Eisai: World's First Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor "GOOFICE 5mg Tablet" Launched in Japan

April 18, 2018, 8:33 pm

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TOKYO, Apr 19, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai's subsidiary for gastrointestinal diseases EA Pharma Co., Ltd. and Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. today announced that the bile acid transporter inhibitor "GOOFICE 5mg Tablet" (nonproprietary name: elobixibat hydrate; development code: AJG533) was listed in Japan's National Health Insurance Drug Price List as of April 18, 2018, and EA Pharma and Mochida launched the product onto Japan's market today.

GOOFICE Tablet, which EA Pharma in-licensed from Albireo AB (Sweden), is a once-daily, orally available constipation treatment with a novel action mechanism. GOOFICE Tablet inhibits the bile acid transporter that regulates reabsorption of bile acids thereby increasing the flow of bile acids to the colon. The dual action of moisture secretion and bowel movement promotion is expected to enhance natural defecation. GOOFICE Tablet is the first ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor approved anywhere in the world.

Constipation is a very common disease. The prevalence is high in young women and both elderly men and women. In Japan, the number of patients with subjective symptoms of constipation is estimated to be about 4.5 million1). In constipation, symptoms such as sensation of incomplete evacuation and hard stools appear in addition to reduction of bowel movement frequency. When such symptoms become chronic, many patients suffer a decline in QOL (quality of life). In a placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 3 clinical study conducted in Japan, which was the basis for marketing approval, there were statistically significant improvements observed in changes in spontaneous bowel movement2) (primary endpoint), complete spontaneous bowel movement3) (secondary endpoint), time to first spontaneous bowel movement, stool consistency and other parameters for the GOOFICE Tablet-treated group compared to the placebo group. No serious adverse events were observed.

GOOFICE Tablet was jointly developed by EA Pharma and Mochida. EA Pharma and Mochida will distribute the product under the same brand name, respectively. EA Pharma and Eisai have signed a co-promotion agreement and will jointly provide information for proper use of the product.
By providing GOOFICE Tablet with its novel mechanism of action, EA Pharma, Eisai and Mochida strive to broaden treatment options for patients with chronic constipation to make a further contribution to improve patients' QOL.

1. Estimation based on the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions 2016 conducted by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
2. Defecation without use of laxative, enema or manual disimpaction
3. Spontaneous defecation without sensation of incomplete evacuation

About EA Pharma Co., Ltd.

EA Pharma Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. for gastrointestinal disease area, was established in April 2016 by integration of the gastrointestinal business unit with at least 60 years' history of the Eisai Group and the gastrointestinal business unit of the Ajinomoto Group having amino acid as its business core. EA Pharma is a gastrointestinal specialty pharma with a full value chain covering R&D, logistics and sales & marketing.

For more information on EA Pharma Co., Ltd., please see http://www.eapharma.co.jp/.

About Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has been committed to research and development of innovative pharmaceutical products since its establishment thereby providing distinctive medicines to the medical field. Currently, the core pharmaceutical business focuses resources on the targeted areas of cardiovascular, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology, psychiatry and gastroenterology, while also providing medicine for intractable disease as well as generics including biosimilars, to meet medical needs.

For more information on Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., please see http://www.mochida.co.jp/.

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.
Contact:
EA Pharma Co., Ltd.
Corporate Planning Dept.
+81(0)3-6280-9802

Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Public Relations
+81(0)3-3358-7211

Eisai Co., Ltd.
PR Department
+81(0)3-3817-5120Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com Reported by ACN Newswire 59 minutes ago.

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Health insurance reform heads back to governor

April 19, 2018, 2:58 am

≫ Next: OneNeck IT Solutions Finishes HIPAA and HITECH Examination

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State Senate votes on health insurance reform left Gov. Ralph Northam with a big stick to end Virginia’s budget impasse, but it is unclear if he will wield it.

In mainly party-line votes Wednesday, senators rejected Northam’s requests for delay in enacting four measures that Senate Republicans... Reported by dailypress.com 19 hours ago.

OneNeck IT Solutions Finishes HIPAA and HITECH Examination

April 19, 2018, 7:04 am

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Included in the examination were OneNeck’s colocation services and Infrastructure as a Service for ReliaCloud.

MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB) April 19, 2018

Today, OneNeck® IT Solutions announces the independent examination of their HIPAA and HITECH compliance attestations is now complete. The examination for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Security Rule of 2003 (HIPAA) and the Health Insurance Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) included scrutiny of OneNeck’s physical and administrative security controls.

Specifically, the HIPAA and HITECH examination evaluated the colocation services OneNeck offers at their top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa (Des Moines), Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin. The examination also includes review of ReliaCloud®, OneNeck’s Infrastructure as a Service.

The examination was performed by Schellman & Company, Inc., an independent CPA firm with extensive IT service provider experience. As a result of the reviews, Schellman & Company opined that OneNeck has adopted the essential elements of the HIPAA Security Rule and HITECH requirements as well as implemented and maintains the following:· Administrative safeguards
· Physical safeguards
· Technical safeguards
· Breach notification

“For our healthcare clients, attaining HIPAA and HITECH attestations offers reassurance that we have the tools in place to protect and secure their patient data,” said Dave Flynn, SVP of Operations and Engineering at OneNeck. “At the same time, it allows our clients to center their focus on the security and administrative controls at the application and data layer.”

Completion of the HIPAA and HITECH examination follows recent OneNeck announcements noting completion of the EU–U.S. Privacy Shield Framework and SSAE 18 examination.

In addition to managing and operating top-tier data centers, OneNeck also offers a full suite of hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, enterprise application management, professional services and IT hardware. For more information, visit oneneck.com

OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., employs nearly 550 people throughout the U.S. The company offers hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, enterprise application management, advanced IT services, hardware and local connectivity via top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon and Wisconsin. OneNeck's team of technology professionals manage secure, world-class, hybrid IT infrastructures and applications for businesses around the country. Visit oneneck.com.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000® company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services to more than six million customers nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions, and TDS Broadband Service. In 2018, TDS was recognized in Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity. The TDS family of companies, which includes OneNeck, is listed at 190 out of 250 top employers in the U.S. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employs more than 9,900 people. Visit tdsinc.com. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.

Iowa: Transitional health insurance plans to remain for 2019

April 19, 2018, 8:55 am

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa insurance officials say 38,000 Iowans who bought health insurance policies after the Affordable Care Act was passed into law but before the state insurance exchanges were set up in 2014 will get to keep those polices for another year. These so-called transitional plans have been allowed to continue each […] Reported by Seattle Times 13 hours ago.

Michigan Senate: Medicaid recipients must find work

April 19, 2018, 11:49 am

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Able-bodied Medicaid recipients in Michigan may soon have to choose between finding a job or losing health insurance. The ultimatum comes in the form of a bill the GOP-controlled Senate approved Thursday in a 26-11 vote. After their amendments were shot down, Democrats took the floor to blast the bill for […] Reported by Seattle Times 10 hours ago.

Connecticut Lumber Dealers Host Legislative Reception

April 19, 2018, 4:35 pm

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LDAC event highlights issues affecting independent lumber and building material dealers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other associated businesses in the state of Connecticut.

HARTFORD, Conn. (PRWEB) April 19, 2018

On Wednesday, April 18, the Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut (LDAC) hosted more than 75 legislators and their staff during the association's legislative reception at the Connecticut State House.

At the event, legislators had the opportunity to meet with LDAC members to discuss the issues affecting independent lumber and building material dealers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other associated businesses in the state of Connecticut.

"LDAC represents many family-owned and multi-generational businesses that support their communities and drive the state's economy," explained Bruce McCrary, LDAC president. "As small, independently-owned building material dealers and associated businesses, such as manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors, the industry prides itself on offering good jobs, great benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings programs, and career pathways for residents with various skill sets and talents."

The Association is currently concerned with proposed increases to the minimum wage as well as the establishment of an expensive state-run paid family and medical leave program.

"The lumber and building materials industry in Connecticut is stronger than ever," said Joe Ceccarelli, chair of LDAC's Legislative committee. "Our industry is providing thousands of good paying jobs and collecting over $23,000,000 in sales tax revenue for the state. Now is not the time to enact heavy-handed mandates that will cause harm to local businesses."

For more details on LDAC's legislative agenda, please contact Ashley Ranslow at aranslow(at)NRLA.org.

About Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut (LDAC)
For more than 100 years, the Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut (LDAC) has been committed to serving local communities. LDAC is a non-profit organization focused on continuing to support and encourage dealer growth and development. LDAC offers members legislative representation, educational seminars, group programs, social events, and scholarships for continuing education. LDAC advocates for its members in Hartford and Washington, D.C. to ensure that the independents can continue to do business in Connecticut.

LDAC is one of fourteen state and local associations across the Northeast associated with the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA). The NRLA was established in New York in 1894 by a small group of pioneering lumbermen who recognized the value of cooperation. Today, the NRLA is a 1,100-member association representing independent lumber and building material suppliers and associated businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.

States adopt 'reinsurance pools' to keep premiums low

April 19, 2018, 7:38 pm

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With health insurance premiums rising, patients around the country are facing fewer coverage options. Now, states are increasingly turning to so-called 'reinsurance pools' to support insurers and reduce individual costs. Reported by Christian Science Monitor 2 hours ago.

Kimberly O’Connell-Calvo Named Chief Marketing Officer for Simple Health and Simple Insurance Leads

April 20, 2018, 12:06 am

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Kimberly O’Connell-Calvo has joined national insurance brokerage firm Simple Health and its sister company Simple Insurance Leads as their Chief Marketing Officer.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (PRWEB) April 20, 2018

Kimberly O’Connell-Calvo named Chief Marketing Officer for Simple Health and Simple Insurance Leads

Kimberly O’Connell-Calvo has joined national insurance brokerage firm Simple Health and its sister company Simple Insurance Leads as their Chief Marketing Officer.

O’Connell-Calvo brings 14-years of experience in eCommerce and strategic marketing to the Fort Lauderdale based companies.

“Kimberly has an unparalleled amount knowledge of digital marketing and the eCommerce industry. I know that her insight will help strengthen our brands and improve our customers’ digital experience,” said Steve Dorfman, CEO of Simple Health and Simple Insurance Leads. “We are excited to have her join our team, and to have her help us take our companies to the next level.”

In her new role, O’Connell-Calvo will focus her initial efforts on customer acquisition and retention, category awareness and identifying new efficient growth drivers.

Before joining Simple Health and Simple Insurance Leads, O’Connell-Calvo was head of online sales and senior vice president of Digital Marketing at Intermex Wire Transfer, where she was responsible for launching the company’s online sales channel and was responsible for all digital marketing programs aimed at customer acquisition. Prior to that, she was associate vice president of digital marketing and eCommerce for TracFone Wireless, where she managed an 11-person team and delivered year over year customer acquisition and revenue growth in excess of 325 percent.

O’Connell-Calvo earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration of management information systems from Florida International University.

About Simple Health
Simple Health is a full-service insurance brokerage firm serving all 50 states. The company connects consumers with affordable health and life insurance options, ensuring individuals and families get the health insurance coverage they want and need. To learn more about Simple Health visit simplehealthplans.com.

About Simple Insurance Leads
Simple Insurance Leads is a performance based, lead generation network committed to generating and delivering high quality leads across the nation. The firm leverages the reach of its cross-channel performance marketing partners and its proprietary technology, to deliver results above industry standards. To learn more about Simple Insurance Leads visit http://www.simpleinsuranceleads.com. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.

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Pulse8 Returns to Gorman Health Group’s 2018 Forum as Sponsor and Speaker on Quality

April 20, 2018, 3:03 am

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Pulse8 joins Gorman Health Group experts to Discuss Strategies on How to Improve Star Ratings

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) April 20, 2018

Pulse8, the only Healthcare Analytics and Technology Company delivering complete visibility into the efficacy of your Risk Adjustment, Quality Management, and Pharmacy Benefit programs, is proud to be a sponsor and educational contributor to the upcoming Gorman Health Group 2018 Forum, April 25-26, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gorman Health Group’s 2018 Forum is the premier educational event within the government programs landscape. Pulse8 is privileged to work with the elite team of Gorman Health Group (GHG) experts, presenters, and industry pioneers that will be offering industry insights on key issues related to innovative strategies and product solutions to drive businesses forward – effective compliance program management, product development, network adequacy, emerging trends in technology solutions, Star Ratings, and Risk Adjustment.

During a joint presentation led by GHG’s Melissa Smith, Vice President of Stars & Quality Innovations, entitled “Utilizing the Right Data to Drive Your Star Ratings Strategy,” Pulse8’s Senior Director of Medicaid and Quality Products, Kari Hadley, will be joining as a contributing speaker. This session will educate attendees on the following topics:· How to build data-driven strategies and tactics to support Star Ratings
· Real-world solutions to help turn big data into actionable Star Ratings work plans

“On behalf of Pulse8, I am proud to be co-presenting with Melissa Smith, Vice President of Stars & Quality Innovations,” said Kari Hadley. “Anyone involved in the intricacies of Quality Management should attend our session as we will be sharing industry-leading insights that will help attendees to strategize more efficient work plans to benefit your Star Ratings.”

The session will take place on April 26th, day 2 of the event, from 9:15 am-10:10 am. Attendees also have the opportunity to visit Pulse8 in Booth #5 to speak with Kari and other key members of the Pulse8 team. To schedule a meeting or demo, please email Scott Filiault at Scott.Filiault(at)Pulse8.com.

About Pulse8
Pulse8 is the only Healthcare Analytics and Technology Company delivering complete visibility into the efficacy of your Risk Adjustment and Quality Management programs. We enable health plans and providers to achieve the greatest financial impact in the Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and ACA Commercial markets as well as with Value-Based Payment models for Medicare. Pulse8 has developed a suite of uniquely pragmatic solutions that are revolutionizing Risk Adjustment, Quality Management, and Pharmacy Program Management. Our advanced analytic methodologies and flexible business intelligence tools offer real-time visibility into member behavior and provider performance. Pulse8’s products are powered by our patent-pending Dynamic Intervention Planning to deliver the most cost-effective and appropriate interventions for closing gaps in documentation, coding, and quality. To learn more please visit http://www.pulse8.com

About Gorman Health Group
Gorman Health Group (GHG) is a leading consulting and software solutions firm specializing in government health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Insurance Marketplace opportunities. Since 1996, GHG’s unparalleled teams of subject matter experts, former health plan executives, and seasoned healthcare regulators have been providing strategic, operational, financial, and clinical services to the industry across a full spectrum of business needs. Further, the GHG software solutions have continued to place efficient and compliant operations within their client’s reach. To learn more please visit http://www.GormanHealthGroup.com. Reported by PRWeb 19 hours ago.

Legislature considers raising fees on employer health plans to stabilize individual market

April 20, 2018, 5:27 am

≫ Next: Watch your paychecks: Colorado employers are pushing higher health care costs to workers, report says

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Colorado’s individual health-insurance market is failing, with average premiums rising 20 percent in 2017 and another 27 percent this year. As such, a bill moving through the Colorado Legislature asks this question: Is it fair to ask some 2 million people in this state to pay between 2 and 8 percent more for their insurance premiums next year in order to stabilize the individual market for roughly 140,000 people who face the prospect of even more skyrocketing costs without some kind of help? The… Reported by bizjournals 17 hours ago.

Watch your paychecks: Colorado employers are pushing higher health care costs to workers, report says

April 20, 2018, 11:10 am

≫ Next: Low Enrollment Readiness Scores Highlight Need for Timely Benefit Plan Selections According to EBA's OERB

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Prices for employer-based health insurance -- the workhorse of the health coverage system -- are rising faster in Colorado than the national average, and that could signal a worrying trend. Reported by Denver Post 11 hours ago.

Low Enrollment Readiness Scores Highlight Need for Timely Benefit Plan Selections According to EBA's OERB

April 20, 2018, 10:41 am

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“We’re at a point in time where the adviser and the client have pretty much defined the plan design for the 2018 open enrollment period,” one expert says.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) April 20, 2018

Employee Benefit Adviser’s Open Enrollment Readiness Benchmark (OERB) score for February came in at just 35 for employers with first-quarter benefit start dates. This poor showing was somewhat tempered by slightly better marks for plan selection, with employers awarding themselves scores of 49 for health plans, 45 for voluntary plans and 49 for pharmacy plan selections.

For benefit advisers this is significant, because March is when employers should be choosing plans for their forthcoming benefits enrollment if they hope to keep pace with the 12-month open enrollment preparation process that most benefit experts recommend.

For advisers and clients following this process, “We’re at a point in time where the adviser and the client have pretty much defined the plan design for the 2018 open enrollment period,” says Jack Kwicien, a managing partner at Daymark Advisors, a Baltimore consultancy that works with advisers. “The next step is for the adviser to determine how the employer can offer a full range of benefit options to its employees.”

Plan selection, Kwicien says, should be based on a thorough analysis of the employee population’s demographics and how employees have been utilizing their current roster of benefits. The results should serve as the basis for an RFP sent to multiple carriers to ensure employers not only receive the best price, but also the best possible coverage and quality of service for their workforces.

“Workforce demographics are a key consideration,” adds EBA Editorial Director Scott Wenger, “since different types of plans are better suited to different types of employees. A highly educated and well-compensated workforce in an industry like healthcare or technology, for instance, may appreciate the tax advantages of a health savings account and how it can offset the costs incurred with a high-deductible health plan.”

In contrast, Wenger says, less well-educated employees may have difficulty understanding how an HSA works and view an HDHP simply as a way for an employer to cut costs at their expense.

The OERB tallies employer self-assessments in 26 activities that need to be completed in four key stages for a successful open enrollment, with no progress receiving a score of zero and completed tasks earning a score of 100. The open enrollment period, which usually takes place in the fall, is a critical time for employers as they look to engage their staffs in health and retirement planning.

The Open Enrollment Readiness Benchmark is a data-based performance benchmark that gauges how prepared employers are for their annual employee benefits enrollment periods. The benchmark is sponsored by ADP. To produce the results, SourceMedia Research and EBA each month survey more than 400 prescreened HR and benefits executives at organizations of various sizes and across multiple industries. These professionals are asked to rate their completion levels for 26 activities — from selecting health plans to reviewing enrollment metrics — that take place during the four critical phases of open enrollment: benefit plan design, enrollment preparation, employee enrollment and post-enrollment analysis. Scores range from a low of zero to a high of 100 and reflect the degree to which an employer considers itself prepared for a particular activity. The activity scores are then averaged to determine scores for each of the four phases and an overall readiness score. A complete analysis of the most recent OERB data is available here.

About Employee Benefit Adviser
Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) is the information resource for employee benefit advisers, brokers, agents and consultants, providing the current awareness and perspective they need to anticipate changes in the marketplace and optimally serve their clients. EBA delivers a broad range of critical content, including comparative market data, legal and regulatory updates, the latest products and services, and best practices in benefits delivery — including health insurance, vision and dental insurance, and voluntary and retirement benefits. The benefits broker community relies on EBA to stay connected through its website comment forums, its social media communities and live events.

About SourceMedia Research
SourceMedia Research is a full-service B2B market research service that draws upon SourceMedia’s market expertise and proprietary database of engaged executives to develop information and insights for clients. SourceMedia Research provides research solutions for marketers, agencies and others targeting sectors such as banking, payments, mortgage, accounting, employee benefits and wealth management.

About SourceMedia
SourceMedia, an Observer Capital company, is an innovative, growing digital business information and performance media company serving senior-level professionals in the financial, technology and healthcare sectors. Brands include American Banker, PaymentsSource, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning, Accounting Today, Mergers & Acquisitions, National Mortgage News, Employee Benefit News and Health Data Management.

About ADP
Powerful technology plus a human touch. Companies of all types and sizes around the world rely on ADP’s cloud software and expert insights to help unlock the potential of their people. HR. Talent. Benefits. Payroll. Compliance. Working together to build a better workforce. For more information, visit http://www.adp.com.

For more information, please contact:

Dana Jackson                                        
dana.jackson(at)sourcemedia(dot)com        
212-803-8329            

Scott Wenger
scott.wenger(at)sourcemedia(dot)com
212-803-8796 Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.

DIGITAL HEALTH BRIEFING: Ford to offer medical transportation — Google Glass improves clinical workflow — Employer health benefits miss value for workers

April 20, 2018, 11:51 am

≫ Next: THE INSURANCE AND THE IoT REPORT: How insurers are using connected devices to cut costs and more accurately price policies

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Welcome to Digital Health Briefing, the newsletter providing the latest news, data, and insight on how digital technology is disrupting the healthcare ecosystem, produced by Business Insider Intelligence.

*Sign up and receive Digital Health Briefing free to your inbox.*

Have feedback? We'd like to hear from you. Write me at: lbeaver@businessinsider.com

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*FORD IS ENTERING THE CROWDED MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION MARKET: *Car manufacturer Ford is launching an on-demand non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) service, according to TechCrunch. Dubbed "GoRide," the service aims to help non-urgent patients get to their appointments at partnered hospitals and facilities. Ford will launch the project with Beaumont Health, a network with more than 200 facilities. The company currently has 15 transit vans with plans to expand to 60 vans by the end of the year. 

*Ford is entering an increasingly crowded market.* Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft have made several forays into the NEMT market. For example, Lyft teamed up with Acuity Link to expand its NEMT footprint in March, and in February partnered with Hitch Health. A beta version of the Uber Health platform released in July 2017 is already being used by more than 100 healthcare organizations in the US. That’s on top of other companies, like Veyo, that are dedicated NEMT services providers. 

*Health systems likely view the growing interest in NEMT **as an opportunity to overcome the massive annual loss of revenue caused by missed appointments.* In the US, missed appointments cost healthcare providers as much as $150 billion each year, with no-show rates as high as 30%, according to SCI Solutions.

*However, as non-health specific companies take on NEMT, they're likely to face barriers that could stymie adoption and growth.* For example, there is some concern over whether drivers will be liable for anything that happens to the patient on route to their appointment, according to BuzzFeed. Further, it’s not clear whether ride-sharing has a positive impact on appointment no-shows, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

*GOOGLE GLASS IMPROVES HEALTH SYSTEM WORKFLOW: *Physicians at California-based health system Sutter Health are using Google’s augmented reality (AR) enabled Glasses to cut back on the amount of time they spend on administrative tasks, according to mHealthIntelligence. Google Glass devices are embedded with mHealth tech from Augmedix — a company that makes software for smartglasses. With the physician wearing the Glasses, Sutter’s remote scribes can “sit in” on the visit, taking notes in real-time as the physician sees to the patient. Doctors can also use the glasses to pull up patient files and look up health information without having to turn away from the patient. In addition to improving the physician-patient relationship, the tech streamlines the process of note taking, immediately storing it in the electronic health record server. This cuts down on the amount of time physicians spend writing notes after the session and reduces the risk of physician burnout, which can negatively impact productivity and customer relations. Physician burnout affects 32% of clinicians in the US, according to a survey by Medscape.

*EMPLOYER HEALTH BENEFITS DON'T ALIGN WITH WHAT EMPLOYEE WANT:* Digital health offerings supported by employer health benefit plans aren’t in line with employee demands, according to a newly released report from health navigation company Castlight Health. These offerings, which are value-adds to health insurance plans, include things like digital therapeutics, such as weight loss programs on apps, and telemedicine services that allow workers to have their consultations remotely. While 77% of employers surveyed offered their workers a smoking cessation service, the most sought-after health goal for employess was weight loss, for example.  As consumers continue to seek out digital health solutions, employers have an opportunity to provide them with health services that can improve workers' overall wellbeing. In turn, that can cut down on the amount of time-off taken by employees and increase productivity. Workers performing at less than full productivity because of illness is estimated to cost employers $160 billion per year. For insurers, these value-adds not only make their business more appealing to employers, but can help to reduce costs associated with unnecessary hospital visits and expensive services. 

*JURY I**S STILL OUT ON WHETHER APPS CAN IMPROVE MEDICATION ADHERENCE: *Smartphone apps may not be very effective at improving medication adherence, according to a new study published in JAMA. The randomized study aimed to determine if the Medisafe smartphone app could improve self-reported medication adherence and blood pressure control among hypertension patients. The results of the study suggest that it’s still unclear whether these services have any positive impact on patient care. There was a small improvement in self-reported medication adherence by the test group — those who downloaded and used the app — compared to the control group — those who didn’t get the app. However, blood-pressure results were the same between the two groups. Despite the lack of research supporting the advantages of mHealth apps, the solutions remain an attractive option for healthcare professionals and health systems looking to engage with and monitor their patients outside of the clinical setting. And the popularity of the overall mHealth app market continues to accelerate — by the end of 2017, the global mHealth market is estimated to have raked in $26 billion in revenue, up 33% year-over-year. And we believe the market will continue on this trajectory, particularly as demand for things like virtual consultations spread into emerging and developing smartphone markets, such as India, parts of Asia and Latin America.

*IN OTHER NEWS:*

· *Pear Therapeutics*, the digital health startup that makes apps to help people with substance abuse disorder, joined forces with Novartis-owned pharmaceutical company Sandoz to commercialize new prescription digital therapeutics, according to Reuters.
· *A texting service* could reduce the rate of opioid relapses, according to a joint study developed by a team of researchers at Washington University, Epharmix, and Preferred Family Healthcare. By the end of the three-month study, the researchers found that 50% of participants reported not using opiates, while 12% said they had in the past three days — down from 42% at the beginning of the study.
· *T**he US House Agriculture Committee*, passed a bill Wednesday that increases funding for distance learning and telemedicine by $82 million and re-authorizes the program through 2023, POLITICO reports.

Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 10 hours ago.

THE INSURANCE AND THE IoT REPORT: How insurers are using connected devices to cut costs and more accurately price policies

April 21, 2018, 7:31 pm

≫ Next: 5 Common Shelter Pet Misconceptions Broken Down by Embrace Pet Insurance

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This is a preview of a research report from Business Insider Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service. To learn more about Business Insider Intelligence, click here.

Insurance companies have long based their pricing models and strategies on assumptions about the demographics of their customers. Auto insurers, for example, have traditionally charged higher premiums for parents of teenage drivers based on the assumption that members of this demographic are more likely to get into an accident.

But those assumptions are inherently flawed, since they often aren't based on the actual behaviors and characteristics of individual customers. As new IoT technologies increasingly move into the mainstream, insurers are able to collect and analyze data to more accurately price premiums, helping them to protect the assets they insure and enabling more efficient assessment of damages to conserve resources.

A new report from Business Insider Intelligence explains how companies in the auto, health, and home insurance markets are using the data produced by IoT solutions to augment their existing policy pricing models and grow their customer bases. In addition, it examines areas where IoT devices have the potential to open up new insurance segments.

 Here are some of the key takeaways:

· The world's largest auto insurers now offer usage-based policies, which price premiums based on vehicle usage data collected directly from the car.
· Large home and commercial property insurers are using drones to inspect damaged properties, which can improve workflow efficiency and reduce their reliance on human labor.
· Health and life insurance firms are offering customers fitness trackers to encourage healthy behavior, and discounts for meeting certain goals.
· Home insurers are offering discounts on smart home devices to current customers, and in some cases, free devices to entice new customers.

In full, the report:

· Forecasts the number of Americans who will have tried usage-based auto insurance by 2021.
· Explains why narrowly tailored wearables could be what's next for the health insurance industry.
· Analyzes the market for potential future insurance products on IoT devices.
· Discusses and analyzes the barriers to consumers opting in to policies that collect their data.

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Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 1 hour ago.

5 Common Shelter Pet Misconceptions Broken Down by Embrace Pet Insurance

April 22, 2018, 1:06 am

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Promoting pet health and wellness, Embrace Pet Insurance explains why pet insurance is available for shelter dogs or cats.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (PRWEB) April 22, 2018

In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, Embrace Pet Insurance is responding to common shelter pet misconceptions.

Common Shelter Pet Misconceptions:

1. You can’t find a purebred pet at a shelter: Wrong! Roughly one in four shelter pets is a purebred. (Some estimates are even higher for large breed dogs, like Shepherds or American Staffordshire Terrier). There are also breed-specific rescue groups that you can go through to adopt a specific breed of dog or cat.

2. You won’t be able to find a healthy pet at a shelter: While it is true that a shelter will occasionally adopt out a pet undergoing minor medical care, in most cases, rescues have veterinary staff and foster families working to help restore pets to full health before adoption. You can expect a flea and heartworm-free pet that is current on shots, spayed or neutered, and ready for home life upon adoption.

3. You can’t get pet insurance for a shelter pet: False! You absolutely can get an Embrace Pet Insurance policy for your shelter pup or kitty. And, unlike with other insurance companies, they will enjoy full coverage for genetic conditions no matter their breed. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered. There is good news: Embrace is one of the few companies that distinguishes between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. Incurable pre-existing conditions typically require lifelong care (i.e. diabetes, allergies, cancer, etc.). Curable pre-existing conditions are those that can be completely resolved (i.e. ear infections and undiagnosed vomiting or diarrhea). Curable pre-existing conditions could be covered if the pet goes 12 months symptom and treatment-free.

4. Shelter pets are difficult to train: Think again. Shelters and rescue groups are catching on to the fact that a well-mannered dog who has been through the boot camp equivalent of finishing school is more likely to be happy, calm, and attractive to potential adopters. And they’re less likely to be returned due to behavioral issues. Furthermore, a growing number of rescue groups offer discounted training classes to adopters.

5. Shelter pets don’t come with a backstory: It’s true that shelter pets don’t often come with a full history, but this isn’t always a bad thing. Many pets are dropped off at shelters simply because their owners couldn’t care for them anymore. Instead of focusing on their past, focus on giving them an opportunity of a future with someone who will love and care for them for good.

Whether you’re looking at adoption or rescue from a financial standpoint, an animal welfare standpoint, or a convenience standpoint, you stand to gain a lot. No one is more grateful than the animal who has found his or her forever home.

About Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance is a top-rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States. Embrace offers one simple yet comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan that is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Wellness Rewards reimburses for routine veterinary visits, grooming, vaccinations, training, and much more with no itemized limitations. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. For more information about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit http://www.embracepetinsurance.com or call (800) 511-9172 Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.

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Keep fighting for health insurance for all

April 22, 2018, 12:08 pm

≫ Next: NHIS soon to cater for family planning services

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Keep fighting for affordable health insurance for all. Reported by Seattle Times 9 hours ago.

NHIS soon to cater for family planning services

April 22, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Australia: Private health insurance reforms – How will they affect you? - Holman Webb

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The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would, from May 1, 2018, kick-start a pilot project to include family planning in its services in six selected municipalities and districts across the country for valid NHIS subscribers. Reported by Myjoyonline 9 minutes ago.

Australia: Private health insurance reforms – How will they affect you? - Holman Webb

April 22, 2018, 8:35 pm

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The Australian government announced wide ranging reforms to make private health insurance simpler and more affordable. Reported by Mondaq 34 minutes ago.

iSelect shares crash after earnings downgrade and CEO departure

April 22, 2018, 9:06 pm

≫ Next: Venture Construction Group of Florida Kicks Off April Volunteer Month with Habitat for Humanity Partnership

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iSelect Ltd (ASX:ISU) shares lost as much as 66.6% of their value this morning as they hit a low of 33 cents compared to last Friday’s close of $1.00. The price action came as a result of an earnings downgrade and the resignation of the company’s managing director and CEO, Scott Wilson. Shares have stabilised and are trading at around 48.5 cents, still down 51.5% on the day. FY18 earnings heavily downgraded iSelect downgraded its FY18 forecast EBIT to a range of $8 to $12 million, nearly half of its previous guidance given which was $26 to $29 million. The company noted that trading over the last two weeks of March and first three weeks of April was below expectations. iSelect mentioned a number of contributing factors that included market volatility within health, energy and telco markets and challenging market conditions. iSelect allows users to compare various providers Users can visit iSelect’s website and use it to compare and find products for health, insurance, power providers, internet and home loans. Last year, more than 9 million Australians visited its website and iSelect provided recommendations to over 6 million customers. It provides this advice at no cost to the customer. iSelect prides itself on not being owned by an insurance company like some of its competitors. Reported by Proactive Investors 3 minutes ago.

Venture Construction Group of Florida Kicks Off April Volunteer Month with Habitat for Humanity Partnership

April 23, 2018, 12:07 am

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Leading construction company gives back and celebrates philanthropy

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB) April 23, 2018

Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL) partners with Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County and launches a series of pro-bono construction and roofing projects for South Florida residents in need. On April 5, VCGFL will provide a new roof to one of Habitat’s very first clients to kick off National Volunteer Month.

“At Venture, we are committed to giving back and empowering others. We are dedicated to consistently building relationships with amazing nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity to support all the work that they do in our communities,” says Stephen Shanton, president and CEO of Venture Construction Group of Florida.

Local Delray Beach resident and Habitat recipient Ruth Jayes has come a long way since beginning her first partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the 1980s. Over 30 years ago, Jayes was in a violent relationship and living in an Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDA) shelter before moving on and qualifying for her first home with Habitat for Humanity. Being accepted into Habitat’s Homeowner Partnership Program changed her life and the life of her daughter. After establishing her independence, she went on to obtain an Associate’s degree, then a Bachelor’s degree, then a Master’s degree in Business. Jayes held a successful career with a Health Insurance Claims Company in Deerfield Beach. Jayes instilled the value of education into her family. Ruth’s daughter went on to earn her Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Now retired with health issues, Jayes recently experienced severe damage to her roof from Hurricane Irma.

“If a roof is not in good condition in Florida, insurance typically doesn’t extend the policy. It’s imperative to get frequent property inspections not only to keep your policy intact, but also to prevent future leaks that deteriorate your property,” says Shanton.

Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County partners with families in need to build affordable homes together. Each Habitat partner family is required to invest a minimum of 400 sweat equity hours of their own labor into the construction of homes before being eligible to purchase their home utilizing a 30 year, no profit, no interest loan. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses. Habitat relies on financial contributions from generous donors, both individual and corporate as well as volunteers. Learn more or donate at http://www.habitatsouthpalmbeach.org.

Through the HABITAT HAMMERS BACK initiative, Habitat for Humanity is deploying trained Habitat "Disaster Corps" volunteers responding to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria helping families to clean up and prepare for the rebuilding effort to come. In Florida, Habitat is conducting rapid assessments of Hurricane Irma damage and helping clean out homes damaged by winds and flood waters. Habitat’s long-term post-disaster recovery efforts include repair of damaged homes and construction of new affordable homes.

Committed to volunteerism, VCGFL sponsors numerous charitable endeavors and volunteers at nonprofits throughout the year including Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence, ALS, ARC of Martin County, Congregation B’nai Israel, Gemma’s Angels Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Roof Deployment Project, SafeSpace, Support Our Troops, and more.

About Venture Construction Group of Florida
Founded in 1998, Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL) is an award-winning leader in construction, restoration, renovations, roofing, storm damage repairs, and 24/7 emergency services throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas and the Caribbean. Specializing in industrial/ commercial projects, VCGFL assists property managers, condominium boards, homeowner associations, association boards, hotels and business complexes with general contractor services, specialty construction, historical restoration, water and flood mitigation, and property repairs due to fire, flood, water, wind and hurricanes. VCGFL won the prestigious Qualified Remodeler Top 500 Remodelers Award, Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award, and is the proud recipient of the FRSA S.T.A.R. Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing Awards in Sustainability and Community Service. With offices in Boca Raton, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart, Tampa, San Juan, and Nassau, VCGFL is committed to operational excellence and exceptional customer service. VCGFL takes care of the details every step of the way including roofing, siding, windows, drywall, flooring, paint, gutters to rebuilding properties after major storm events from hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. VCGFL carries the industry’s leading accreditations and is an exclusive certified National Storm Damage Center Preferred Contractor, Windstorm Insurance Network WIND Certified Umpire®, WIND Certified Appraiser®, WIND Certified Fellow®, Certified Member of the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors, Platinum Preferred Certified Contractor with the National Insurance Restoration Council. VCGFL is a proud member of Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA), Restoration Industry Association (RIA), Property Liability and Resource Bureau (PLRB), Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Industry Members Association (EIMA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). VCGFL is a registered U.S. Federal Government Contractor and holds leading certifications including Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, Mule-Hide Legacy Contractor, Certified CertainTeed Contractor and Duro-Last Certified Contractor status. VCGFL credentials have been vetted and screened through independent third party Global Risk Management Solutions. For more information call 866-459-8351 or visit us online at http://www.VCGFL.com.

About Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County
Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that works to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for hardworking and deserving families in the cities of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton, Florida. We build homes in partnership with families who demonstrate a need for housing and a willingness to work with us to purchase a home of their own. With the help of our generous supporters and volunteers, since our establishment in 1991 we have empowered over 126 families in our community to achieve their dream of owning a safe, decent and affordable home. Learn more at https://www.habitatsouthpalmbeach.org.

About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit http://www.Habitat.org

Media Inquiries:

Angela Delmedico
Elev8 Consulting Group
Ph: 386.243.5388
Web. http://www.elev8cg.com Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.