out.”

Dr. Davis reached out to Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram, founder and chief co-operator of Rawfully Organic, the nation’s largest non-profit organic food co-op based in Houston, TX. Together, they came up with the idea of the “Farmacy Box” and presented it to hospital leadership.

“Dr. Davis and I agree that eating raw foods that are fiber-filled, organic, ripe, and colorful should be a part of everyone’s daily routine,” said Carrillo-Bucaram, also known as FullyRaw Kristina. “I am so thrilled to partner with Dr. Davis and the hospital to bring my knowledge of healthy eating and the freshest local and organic produce to their patients.”

Starting Wednesday, October 1st 2014 and every Wednesday thereafter, Rawfully Organic will deliver fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the hospital for pick-up. The produce stand will be located in the East Tower at 921 Gessner. Free parking is available in Garage 3.

Patients who have received a prescription for a Farmacy Box by Dr. Davis or other hospital-affiliated physicians can order their box online and then visit the hospital between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick-up their food. Orders must be placed by 9 a.m. the Tuesday before pick-up.

Each Farmacy Box will cost $25 and include:
●    Four apples
●    Four oranges
●    Two pears
●    One bunch bananas
●    Berry of the week
●    One head Romaine lettuce
●    One bunch celery
●    One bag carrots
●    Spinach or broccoli
●    Tomatoes

Additionally, patients who have a written “Farmacy” prescription from Dr. Davis or another physician can redeem it for $10 off their Farmacy Box.

“The concept of Garth’s ‘Farmacy’ links directly to Memorial Hermann’s vision to Advance Health,” said Keith Alexander, CEO of Memorial Hermann Memorial City. “We understand the value of good nutrition, diet, and exercise, and we fully support Garth and the folks at Rawfully Organic as they work to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

# # #

About Memorial Hermann: An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and more than 20,000 employees, serves to advance health in Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann’s 12 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, including the Texas Trauma Institute – a level I trauma center which houses the Life Flight® air ambulance – a hospital for children and a rehabilitation hospital, eight suburban hospitals, and a second rehabilitation hospital in Katy. The system also operates three Heart & Vascular Institutes, the Mischer Neuroscience Institute, three Ironman Sports Medicine Institute locations, cancer centers, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers, outpatient laboratories, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. As an Accountable Care Organization, the system also offers employers health solutions and health benefit plans through Memorial Hermann Health Insurance Company.

About Rawfully Organic: The Rawfully Organic Co -Op feeds over 600 families a week with local, organic produce, and features family friendly prices. They have three locations around town to meet all of their clientele’s needs. Currently, the co-op is the largest in the nation, and Kristina, the owner, boasts over 5 Million views on her YouTube channels combined and has been featured on CNN en Español and recently FOX 26 for her entrepreneurial leadership in this community. This not-for-profit organization has raised over $6 million for local farmers and has appeared on all local news channels (at least once a month) for the great work done in the community promoting healthy eating, good health, and community unity and activity. For more information about the Co-op, please visit: http://www.rawfullyorganic.com. Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.

New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Marketing Agency Announces Resignation

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MILWAUKEE, Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BVK, the full-service advertising and marketing agency of record for the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX), announced today that they will not pursue extension of the current contract between them and the Albuquerque-based... Reported by PR Newswire 13 hours ago.

The Latino Agenda: Building a Strong Middle Class

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When lawmakers, policy experts and advocates gather this week in Washington for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's annual policy summit, they will be discussing passing common sense immigration reform, accessing affordable health care, earning a living wage, and living in a clean environment. These are the issues that Latinos care about most.

• Time and again, immigration is shown to be the top issue for Latinos. A recent Pew Research Center poll shows that when Latinos go to the voting booth this year, they will be considering the candidates' position on immigration.

• Defending Obamacare from those who threaten to weaken it is imperative. Because of Obamacare, 10.2 million uninsured Latinos have new opportunities for affordable health insurance coverage. This increased access to affordable healthcare is essential to ensuring that Latino families never have to choose between economic hardship and lifesaving medicine.

• Earning a living wage is the foundation for strong families and a strong middle class. According to an AFL-CIO study, nearly 6.8 million Latino workers would benefit if Congress raises the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. While Latinos comprise 16 percent of the country's workforce, they make up nearly one-quarter of the workers who would be positively affected by raising the minimum wage.

• Overwhelmingly, Latinos believe that our leaders must address climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels. According to a recent poll conducted for the Natural Resources Defense Council by Latino Decisions, nine in 10 Latinos want the government to take action and address the dangers of global warming and climate change. And 92 percent of Latinos favor the use of clean renewable energy such as solar or wind as a step for reducing or fighting climate change.

While finding solutions to each of these diverse issues is critical to the Latino community, they are not merely "Latino issues." Instead, they are American issues that must be part of the national dialogue and effectively addressed by policy makers so that our country moves forward, stronger and more reflective of its people. Simply put, we must work beyond partisan gridlock and do what is best for our nation as a whole. Through the enormous power of the collective Latino voice we can affect change for our entire country. Together, we can lift the voices of Latinos at the ballot box and beyond to the policy debates currently facing our country.

The vision of the Latino Victory Project is to realize the full political power of our community by closing the voting gap and engaging more Latino donors and electing Latino leaders to every level of government in order to advance policies that reflect our values. Through this lens, the United States is a land of opportunity where immigrants come out of the shadows, our air and water are cleaner and safer, and we are healthier and better off with access to healthcare. This is the American dream and it has never been more within our reach. Now is the time. Reported by Huffington Post 12 hours ago.

Another Federal Judge Rules Against Obamacare, And It Could Set Up A Supreme Court Showdown

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Another Federal Judge Rules Against Obamacare, And It Could Set Up A Supreme Court Showdown A federal judge in Oklahoma has struck down an IRS regulation that provides subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, giving more ammunition to challengers aiming to deal a potentially crippling blow to the law known as Obamacare.

At issue in a number of legal challenges around the US is whether the Affordable Care Act allows for the federal government to provide subsidies to individuals buying health insurance on the federal exchange. U.S. District Judge Ronald White ruled that subsidies provided through the federal exchange are invalid.

"The court holds that the IRS Rule is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with law ... in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or short of statutory right ... or otherwise is an invalid implementation of the ACA," White wrote.

The Oklahoma judge's ruling in the case, brought by Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, agrees with one handed down by a three-judge panel on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in July. The Obama administration appealed that ruling, and the full bench of the appeals court will review the case. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling in a similar case backed the Obama administration.

White stayed his ruling pending appeal, meaning that Obamacare subsidies from federal exchanges will keep flowing. The Obama administration plans to appeal the decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"The district judge in the Oklahoma case made a decision that is inconsistent with the text of the statute, the clear intent of Congress, common sense, and the Fourth Circuit panel’s unanimous contrary ruling on the same issue," a Department of Justice spokesperson told Business Insider.

The plaintiffs in the various cases across the country argue the way the law was written does not allow for subsidies to be provided by the federal government, pointing to a statute that says subsidies should be issued to plans purchased *"through an Exchange established by the State under Section 1311" *of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1311 of the law establishes the state-run exchanges. But plaintiffs say the law does not permit subsidies in federal exchanges, according to Section 1321 of the law.Supporters of the challengers said White's ruling on Tuesday will make it more likely the Supreme Court will have to step in to resolve the issue.

"It's certainly reassuring to see another court take the text of the statute seriously," said Jonathan Adler, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and a conservative legal scholar behind the Halbig challenge. 

"That another court reaches this result shows that even if the DC Circuit reverses Halbig, that will not resolve the underlying dispute. This decision likely makes eventual Supreme Court review more likely."

Timothy Jost, a law professor at Washington and Lee University and a supporter of the law, told Business Insider, said it's likely the Supreme Court would wait until the appeal at the 10th Circuit to see whether there would be a split in decisions at the appellate-court level.Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 12 hours ago.

Obamacare Just Took a Hit in Court. Will SCOTUS Care?

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The latest legal challenge to Obamacare just won a round in court. On Tuesday, a federal district judge ruled in favor of a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s authority to provide millions of people with tax credits for buying private health insurance. The decision, in a case called  Reported by The New Republic 11 hours ago.
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