Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that HHS has already met and exceeded its 2013 goal of EHR implementation. With significant incentives from the federal government, more than half of all eligible providers (EPs) and over eighty percent of eligible hospitals nationwide are demonstrating meaningful use of electronic medical records (EHRs). This is a considerable increase in just five years. According to a 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, the percent of physicians using an advanced EHR system was pegged at 17 percent in 2008, while hospitals, only just 9 percent had adopted the technology. In a statement, Secretary Sebelius said, “We have reached a tipping point in adoption of electronic health records. Health IT helps providers better coordinate care, which can improve patients’ health and save money at the same time.” Electronic medical records play a vital role in President Obama’s signature healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act. Powerful incentives were made available for EPs to offset some of the initial costs. More than fifty percent of eligible physicians have capitalized by taking advantage of this subsidy. Some of the broader goals of the ACA are to improve care coordination, reduce duplicative tests and procedures, and reward hospitals and physicians for keeping patients healthier, all of which are supported by widespread use of EHRs.
Catastrophic plans offer limited physician’s visits, and higher copays, deductibles, and lower monthly payments. Only individuals under the age of 30, or that qualify for the “hardship exemption” are eligible the purchase a catastrophic health plan.
Bronze plans will have coinsurance levels of 60%.
Silver plans will have coinsurance levels of 70%.
Gold plans will have coinsurance levels of 80%.
Platinum plans will have coinsurance levels of 90%.
ambulatory patient services
emergency services hospitalization
maternity and newborn care
mental health and substance use disorder services including behavioral health treatment
prescription drugs
rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
laboratory services
preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
pediatric services (including oral and vision care)
On Tuesday, the Obama Administration released the first detailed look at premiums to be charged to consumers for health insurance bought on the new insurance markets mandated by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Information released on Tuesday is based on approved insurance plans in the 36 states where the federal government will operate the insurance exchange.
