Articles by Brian Eastwood

AHIP: Romney defends Massachusetts healthcare reform, to a point

Former Massachusetts Governor and 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney defended his landmark universal healthcare reform in a keynote at America's Health Insurance Plans AHIP Institute conference. However, he said that what worked in the Bay State should not have been applied on a national level.

AHIP: Use predictive analytics to drive decisions, control costs

For health plans, the case for robust analytics comes down to the numbers. Medication to treat hepatitis C costs $1,000 a dose, and patients who miss a dose need to start over, Dan Walczak, assistant director of healthcare informatics at Minnesota-based UCare, noted at the America's Health Insurance Plans AHIP Institute conference.

AHIP Institute begins with emphasis on innovation to help consumers

America's Health Insurance Plans kicked off its annual AHIP Institute with a call for innovation and a surprise appearance from outgoing President and CEO Karen Ignagni. The panel also included David Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health, who said organizations cannot simply innovate for innovation's sake. 

Louisville mayor, Kentucky governor vow to keep Humana in city

Humana is an attractive acquisition target. It's also the second-largest company in Louisville, Kentucky--and Mayor Greg Fischer (D) and Gov. Steve Beshear (D) said they are committed to keeping the company in the city.

Humana still attractive acquisition target, but priced too high

As Humana continues to court potential buyers interested in its Medicare Advantage business, financial analysts remain divided on how much the company is worth.

ACA's medical loss ratio not hurting insurers

An examination of the medical loss ratio in 2014 suggests that the financial performance of insurers has not changed substantially since the years before the Affordable Care Act.

Risk pool, drug prices to shape insurers' 2016 rates

The more insurers submit proposed rates for 2016 Affordable Care Act health plans, the more it becomes clear that rates could rise significantly.

AHIP Institute agenda filled with familiar themes

Later this week I head to Nashville for the annual America's Health Insurance Plans AHIP Institute conference. In the midst of relentlessly checking the weather--I've been told the...

Failure to expand dental coverage stymies healthcare reform efforts

Roughly 4 million Georgia residents lack dental coverage, and many haven't seen a dentist in decades. The issue: The Affordable Care Act didn't include dental care among its "essential health benefits." 

House lawsuit challenging ACA implementation gets day in court

lawsuit filed by House Republicans challenging two key facets of Affordable Care Act implementation is getting its day in U.S. District Court, the Associated Press reported.