Express Scripts clinical innovations saved its clients $45 billion in 2018 and delivered a 25-year record low drug trend of just 0.4 percent across employer-sponsored plans, according to data released today in its annual Drug Trend Report, an authoritative analysis of drug spending in the U.S.
Express Scripts’ solutions for driving lower drug prices and fostering the use of lower-net-cost treatments are making medication more accessible for beneficiaries. Unit drug costs decreased in 2018 for employer-sponsored and Medicare plans, while utilization of medications rose.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8478051-express-scripts-2018-drug-trend-report/
HealthCare Partners, a division of DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading independent medical group in the United States, is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to review their health care coverage during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period.
From October 15 through December 7, Medicare holds its annual Open Enrollment Period. During this seven-week window, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for the following year.
If you are satisfied with your Medicare coverage, you may wonder how open enrollment applies to you. As the old adage goes, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” right?
While this may certainly be the case for many things in life, it may not be true about your Medicare coverage. Choosing a Medicare plan is similar to shopping for other insurance; by comparing different plans and rates, you choose the coverage that’s best for you.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7920151-healthcare-partners-medicare-open-enrollment/
The USPSTF today issued a draft recommendation giving its second highest approval rating for CT screening for lung cancer for those at high risk, a move that if approved in final form, will trigger Medicare and insurance coverage and bring about a dramatic drop in the leading cause of cancer deaths.
Today, LCA also launched its Risk Navigator tool – www.AtRiskForLungCancer.org. Additionally, it expanded the hours of its support line – (800) 298-2436 – operating 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. LCA will also launch a national educational advertising campaign in September to encourage the public to know their risk for lung cancer.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/62719-lung-cancer-alliance-uspstf-recommends-ct-screening-for-lung-cancer
With the Dec. 7 deadline for Medicare’s annual enrollment period fast approaching, Smart Insurance Company is working with Walgreens to offer in–store consultations with licensed SmartD Rx plan agents, available at select Walgreens to speak with Medicare beneficiaries who are either enrolling in a new Part D prescription drug plan or evaluating their current coverage options.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59273-smart-insurance-company-walgreens-smartd-rx-open-enrollment-ends-dec-7
In a detailed 45-minute webinar attended by executives from hospitals and health systems, physician practices, payers, and other healthcare professionals from around the nation, Ken Perez, MedeAnalytics’ director of healthcare policy and senior vice president of marketing, separated fact from speculation in the national debate on Medicare reform. The webinar, titled “Straight Talk About Medicare Reform,” is the latest example of MedeAnalytics’ ongoing commitment to provide clear, accurate, and unbiased information in a nonpartisan way to the healthcare industry on issues of critical importance. MedeAnalytics is a leading provider of healthcare performance management solutions.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58881-medeanalytics-ken-perez-straight-talk-about-medicare-reform-webinar
Computerized tomographic (CT) colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is comparable to standard colonoscopy in its ability to accurately detect cancer and precancerous polyps in people ages 65 and older, according to a paper published online today in Radiology. This is consistent with results of the ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2008, which demonstrated that CT colonography can serve as a primary colorectal cancer screening option for adults ages 50 and older, but did not specifically break out data for participants ages 65 and older included in the overall analysis. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have deferred coverage for CT colonography, primarily citing a lack of data on the exam’s performance in Medicare-eligible recipients ages 65 and older.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54777-acrin-national-ct-colonography-study-radiology-cancer-screening-seniors
UnitedHealthcare ha lanzado un DVD llamado “Medicare Explicado” para ayudar a los beneficiarios de Medicare que hablan español a conocer más sobre sus opciones de cobertura de salud.
Presentado por la personalidad de TV y autora María Antonieta Collins, “Medicare Explicado” responde los interrogantes acerca de Medicare y Medicaid de una manera culturalmente relevante, fácil de entender y cautivadora, ayudando a abordar las disparidades en la atención médica que impiden que los hispanos alcancen una salud óptima.
Para mas, va a http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/unitedhealthcare/48569/
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a nationwide public outreach campaign – including a letter to doctors and a new public service announcement – to raise awareness about the preventive benefits now covered at no charge to Medicare beneficiaries as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The campaign will run throughout the summer, with online ads and community events all over the country starting in July. As part of the Share the News, Share the Health campaign, CMS recently upgraded its dedicated caregivers’ website Ask Medicare, including a link to prevention information for caregivers’ reference.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/cms/49739/
Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today introduced the HomeLox portable liquid oxygen system. The innovative system enables oxygen users to generate and store the liquid form of oxygen in the home setting. The HomeLox system offers users the long-lasting and lightweight characteristics of traditional liquid systems, while freeing them from difficulties of filling and dependence on deliveries associated with conventional systems.
Home oxygen is a critical, life-sustaining medical treatment prescribed to nearly 1.5 million Medicare patients annually who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/philips/45648/
While the government claims to provide pricing for drugs and procedures, those listings only highlight what Medicare and Medicaid are willing to reimburse, not what those services actually cost. Hospitals, doctors and insurance companies provide patients with an itemized bill for care – but only AFTER the fact. The Healthcare Transparency Index, issued today by change:healthcare, is the first to provide healthcare consumers with ongoing trends data about actual healthcare costs – offering insight into critical opportunities for cost savings.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/changehealthcare/46792/
