Report: Health Care Spending At Record Low

December 4, 2014, 12:47 pm

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Report: Health Care Spending At Record Low
Report: Health Care Spending At Record Low
Report: Health Care Spending At Record Low, Obama healthcare, center for medicare and medicaid service, healthcare costs 2013
Has Been Optimized

Spending on health care in the United States grew at the lowest rate ever recorded in 2013.

A study done by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service, published in Health Affairs, found that health spending totaled $2.9 trillion last year, up 3.6% from 2012. Overall, health spending grew at about the same rate as the economy.

Premiums for private insurance grew just 2.8 percent last year, compared to 4 percent in 2012. Nearly 190 million people were covered by private health insurance in 2013.

Spending for physician and clinical services grew 3.8 percent in 2013, an improvement from 4.5 percent in 2012. Drug costs, however, rose at a faster rate in 2013, 2 percent more than in 2012.

President Obama, during the business round table conference, noted that “premiums have gone up at the lowest pace on record, which means that a lot of the business here are saving money, as are a lot of consumers.”

The question on everyone's mind, however, is whether or not these positive effects are due to economic recovery or the Affordable Care Act. The report noted that the answer to that question will be answered if health spending growth accelerates once economic conditions improve significantly.

Marilyn B. Tavenner, administrator for the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the report was “another piece of evidence that our efforts to reform the health care delivery system are working."

Source: New York Times, CNN Money / Photo Credit: Powell Tate

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What’s at Stake in the Little Sisters of the Poor Case Against Obamacare

December 4, 2014, 2:43 pm

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For 175 years, the Little Sisters of the Poor have been inspired by their faith to take care of the elderly poor. But now the federal government wants them to choose between their faith and their ministry and is pushing hard in federal court to force them to decide. The stakes couldn’t be much higher for people who care about and enjoy religious liberty.

Here’s why:

The facts are simple. The Little Sisters provide high-quality health insurance to their employees that, because of the Little Sisters faith, doesn’t cover contraceptives or abortion-inducing drugs. But the government wants the plan to cover those things. So it has written regulations that require the Little Sisters to either (a) directly provide the coverage on their plan, or (b) take actions—which the government calls an “opt-out”—that have the end result of allowing the coverage on their plan. (If that sounds like much the same thing to you, the Little Sisters agree with you.) And if the Little Sisters won’t do either of those things, then they will be penalized to the tune of millions of dollars a year. To the Little Sisters, both options mean violating their faith.

The government says that the Little Sisters’ religious concerns here amount to nothing more than “fighting an invisible dragon.” (If you think that’s a condescending thing to say to nuns who spend their whole life in religious service, I agree with you.) But, as a nation, we’ve always rejected the notion that the government gets to decide what your religious beliefs are. If the government wins, though, that principle will take a hit.

And for what? Contrary to the government’s “invisible dragon” mockery, the only thing frivolous about this case is the fact that the government is still pursuing it. Why on earth does the United States government need the Little Sisters and their plan to be part of its system for delivering contraceptives? The government already provides contraceptives and abortifacients directly to millions of people through programs like Title X. And, by law, it says that it is perfectly fine with tens of millions more people not getting employer-based free contraceptives and abortifacients if they work for big corporations with old, unchanged plans (which the government exempts from its scheme), or for churches (which are also exempt), or for small employers (which don’t have to provide insurance at all). 

On top of all that, the government runs health insurance exchanges, and any employee who wants a policy with contraceptives or abortifacients is perfectly free to go get one right now. If the government thinks the policies on its own exchanges are too expensive, it can subsidize them. But the notion that the only way the most powerful government in the world could provide contraceptives is by hijacking the nuns’ Catholic health plan is nonsense.

Put the last two points together, and you realize that the government is arguing that it can compel you to violate your most fundamental beliefs for no reason at all. It can both define away your faith and force you to take actions that it can do just as well itself.

But if that’s not worrisome enough, there’s more. The government is also engaged in Orwellian word games, insisting that the actions that it wants the Little Sisters to take are merely the legal equivalent of raising their hand and announcing that they cannot provide the coverage.

Not so. Last year, the government fought the Little Sisters all the way to the Supreme Court, and this year continues to fight in court despite the fact that the Sisters have already notified the world of their religious objection, including in a Supreme-Court-sanctioned notice last spring. If hand-raising was all that needed to be done, it’s been done. The government wouldn't be fighting so hard if it didn't need the Sisters’ involvement to commandeer their plans. The government even admitted as much this fall, conceding that it needs the Sisters to act so that it can provide abortion drugs to their employees.

In sum, if the Little Sisters win, it means that nuns need not violate their sincere faith to do things that government can do itself. But if the government wins, it means that any believer could find will find her beliefs redefined, derided, and misrepresented—and all unnecessarily. If nuns who take care of the elderly poor aren’t safe from overbearing bureaucracy, none of us are.

Daniel Blomberg is legal counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and a lead attorney on the Little Sisters of the Poor v Burwell case. Reported by Breitbart 1 hour ago.

Students Working to Solve Insurance Coverage Gap

December 4, 2014, 2:53 pm

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HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- About 400,000 Virginians are not eligible for government funded health insurance. They either make too little for be eligible for Obamacare Reported by CapitalBay 1 hour ago.

A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of MetLife, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries

December 4, 2014, 2:30 pm

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OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of the primary life/health insurance subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife) (New York, NY) [NYSE:MET]. Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of “a-” as well as all debt ratings of MetLife. Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSRs of A (Excellent) and ICRs of “a+” of MetLife’s property/casualty companies, consisting of Metropolitan Reported by Business Wire 2 hours ago.

Business Highlights

December 4, 2014, 4:01 pm

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[...] this year, the fight to grab shoppers has intensified, making it difficult for stores to use the season that accounts for about 20 percent of the retail industry's annual sales to bounce back. Stores face cautious shoppers who are juggling stagnant wages and higher costs for food and health care. Ken Perkins, president of RetailMetrics LLC., a retail research firm, expects fourth-quarter earnings for the 123 retailers he tracks will rise 7.7 percent, down from a projected 16 percent increase in June. (AP) — Efforts to conserve a struggling species of grouse that ranges across the Western U.S. are having far-reaching effects on the region's energy industry as the Obama administration decides whether the bird needs more protections. Sales of leases on 8.1 million acres of federal oil and gas parcels — an area larger than Massachusetts and Rhode Island combined — are on hold because of worries that drilling could harm greater sage grouse, according to government data obtained by The Associated Press. FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank is getting ready to offer more stimulus for the struggling eurozone economy — but expects to make a decision only early next year after it assesses the impact of sharply lower oil prices, President Mario Draghi said Thursday. Draghi is facing skepticism within the board of the ECB — particularly from German officials — on whether to approve a more drastic stimulus program, such as large-scale purchases of government bonds. Premiums for the most popular type of plan are going up an average of 5 percent in the 35 states where the federal government is running the health insurance exchanges, said a report from the Health and Human Services Department. (AP) — Sears Holdings Corp. tried to reassure investors Thursday that financial maneuvers — closing stores, selling assets and slashing inventory — mean it still has enough cash available to run its business. The report shows the challenges continue for billionaire hedge fund manager Edward Lampert, who is Sears Holdings' CEO and chairman, in turning around the company. To convince more people to get something to eat with their drinks, Starbucks has already revamped its baked goods and introduced new sandwiches, snacks and salad boxes. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Some cybersecurity experts say they've found striking similarities between the code used in the hack of Sony Pictures Entertainment and attacks blamed on North Korea which targeted South Korean companies and government agencies last year. Sony is working with the FBI and Silicon Valley security firm FireEye to investigate the attacks that apparently gave access to unreleased movies as well as personnel records, technical documents and other material. Reported by SeattlePI.com 8 minutes ago.

Lou Barletta: Exec Amnesty Incentivizes Employers to Get Rid of American Workers for Cheaper Illegal Immigrants

December 4, 2014, 5:33 pm

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On Thursday, Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) said that President Barack Obama's executive amnesty will only encourage employers to replace American workers with illegal immigrants who will be exempt from Obamacare mandates. 

On the House floor, Barletta, who has introduced the Defense of Legal Workers Act (H.R. 5761), which prevents the federal government from issuing work permits to illegal immigrants, mentioned that the "toxic intersection" of Obamacare and Obama's executive amnesty gives employers a $3,000 per worker incentive to hire illegal immigrants who have just received work permits. Under federal law, since illegal immigrants who receive work permits cannot receive Obamacare, employers will not have to pay $3,000 in "penalties" for each illegal immigrant employee not provided health insurance.

"That will drive companies to hire illegal immigrants instead of legal American workers," Barletta said, noting that employers will want to get rid of American workers for cheaper illegal immigrant replacements. He said the country has been put in this position is because the "Yes we can" campaigner is governing by the philosophy of "Because I want to." 

Earlier in the week, Barletta grilled Homeland Security Security Jeh Johnson about the impact of Obama's executive amnesty on American workers.

“When it comes to illegal immigration, the conversation is always focused on how to help the illegal immigrants, who have broken our laws,” Barletta said earlier in the week. “No one ever wants to talk about how granting them amnesty will affect legal American workers. It’s about time someone stood up for the millions of people who are looking for work, but who will now find millions of new competitors for jobs that are already scarce.”

Regarding the incentive that employers will have to hire illegal immigrants over American workers when Obama's executive amnesty is enacted, Barletta said, "what I can’t figure out is if that’s an unintended consequence or a planned feature of the president’s policies.” Reported by Breitbart 3 days ago.

Get health insurance at Obamacare sign-up events

December 4, 2014, 5:28 pm

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Bring your laptop or computer tablet to a crash course on how to enroll in a health insurance plan through the state's exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder. The event will be held Dec. 6 at the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library and is being organized by Public Health -- Seattle and King Reported by Seattle Times 3 days ago.

11 go blind after cataract surgery in India

December 5, 2014, 2:16 am

≫ Next: hipaapoliciesandprocedures.com Launches Completely Revised and New 2015 HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit for Instant Download for all U.S. Healthcare Organizations

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Every year, thousands of people, especially in rural areas without proper health facilities, undergo cataract operations in medical camps held by health authorities and welfare groups. The case once again highlighted the perilous state of health care in India, where hundreds of millions of poor people without access to doctors or health insurance are forced to seek treatment at medical camps because of poor services and corruption at government hospitals. Reported by SeattlePI.com 3 days ago.

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hipaapoliciesandprocedures.com Launches Completely Revised and New 2015 HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit for Instant Download for all U.S. Healthcare Organizations

December 5, 2014, 3:01 am

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hipaapoliciesandprocedures.com announces the launch of its HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit for instant download for North American Covered Entities and Business Associates seeking to become compliant with the growing HIPAA mandates.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 05, 2014

hipaapoliciesandprocedures.com announces the launch of its HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit for instant download for North American Covered Entities and Business Associates seeking to become compliant with the growing HIPAA mandates. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires numerous security and operational policies and procedures to be in place, for which Covered Entities and Business Associates can now download the industry leading HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT), which contains the following documentation:· HIPAA Information Security Policies and Procedures Manual
· HIPAA Information Systems Hardening Checklists
· HIPAA Disaster Recovery Plan
· HIPAA Handbook & Reference Manual
· HIPAA Security Awareness Training PowerPoint (PPT) Presentation
· HIPAA Security Awareness Training Manual & Employee Quiz
· HIPAA Security Rule & Privacy Rule Checklist & Readiness Assessment
· HIPAA Risk Assessment Template
· Essential HIPAA Forms
· Additional HIPAA Policies and Procedures
· And much more!

The HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit is highly essential for ensuring that Covered Entities (CE) and Business Associates (BA) have all necessary information security, operational, and security awareness training documentation in place for compliance. Stiff penalties and large fines can be levied for non-compliance, so now’s the time to invest in the high-quality HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit. Reported by PRWeb 3 days ago.

11 Poor, Elderly Patients Go Blind After Free Cataract Surgeries In India

December 5, 2014, 4:33 am

≫ Next: New ACA Consumer Survey from Media Logic Yields Strategic Insights for Health Insurance Marketers

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NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities ordered an investigation Friday after at least 24 poor and elderly people went blind following cataract surgeries performed at a free medical camp run by a charity in northern India.

The operations were performed in early November on 130 patients who were all older than 50 and living in either Amritsar or nearby Gurdaspur, in Punjab state, said Abhinav Trikha, a top official in Gurdaspur. Some of the patients reported this week that they'd lost their eyesight or were suffering infections, top Amritsar official Ravi Bhagat said.

Doctors in Amritsar were treating some of the patients on Friday, but said it was unlikely any would regain their sight. Police have launched an investigation, and detained at least one doctor in Gurdaspur.

Every year, thousands of people, especially in rural areas without proper health facilities, undergo cataract operations in medical camps held by health authorities and welfare groups.

The case once again highlighted the perilous state of health care in India, where hundreds of millions of poor people without access to doctors or health insurance are forced to seek treatment at medical camps because of poor services and corruption at government hospitals.

Last month, 13 women died after allegedly taking tainted drugs after undergoing simple sterilization surgeries in the central state of Chhattisgarh. Reported by Huffington Post 3 days ago.

New ACA Consumer Survey from Media Logic Yields Strategic Insights for Health Insurance Marketers

December 5, 2014, 4:03 am

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The combination of data and insights from the ACA consumer survey makes the report an important read for insurers: health care consumers plan to use open enrollment as an opportunity to shop around.

Albany, NY (PRWEB) December 05, 2014

Just prior to the opening of the ACA marketplaces in November, Media Logic and Competiscan conducted a survey to gauge consumer attitudes about their health insurance plans. A special report – “ACA: Year 2 – A Consumer Temperature Check” – contains data from the consumer survey, as well as strategies health insurance marketers can use to enhance retention and acquisition efforts.

The combination of data and insights makes the report an important read for insurers: health care consumers plan to use ACA open enrollment as an opportunity to shop around. Although 20.6 percent were “very satisfied” and 40.2 percent were “satisfied” with their current plans, three out of five still intend to or may shop for new plans. Of those who are likely to be shopping, 60 percent say they’ll be looking for new insurers. This means that not only will member retention be a challenge, but a continued focus on acquisition is required.

Through the survey, Media Logic and Competiscan engaged people nationwide who had purchased health insurance through a federal or state exchange during the initial ACA enrollment period last year. They inquired about a series of topics:·     Are consumers satisfied with the plans they chose?
·     Do they intend to “shop around” for 2015?
·     If so, how and where will they shop?

Upon analyzing the data and noting just how many consumers may be back in the market for new insurance, Media Logic and Competiscan added marketing takeaways to the report. For example, since around 40 percent of consumers do not have a strong understanding of their health plans, there is an opportunity for insurers to build trust and earn consideration by providing better tools and support.

The survey was designed and analyzed by researchers at Competiscan and Media Logic and was conducted from October 7-17, 2014 among a nationally represented and economically diverse sample of 102 adults ages 27 through 60.

View the full report to access both the survey data and the associated marketing insights: http://bit.ly/1rTxBgg

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About Competiscan
Founded in 2006, Competiscan provides its valued clients insights into the direct marketing strategies of competitors. Competiscan and its powerful web-based search utility monitors direct mail, email, mobile, online banners, print and social networking communications targeted at consumers, businesses, financial advisors, insurance producers and providers over time. As the market leader, Competiscan’s clients are better informed, leading to more effective communications and marketing with the ultimate goal of staying ahead of the competition. Visit http://www.competiscan.com for more information.

About Media Logic
Media Logic is a national leader in health care marketing – providing strategic, breakthrough solutions that drive business. Media Logic offers deep experience in branding and lead generation, and it is expert at turning research and segmentation data into actionable plans. Leveraging more than two decades of health plan marketing knowledge, Media Logic understands the nuances of group, Medicare and individual exchange prospects. From traditional ad campaigns to retention efforts to content marketing, everything Media Logic does is focused on generating results for clients... giving them an edge in a competitive, constantly changing environment. Visit http://www.medialogic.com for more information. Reported by PRWeb 3 days ago.

Employers Unfamiliar with Information on the Quality of Health Plans

December 5, 2014, 5:52 am

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PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new nationally representative survey of employers finds that most companies that offer health insurance are unfamiliar with objective data and ratings of health plan quality. Reported by Business Wire 2 days ago.

It's December, Do You Know Where Your Tax Paperwork Is? / Save Your Dining Room Table

December 5, 2014, 6:51 am

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If you have followed my advice all year long, all your paperwork is in one place - be it a shoebox, envelope, or drawer - ready to pull out so you can do your taxes. By having all your documents in one place, you are one-step closer to filing your return. Remember my first rule of tax return time? The earlier you file, the sooner you will get your refund!

If this year is like prior years, tax time, and by tax time I mean tax refund time, will be here sooner than you expect - but not soon enough for the more than 75% of taxpayers who get a refund every year. Even with all your documents in once place there is still a lot of organization to do. By spending some time organizing before sitting down to prepare your return, you will be less likely to make a mistake or miss a tax deduction, tax credit, or other benefit. Putting your taxes together can be overwhelming. The IRS estimates the average person spends almost a full day compiling their tax return and that is for a regular simple Form 1040. Need a Schedule C for business or a Schedule E for rental properties and you can add about 10 hours to that number. If you live in a state with an income tax you can add more hours for your state tax return. Here are a few simple steps you can take to getting your paperwork organized as easy and fast as possible.

Before you sort the box, make sure everything you need is in there. A quick checklist would include:
• Last year's tax return
• Social Security Number and birthdate for everyone on your tax forms
• Previously paid taxes: self-employment tax, estimated taxes, property taxes, etc.
• Documents Received: W-2s, 1099's, 1098's, and related tax documents.
• Interest paid on mortgage or student loans
• Charitable donation cancelled checks or receipts
• Retirement contributions (401k, IRA, self-employed retirement accounts).
• Mileage records
• Medical costs and receipts (if you can deduct them)
• Child care and education costs
• Rental property records (income and expense)
• Bank account and routing numbers if you pay electronically
• NEW! Health Insurance forms 1095s or Marketplace Certificate of Exemption

To me, the fewer categories the better. Income, Deductions, and Other documents (taxes paid, last year's return, health insurance forms, and important personal information) works, but maybe you want to break it down a bit more. For example, in your Income folder you could have W-2s, Bank Statements, Dividend Statements, and Rent Received. In your Deductions folder, include your charity donation receipts, mileage records, and 1098s.

Next, find a tax resource website or smartphone app you like. IRS.gov has basic tax information including forms, frequently asked questions, quick calculators to help see if you qualify for various tax benefits, and other tools. Big tax company websites often have tools and resources in user-friendly terminology. And there are lots of tips to be considered, from selecting an appropriate tax preparation software to deciding if or when you should seek professional services. There are many tools and helpful information that can jumpstart your tax return preparation and get you all of your money back faster this year. With all the cumbersome organization out of the way, you will be able to file your tax return, if you do not have to wait for forms or other information, early. And the earlier you file, the earlier you can get your tax refund.

Finally, as complex as taxes are, whether you do your taxes on your own or you get help, start early. If you do not have a relationship with a tax professional- start now and get one. Even if you just have some questions now or in the future, or you want a review of your prior or current year tax return or full help preparing. Having a relationship with a known and trusted tax return professional can help you. As complex as taxes are now, and likely to be for a long time, get a tax pro in your contact list. It will get you more money over time. Reported by Huffington Post 2 days ago.

Gen Xers Fretting About Long-Term Health Needs

December 5, 2014, 6:06 am

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Filed under: Health Care, Personal Finance, Health Insurance, Retirement Plans

*jupiterimages*

Members of Gen X, that much-maligned age group born between 1965 and 1980, are fretting about how to preserve their wealth and health when they hit old age, according to a new study by Weber Shandwick.

"Leveraging the Gen X Retirement Market: From Overlooked to Opportunity" says that Gen Xers, now hitting 50, are busy planning for their golden years. And although they realize they must save more for retirement, they fret more about how they'll pay for their health care.

"We were surprised by the level of concern that Gen X'ers have around their health -- both today and over the long term," said Barb Iverson, president of Weber Shandwick's North American Financial Services practice. "And although they express significant anxiety around how they will cover their future health needs, their retirement planning seems disconnected from this concern."

*Needs and Fears*

The survey aims to help the financial services industry leverage the Gen X market by understanding their needs and fears. Here are some insights gained by the survey, conducted in May online with 18 U.S. Gen X consumers whose household income is $50,000 to $150,000.

· Their lives are demanding with countless responsibilities with families, jobs and activities. They characterize their lives as frenetic, busy, tiring and blessed.
· Although they think they'll need $1 million in retirement saving and most participate in 401(k) or other retirement plans, they don't feel like they're doing enough to meet their financial retirement needs.
· Gen Xers are caring for their health now with diet and exercise so they can build a foundation for their elder years.
· Although Gen Xers are worried about paying for long-term health care in older age, they have not made strides in saving for those expenses.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Reported by DailyFinance 2 days ago.

Is Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance a Thing of the Past? Here's Why the Answer is Yes - and What You Should Do About It Right Now

December 5, 2014, 8:14 am

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SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. companies can no longer afford to provide group health insurance to their employees.  In 2013, as a group, Fortune 500 companies spent more on health insurance than they earned in profits. "Facing double-digit growth in health... Reported by PR Newswire 2 days ago.

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Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated

December 5, 2014, 10:00 am

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Over the past five years, the Ambulatory Surgery Centers industry has grown rapidly as a result of improving macroeconomic conditions and increasing government emphasis on healthcare. For this reason, industry research firm IBISWorld has updated a report on the Ambulatory Surgery Centers industry in its growing industry report collection.

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 05, 2014

The Ambulatory Surgery Centers industry comprises establishments that provide surgical and emergency care services on an outpatient basis. This includes the provision of services such as orthoscopic, cataract surgery and setting broken bones. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) have specialized facilities and equipment ranging from operating and recovery rooms to anesthetics and X-ray equipment.

Over the past five years, the Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) industry has grown rapidly as a result of improving macroeconomic conditions and increasing government emphasis on healthcare. Stronger job creation over the past five years has precipitated more individuals with access to private health insurance through employment or the ability to pay for external insurance. Additionally, the introduction of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and increased government funding for Medicare and Medicaid has bolstered industry revenue. Additionally, ASC's have thrived because of efficient cost structures and the increasing ability of centers to treat patient needs. According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Jeremy Edwards, "New technological advancements, such as laparoscopic surgery and improvements to anesthesia, have driven industry growth because patients can be processed more quickly than ever before." Consequently, industry revenue is forecast to expand markedly over the five years to 2014. Growth is expected to be exceptionally high in 2014, when revenue is forecast to increase substantially as a result of the PPACA and newly insured Americans.

The Ambulatory Surgery Centers industry operates with a low level of market share concentration. In 2014, the four largest ambulatory surgery centers are expected to generate a moderately low percentage of the industry's total revenue. However, the industry has increasingly consolidated, with merger and acquisition activity and the number of partnerships increasing rapidly over the five-year period. For example, according to Becker's ASC Review, three large industry-specific acquisitions occurred in 2011. In January of that year, Surgery Partners acquired NovaMed, while in September 2011 AmSurg acquired National Surgical Care. Moreover, in October 2011, United Surgical Partners International acquired Titan Health Corporation. Additionally, in 2014, AmSurg Corporation acquired Sheridan Healthcare for about $2.1 billion, making them the industry's largest player, while the announcement of the acquisition of Symbion by Surgery Partners will make the company one of the largest in the industry. "Many industry operators are also growing in size, due to new partnerships with acute-care and nursing facilities," says Edwards. These partnerships allow industry operators to treat patients for longer periods of time, presenting additional revenue opportunities.

Industry revenue growth is expected to accelerate over the next five years as a result of a stronger job market, which will cause more Americans to receive private healthcare. Additionally, the introduction of the PPACA will cause a long-term boost to the healthcare sector and ASCs as more individuals are covered for operations and have access to better healthcare, with industry revenue projected to significantly increase in 2015 as a result of newly covered Americans seeking more medical assistance. Furthermore, although adults aged 60 and older will remain the largest market for the industry, individuals aged 20 to 39 are expected to make up a larger proportion of industry revenue due to the introduction of wider healthcare such as Medicare and Medicaid expansion. Consequently, industry revenue is projected to grow markedly over the five years to 2019.

For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Ambulatory Surgery Centers industry in the US industry report page.

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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry provides surgical services such as orthoscopic and cataract surgery. Industry operators also provide emergency care services, including setting broken bones, treating lacerations and tending to patients who have suffered injuries, due to accidents or trauma. Services are provided on an outpatient basis and firms are required to have specialized facilities, such as operating and recovery rooms, as well as pertinent equipment (i.e. anesthesia and X-ray machines).

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

About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772. Reported by PRWeb 2 days ago.

Health Reform: Foolish, Courageous, or Both

December 5, 2014, 12:21 pm

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Some supporters of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are worried they're paying a political price for health care reform. The political fallout should come as no surprise.

The history of comprehensive health reform shows unequivocally that it's a short-term political disaster. That's why so many political leaders have either avoided the issue, or regretted engaging it. Franklin D. Roosevelt, arguably one of our most politically adept presidents, turned his back on national health insurance in 1934 when advisors argued for including it in the Social Security program. He continued to dodge it for most of his long presidency. Both Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton paid heavy political prices for their proposed national health care programs.

Health reform's political toxicity is all about math and voting. Even prior to the ACA, more than 80 percent of Americans under 65 had health insurance, and most were satisfied with their coverage and regular care. These are people--better educated, employed, with middle to higher incomes--who vote, especially in mid-terms. The elderly, of course, have Medicare and they too are generally satisfied with their insurance and care. The 20 percent who didn't have insurance before the law was passed were--and are--much less likely to show up at the polls. They tend to be younger, less-educated, and less well-off.

Then there's the nature of health care as an issue: highly personal, highly consequential, and incredibly complex and confusing. Health care is about people's deepest hopes and fears, for themselves and for their loved ones. And the health care system has become a multi-layered maze of huge insurance chains, enormous and acquisitive provider organizations, government regulation, and constantly changing therapeutics.

This makes it easy for opponents of health reform to stir opposition by arguing--fairly or not--that any new program will make things worse for people who are satisfied with their insurance and their care. This is precisely why President Obama felt the need to promise, inaccurately as it turned out, that every American who liked their insurance plan would be able to keep it under the ACA.

And supporters of reform have difficulty explaining any new program and motivating its beneficiaries to take advantage of it. Witness the large numbers of uninsured Americans who remain unaware of the availability of subsidized insurance through the ACA marketplaces.

So, to put it crudely, why would any sane politician push a program likely to scare and confuse large numbers of people who vote, in order to help small numbers who don't?

There are two possible responses. One is that it's the right thing to do, since a lack of insurance is essentially a death sentence for millions of Americans. Doing the right thing, however, can be politically costly: when Lyndon Johnson pushed through the Civil Rights Act in 1965, he gave away the southern United States to the other party for a generation.

A second argument for braving health reform is practical: it simply has to be done to make our health system viable. The private health insurance industry in the United States, and our health system as a whole, have been in a downward spiral that threatens the interests of all Americans, including the now contentedly insured. Prior to the ACA's enactment, more and more people were losing insurance, or being forced--because of huge premium increases--to purchase coverage that offers less and less protection.

For some years now, insured Americans have been the proverbial frog in the cooking pot, barely noticing as the water slowly approaches the boiling point. A health care system in which, year after year, the cost of insurance rises faster than workers' wages is not sustainable for anyone.

Relatively little attention has been paid to ACA reforms that attempt to make the system sustainable by tackling fundamental problems with the health care delivery system and with the structure of the private insurance markets. The reason may be that insurance markets and delivery systems--their problems and solutions--are complex and much less interesting than the political battles surrounding covering uninsured Americans, and whether currently insured Americans may face cancellation of their plans. While the major long-term political gains to supporters of health reform may lie in these delivery system and insurance reforms, President Obama and many current congressmen and senators will likely be long gone when and if those gains materialize.

So ACA supporters have every right to be concerned about the politics of health reform. Each will have to decide for themselves whether health reform was foolish, courageous, or both.

In the meantime, millions of Americans now have health insurance who didn't before, and the cost of health care is increasing at the lowest rate in 50 years. Reported by Huffington Post 2 days ago.

Use Your Health Insurance Before Year’s End

December 5, 2014, 12:28 pm

≫ Next: 11 things the insurance commissioner wants to know about state health exchange snafus

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Use Your Health Insurance Before Year’s End Reported by ajc.com 2 days ago.

11 things the insurance commissioner wants to know about state health exchange snafus

December 5, 2014, 1:56 pm

≫ Next: Oregonians slow to sign up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov

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The Washington Health Benefit Exchange's website for consumers to enroll for health insurance through the state exchange hasn't been having a great sophomore year, and now Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler wants to know why. First, the Healthplanfinder site was taken down on Nov. 15, the first day of open enrollment, for maintenance. Then, the exchange noticed that 6,000 customer accounts were accidentally cancelled earlier this week. This comes after an inaugural year in which about… Reported by bizjournals 2 days ago.

Oregonians slow to sign up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov

December 5, 2014, 2:31 pm

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The Oregon health insurance exchange, 2.0 version, appears to be in working order, in contrast to last year at this time when Cover Oregon was sputtering. As of Nov. 30, 7,185 state residents had enrolled through the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov. Another 12,035 enrolled outside of the exchange, for 19,220 total, according to the Oregon Insurance Division. Consumers have 10 more days to enroll in private plans in order to be assured of coverage on Jan. 1. But just because they've enrolled doesn't… Reported by bizjournals 2 days ago.