Morning Read: Insurers are planning rate increases of 20%-40% in 2016

July 6, 2015

BE PREPARED------ THIS IS NOT JUST TO PD PATIENTS BUT FOR EVERYONE --------------

TOP STORIES

Some insurers are planning to increase rates from 20 percent to 40 percent next year. Reasons vary from not enough young and healthy customers and more health services (and higher claims) required from sicker patients getting health insurance for the first time. That’s led insurers to conclude plans were underpriced on the exchanges. Although some state Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are among those with double digit increases, Geisinger Health Plan also has requested a 40 percent rate hike for its health maintenance organization. — The New York Times

PAYERS-PROVIDERS

A nurse in Cleveland Clinic’s Neurointensive Care Unit designed a study tracking 600 patients that showed people with brain injuries benefit from moving around early into their recovery. Patients who started their rehabilitation earlier spent less time in the ICU and less time in the hospital. To overcome the challenge of lifting patients, ceiling mounted lifts were installed at each patient’s bedside in the Neurointensive Care Unit. — NPR

After a study shows that patient navigators don’t save significant amounts of money, supporters argue that they’re still relevant. — The Washington Post

An interesting look at the behind-the-scenes wrangling/negotiating prices between hospitals and insurers in Idaho with a focus on Blue Cross Blue Shield and St . Luke’s Health System. — Twin Falls Times

LIFE SCIENCE

A blood test to detect pancreatic cancer is in development and studies have been conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. About 49,000 are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year — Forbes

TECH

A counterargument to healthcare disruption and telemedicine — healthcare system gets criticism for being too paternal, but are young disruptors mature enough to address professional concerns with their products without dismissing them as, you know, paternalistic? — KevinMD blog/MedPage Today

London based symptom checker Your.MD raised $5 million. — MobiHealthNews

http://medcitynews.com/2015/07/health-insurance-rate-hikes/