Sebelius Repeats Call For Greater Transparency On Health Insurance Rates

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Yesterday, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a letter calling for major health insurance companies to post rate information and financial data online. The letter reiterates Sebelius' earlier requests for greater transparency on premium hikes. Politico's "Live Pulse" et al.

State Officials Question Plan To Boost Federal Oversight Of Premiums

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
State insurance officials say President Obama's plan to establish a federal Health Insurance Rate Authority could force states to focus solely on ensuring the solvency of health insurers while the federal agency attempts to hold down premiums. New York Times.

Obama Blasts Insurers, Stumps For Health Care Reform In Pa. Speech

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
During a speech yesterday near Philadelphia, President Obama criticized health insurers for recent premium hikes and encouraged voters to express their support for health care reform legislation. Obama is expected to reprise his speech in St. Louis tomorrow. Washington Post et al.

Anthem Blue Cross Cuts Pay To Calif. Physical Therapists

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Last month, Anthem Blue Cross reduced reimbursement rates to physical therapists by 40% or more, leading some therapists to consider shutting down their practices. Anthem said the reimbursement rate reductions are intended to help control health care costs. San Francisco Business Times.

California HMOs See Major Upswing In Profits In 2009

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Six of California's major HMOs reported collective profits of $3.2 billion in 2009, compared with $221 million the previous year, according to reports filed with the Department of Managed Health Care. Kaiser Permanente led the pack with a profit margin of 4.9%, while Anthem Blue Cross of California reported a profit margin of 4.0%. Sacramento Business Journal.