 Agent and Consultant Briefing
May 2009 |
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On My Mind: Comparative Effectiveness Research |
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 By Cheryl DeMars, CEO
The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $1.1 billion to support comparative effectiveness research (CER). While this is a significant allocation, it pales in comparison to the trillions of dollars currently flowing through the various stimulus plans. Even so, this relatively modest line item received a fair amount of attention and created controversy. Here are a few reasons why:
- Comparative effectiveness research would evaluate the relative value of one treatment or technology to another.
- Opponents are concerned that CER will be used to deny access (or coverage) to treatments and technologies that don't fair as well as their counterparts.
- The promise of comparative effectiveness research however is better information in the hands of physicians and patients to make more informed decisions - ultimately enabling better outcomes at lower total costs.
Read the complete article here.
I'd love to hear what you think, please e-mail me.
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| QualityCounts Outpatient Procedures and Tests Report Released Next Week |
We will be releasing the QualityCounts™ Outpatient Procedures and Tests Report to our members within the next week. This report will only be available electronically via password on our Web site and through our Find a Doctor function. Because this report includes sensitive cost information about the health care providers we contract with, the report is only available to members and their employees who are enrolled in an employer medical plan which accesses The Alliance contracts. Employers who offer more than one health benefit option will not be able to share the report with employees who use another option. We are working to provide access to any benefits personnel who do not take an employer's plan accessing The Alliance contracts and may need access to help employees who do. Agents/consultants will not have access unless their work with an employer member requires it. If you have questions, please contact Mindy Ripp, 800.223.4139, x 6638. We will be offering an Alliance Learning Circle, The Cost of Outpatient Care, to Alliance members in June. The session will provide them with information about how to use the report with their employees. Back to top |
| Don't Miss The Alliance Annual Seminar |
Don't Miss The Alliance Annual Seminar
Revolution not Reform: The Battle for Better Care
May 14, 2009
7:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
The health care revolution is coming. But revolution doesn't happen without revolutionaries. What's your role? Featuring nationally recognized expert Michael L. Millenson. View the invite and register today. Back to top |
| Summer Hours Begin May 29 |
Summer is just around the corner; which means our summer hours are about to begin. Between Friday, May 29 and Friday, September 4, our office closes at 11:30 on Fridays. For your reference, here are our hours during the summer: Main Switchboard: 608.276.6620 Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Friday: 8:00 am to 11:30 am Customer Service: 608.276.6630 or 800.223.4139 Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am to 11:30 am Back to top
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| QualityCounts for Employees |
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 The Alliance encourages employers to distribute the QualityCounts for Employees information piece to their employees.
- Prevent Medical Errors and Stay Safe and Healthy
Did you know you can find past issues of QualityCounts for Employees in the Employer Resource Center? After you log in, select "Consumer Newsletters" from the Employee Health and Education tab. Your employees can access them too at www.the-alliance.org/health_wellness.aspx. You can also connect with this direct link to the Employer Resource Center but you will need to log in first. If you don't know your password, call Melanie Cannon, 800.223.4139, x 6637, and she will be happy to assist you. Back to top |
| News You Can Use |
The Alliance highlights health care and benefit management news for employers in News You Can Use with a link to take you to the original story or report.
- The Progression of HSAs: What Have We Learned?
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| About the Agent and Consultant Briefing |
Each month, The Alliance Agent and Consultant Briefing delivers the latest news to insurance agents and consultants about Alliance services, programs and events as well as information on health benefit trends, issues, and ideas of interest to our mutual clients. Subscriptions are available on a complimentary basis. To subscribe, please send an e-mail message with your name, title, and organization to the marketing and member services department.
Reader comments, suggestions, and topics are always welcome.
Cathy Lanser, Editor
Melanie Cannon, Designer | |
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The Alliance encourages employers to distribute the