Blog


Aetna CEO: New Math for Medicare

October 22, 2014

(We have made the point often in this space that, even with the private sector’s successes in containing healthcare costs and reducing Medicare per-capita spending to historic lows, the sheer … Continued


The Burwell Direction

September 8, 2014

If her first public address as Health and Human Services Secretary is any indication, Sylvia Burwell has her department headed in a positive and much-needed direction. Speaking to an audience … Continued


When in Doubt, Always Opt for Choice

August 8, 2014

Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued proposed regulations that would have made significant, sweeping changes in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.  Among … Continued


Medicine, Exercise and the Importance of Patient Adherence

July 18, 2014

(This month, the Healthcare Leadership Council sponsored a Capitol Hill briefing on the importance of patient adherence in improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare.  The briefing featured expert perspectives … Continued


A Case for Retiring America’s Worst Four-Word Phrase

July 7, 2014

As summer heats up, so will the mid-year congressional campaigns.  When they do, we can unfortunately expect to hear more of the dreary rhetoric that arises every time Medicare comes … Continued


The Medicaid Standoff and the Need for Flexibility

July 2, 2014

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisors released a report this week that is clearly intended to intensify the pressure on the 24 states that have, thus far, refused to … Continued


Determined to Despair

June 17, 2014

If you’re following health news this week, the predominant message you’re getting is that the United States health system is in exceedingly bad shape, at least compared to other prosperous … Continued


Research and Healthcare’s Cost-Quality Challenge

June 10, 2014

The Healthcare Leadership Council has long maintained that the nation can’t make its way toward a high-quality, cost-effective, sustainable healthcare system simply through arbitrary cuts in healthcare expenditures and controlling … Continued


The Intersection of Compassion and Quality in Healthcare’s Most Challenging Moments

May 29, 2014

We’ve discussed advanced illness management previously in this space, focusing on the challenges faced by Medicare and healthcare plans and providers in examining both the cumulative costs of care provided … Continued


Making Medicare Drug Coverage Work

May 16, 2014

As those who follow the issue know, there was a great deal of activity in the first quarter of this year regarding the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.  The … Continued