iHealthBeat: Health Plans

IT Challenges Hindering State Health Insurance Exchanges

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

States implementing health insurance exchanges under the federal health reform law face logistical challenges in launching health IT systems that can handle enrollment procedures, according to health policy experts. Some states might have to seek assistance from the federal government under a "partnership model" to launch a successful IT system for their exchange. Politico.

CMS, NASA Announce Contest for Software To Screen Health Providers

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS and NASA's Federal Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation could award up to $600,000 for the creation of open-source software that improves the health care provider screening process for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Modern Healthcare.

HHS Releases Guidance on Establishing Health Insurance Exchanges

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has released guidance to help states establish health insurance exchanges under the federal health reform law or work with the federal government to create a "federally facilitated exchange." HHS also awarded $181 million in exchange grants to six states. Reuters et al.

CMS Seeking Input on Verification Tools for Health Plan Exchanges

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has posted a notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website seeking information about data systems that could help health insurance exchanges verify whether an individual has access to employer-sponsored coverage. Responses are due by May 21. Government Health IT.

California To Overhaul 30-Year-Old Medicaid Computer System

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California Auditor Elaine Howle recently announced that the state is developing a new computer system to handle Medi-Cal billing. The new system -- called Health Enterprise -- will replace the Medicaid Management Information System that currently processes billing. Capitol Weekly.

HHS Proposes Delaying ICD-10 Compliance Until October 2014

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS released a proposed rule that calls for delaying the ICD-10 compliance deadline by one year, to Oct. 1, 2014. The proposed rule also includes a provision to assign a unique health plan identifier number to all health insurers. The proposal aims to make it easier for health care organizations to use computer systems for administrative functions. Modern Healthcare et al.

High Court's Ruling Could Affect Health IT Aspects of Reform Law

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the Supreme Court started hearing oral arguments in the lawsuit against the federal health reform law. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has released a fact sheet on the case, and a HIMSS official has posted a blog entry noting that the court's decision could affect certain health IT-related provisions of the overhaul. Government Health IT et al.

HHS Issues Final Rule on State Health Insurance Exchanges

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS released its final rule on state-based health insurance exchanges under the health reform law. Most of the exchanges will rely on an IT foundation to link up with eligibility systems for Medicaid and other programs. HHS said the final rule aims to provide states with guidance while giving them the flexibility to design their own exchanges. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Computer Error Creates Payment Issues for Maine Medicaid Program

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Maine likely will need to refund the federal government after a computer error caused MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, to continue paying out benefits to about 19,000 residents who had become ineligible for the program. Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News.

Study Links Online App to Enrollment Jump for Calif. Health Program

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study credits Health-e-App, an online application tool, with boosting enrollment in California's Healthy Families program. Use of the online tool was associated with a 14% increase in total Healthy Families applications from 2010 to 2011. Sacramento Business Journal.

Private-Sector Insurers Tap Health IT To Support Accountable Care

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health plans have embraced the concept of value-based payment models. As part of that push, insurers such as Aetna and UnitedHealth Group have made substantial investments in health IT to support these new payment designs.

UnitedHealth Launches Cloud Platform for Data Exchange, Health Apps

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UnitedHealth Group's Optum health-services unit soon will launch a cloud-computing platform that will allow health data exchange and offer health-related applications. Initially, the apps will be aimed at health providers and insurers but eventually could be expanded to focus on consumers. Wall Street Journal.

Opinion: Health IT Can Help Streamline Health Plan Prior Authorization

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Gene Ransom -- CEO of MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society -- argues that advances in health IT can be used to streamline the insurance prior authorization process, which would "make health care in Maryland more efficient, more effective and more affordable." Baltimore Sun.

Judge OKs $200M in Doctor Payments Under UnitedHealth Settlement

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A federal judge has approved the distribution of $200 million to physicians under a settlement in a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group. The lawsuit was filed over an allegedly flawed database that underpaid out-of-network doctors. Modern Physician, Health Data Management.

MGMA Executive Urges HHS To Address HIPAA 5010 Challenges

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Medical Group Management Association President and CEO Susan Turney has sent a letter calling for HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to address several challenges health care providers are facing as they work to adopt HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The letter reiterated MGMA's request for CMS to delay enforcement of HIPAA 5010 standards until June. Modern Healthcare et al.

What Percentage of U.S. Adults Want To Keep Reform Law's Online Insurance Exchanges?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Fifty-nine percent of surveyed U.S. adults want to keep the federal health reform law's online, state-based health insurance exchanges, compared with 16% who want to repeal the provision of the law and 25% who are unsure, according to a new poll from Harris Interactive/HealthDay.

Large Insurers Invest in Mobile Health Apps To Boost Patient Wellness

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Large health insurance companies are investing in mobile health applications to assess patient wellness and connect patients with physicians. Aetna, UnitedHealth Group and WellPoint all have made recent investments in mobile health apps. American Medical News.

Health IT Among Top Priorities for State Lawmakers in 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the National Conference of State Legislatures released its annual list of the top priorities for state lawmakers in the new year. According to NCSL, state lawmakers in 2012 will prioritize efforts to develop infrastructure for state health insurance exchanges and promote more widespread use of health information exchanges. Government Health IT, NCSL release.

Watson Supercomputer To Be Put to Work at California Hospital

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Physicians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's cancer clinic will be the first to work with IBM's Watson supercomputer. The WellPoint-funded project will use Watson's data analysis capabilities to recommend diagnosis and treatment options. Los Angeles Times.

EHRs Led to Improved Health Outcomes, R.I. Program Finds

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island recently announced the results of a three-year pilot program finding that the use of electronic health record systems helped improve health care outcomes for family and children's health, women's care and internal medicine. BCBS said the pilot project helped 79 physicians successfully adopt EHR systems. Providence Business News, BCBS release.

Lawmakers Question TRICARE Director on Recent Data Breach

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A group of lawmakers has sent the director of TRICARE a letter seeking information on a recent data breach that affected about 4.9 million individuals. The letter asks TRICARE to respond to 17 questions on health information and other data security policies. Modern Healthcare et al.

MLR Rule Details How Insurers Must Account for ICD-10 Costs

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Under the federal government's newly released final rule on medical-loss ratio requirements, ICD-10 conversion costs that account for up to 0.3% of an insurer's premium revenue can be counted as quality improvement activities. Additional costs for ICD-10 maintenance and claims adjudication would count as administrative costs under the final MLR rule. Health Data Management et al.

Calif. Pension System's Computer Glitches Led to Coverage Problems

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California Public Employees' Retirement System recently switched to a new $507 million computer system. The shift has affected certain payments and has generated erroneous letters informing some members that their health insurance has been canceled. Sacramento Bee.

More Health Plans for Federal Workers Are Offering Online Tools

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An Office of Personnel Management report finds that many federal employee health plans offer online tools to let physicians order prescriptions and to let patients compare quality data. The report notes that 97% of the plans offer personal health records. Federal Times et al.

How Do Health Information Websites Score on a 100-Point Customer Satisfaction Scale?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a ranking of customer satisfaction based on a 100-point scale, private-sector health information websites scored a 79, public-sector health information websites scored a 78 and health insurance websites scored a 51, according to a study conducted by customer experience analytics firm ForeSee.

Opinion: U.S. Could Save Billions With Electronic Medical Billing Systems

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In an opinion piece for the New York Times' "Opinionator," former White House adviser Ezekiel Emanuel writes that the U.S. health care system could save billions of dollars annually by implementing electronic billing and credentialing systems. New York Times' "Opinionator."

States See IT Hurdles in Meeting Deadlines for Health Plan Exchanges

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Many state IT officials say that unclear federal expectations, systems integration needs and outdated technology systems will pose challenges as they work to meet a federal deadline to establish statewide health insurance exchanges by January 2014. Government Technology.

Insurers Pressured To Improve Online Data Regarding Medical Costs

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Several major health insurers are working to upgrade their online services to enhance the data they provide to patients about the costs of medical services. Employers are pushing insurers to offer pricing data so workers can choose the least costly services. Wall Street Journal.

Kaiser Permanente Nabs Top Ranking for Use of Green IT Practices

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Computerworld recently gave Kaiser Permanente the highest ranking in its Top 12 List of Green IT Organizations for 2011. Kaiser was the only health care provider organization to receive the recognition for its green IT efforts. Computerworld, Kaiser Permanente release.

GOP: Proposed Data Collection Rule Violates Patient Privacy

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

House Republicans are raising concerns about a proposed rule that would require insurers to provide claims data to justify extra payments for plans that cover large numbers of people with serious medical conditions. GOP lawmakers have sent letters to the HHS secretary arguing that the creation of a risk adjustment database intrudes on patients' privacy rights. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Health IT Offers New Tools To Boost Patients' Medication Compliance

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Electronic prescribing systems and online pharmacies can help improve patients' adherence to drug regimens. Studies have shown that patients who adhere to their medication regimens have better health outcomes. Wall Street Journal, Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog."

Information on Health Insurance Rate Hikes Now Available Online

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, HHS started posting data to its HealthCare.gov website that lets consumers view proposed health insurance rate increases by state. The site also has a platform for consumers to comment about proposed rate hikes. USA Today, Washington Times' "Inside Politics."

NCQA Calls for Health Insurance Exchanges To Offer Clear Information

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The National Committee on Quality Assurance is urging CMS to ensure that state-based health insurance exchanges offer clear and useful data for consumers. NCQA also recommends that health insurance exchange websites be available in multiple languages. HealthLeaders Media.

BCBS of North Carolina To Subsidize Costs of EHR Implementation

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and Allscripts have announced a $23 million program to help more than 750 physicians pay for electronic health record systems. BCBS says it expects to recoup its investment through improved efficiencies. Charlotte Observer et al.

Four Health Insurers To Provide Researchers With Claims Data

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Aetna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealth Group have pledged to provide data from more than five billion medical claims to the newly created Health Care Cost Institute. The institute will use the de-identified claims information to create a database that researchers will be able to use to assess changes in health care costs and use of services. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.

Report: Health Reform Creating Job Opportunities in Health IT

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report suggests that the federal health reform law has created health IT job opportunities at the state and local level. The report notes that many opportunities relate to health data exchanges, Medicaid management information systems and health insurance exchanges. Meanwhile, experts say there currently are numerous health IT job opportunities for all career levels. InformationWeek.

WellPoint Taps IBM's Watson Supercomputer for Health Care App

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Today, WellPoint announced that it will use IBM's Watson supercomputer system to create a commercial application that could help diagnose medical conditions and authorize treatments. The health insurance company plans to roll out a pilot program next year. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, Wall Street Journal.

AHA Offers Feedback on Interim Rule for Digital Medical Transactions

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Hospital Association has sent a letter to CMS encouraging the agency to quickly finalize an interim final rule on health plan eligibility and electronic claims transactions. AHA also called for the inclusion of an "acknowledgments rule." AHA News, Modern Healthcare.

HHS Grants To Help States Use IT To Expand Children's Coverage

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, HHS announced $40 million in grants to help states identify and enroll children in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. About half of the funding will go toward helping 10 states implement IT systems to facilitate the project. States will use the funds to support data-matching systems, Web-based enrollment applications and other tools. AHA News et al.

Do Consumers Think Insurers' Technology Use Has Improved the Level of Customer Service?

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Eleven percent of surveyed consumers strongly agree that health insurers' increased use of technology in customer service has significantly improved the level of service in the past five years, compared with 17% who strongly disagree that the level of service has improved significantly, according to an Accenture survey.

HHS Proposes Rules on Health Plan Exchange Eligibility, Tax Credits

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, HHS released three proposed rules governing eligibility and tax credits for the health insurance exchanges mandated under the health reform law. One of the rules calls for the coordination of eligibility data systems. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

Health Insurers Tap Social Media Networks To Engage Consumers

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Some health insurance companies are using social media platforms to engage consumers in discussions about their health. Companies are using the tools to offer information to policyholders and are developing health management applications. Insurance & Technology.

Kansas To Return $31.5M Grant for Health Insurance Exchange

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says his state will return a $31.5 million grant intended to help the state develop the IT infrastructure for a health insurance exchange under the federal health reform law. The grant was part of HHS' "Early Innovator" initiative, which selected certain states to serve as models for the design and implementation of IT frameworks for the exchanges. Politico et al.

Report: Conversion to ICD-10 Raising Cost, Progress Concerns

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A survey of health care leaders finds that 84% of respondents have started transitioning to ICD-10 code sets but that only 29% said they have moved beyond the assessment phase. About 38% said they had no estimate of how much the shift would cost. CMIO, HealthLeaders Media.

Technology Investments Not Driving Improved Health Plan Experience

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study from Accenture finds that health insurers have not improved their customer service despite significant technology investments aimed at doing so. The report recommends several ways to improve customer relations through the use of technology. InformationWeek.

Database Would Help CMS Provide Reform Law Help to Consumers

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, CMS published a notice in the Federal Register outlining its plans to establish the Health Insurance Assistance Database. The agency would use the database to collect, track and analyze consumer inquiries about the federal health reform law. Health Data Management.

State Officials Face IT Challenges in Creating Insurance Exchanges

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

State officials tasked with creating health insurance exchanges are facing significant IT challenges. Such challenges include integrating exchanges with existing health program eligibility systems and presenting data in a user-friendly way. Government Health IT, Computerworld.

WellPoint To Pay $100K To Settle Lawsuit Over Indiana Data Breach

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Indiana Attorney General Gregory Zoeller has announced that health insurance company WellPoint will pay a $100,000 fine to settle a lawsuit concerning a data breach that affected about 645,000 individuals nationwide. The company also will offer identity theft protection services. AP/Google News, Indy Channel.

Tale of Two Exchanges Shifting Gears in California

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In keeping with its traditional role as the front-runner in health care trends, California surged ahead with plans for two health exchanges -- one for insurance and one for information. In some ways, the state now is shifting from sprint mode to a long-distance strategy.

IT Firms Expected To Profit From State Health Benefit Exchanges

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Health IT vendors are emerging as key players in the implementation of state-based health insurance exchanges, which are required by the federal health reform law. Health IT companies are forming strategic partnerships with other vendors and consulting firms, and also are seeing an interest in private medical benefit exchanges for the individual market. Politico.

Federal Officials Sign Off on Nevada's Plan for Health Data Exchange

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Federal officials have approved a $6.1 million plan to develop a health information exchange in Nevada. The system is designed to improve quality, reduce errors and cut costs through the secure exchange of health data. Nevada Appeal, AP/Las Vegas Sun.

AMA: Electronic Claims Errors Add Billions in Unneeded Costs

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association's latest National Health Insurer Report Card finds that electronic claims processing errors in the health insurance industry contribute to about $17 billion annually in unnecessary administrative costs. The report card notes that health insurers had a claims processing error rate of 19.3% this year, up 2% from last year. Modern Healthcare et al.

Revised Plans for Health Claims Database Aim To Address Concerns

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of Personnel Management has published two notices in the Federal Register providing more details on its plans to create a centralized health claims database. The notices aim to address privacy concerns related to the Health Claims Data Warehouse. Computerworld.

AARP Launches Tools To Help Seniors Decipher Medicare Summaries

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

AARP has launched two online tools to help seniors and their caregivers decode Medicare summary notices, which list health care services billed to Medicare. The tools could help beneficiaries detect suspicious charges on the notices. United Press International, CQ HealthBeat.

Report: State CIOs Have Duties To Fill During Exchange Deployment

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

State CIOs should fill many roles -- including ensuring data interoperability -- as states work to implement health benefit exchanges, according to a National Association of State Chief Information Officers report. Government Technology, Modern Healthcare.

Early Innovator States Struggling To Advance Insurance Exchanges

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Several states that received Early Innovator grants from the federal government are encountering hurdles to setting up the IT infrastructure to run health insurance exchanges. For example, some grant recipients have yet to enact legislation to establish an exchange. The Early Innovator grant recipients are meant to serve as a model for other states to follow. Politico.

HHS Distributes More Funds To Support Insurance Exchanges' IT

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, HHS announced that Indiana, Rhode Island and Washington state will share more than $35 million to help develop IT systems in support of health insurance exchanges. The grants represent the second round of funds to help states plan for the exchanges. However, not all states have approved legislation to set up the exchanges. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

VA Poised To Dole Out $500M for a Number of IT-Related Projects

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to award about $500 million worth of IT contracts over the next five months to support VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's 16 priority projects. Of those funds, the department expects to spend about $70 million to support VA's Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record project. Washington Technology, Federal Computer Week.

CMS' Health Insurance Assistance Database To Oversee State Exchanges

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Insurance Assistance Database CMS is developing will collect information on consumer inquiries and complaints to help the agency oversee state health insurance exchanges created under the federal health reform law. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.

Oklahoma To Return 'Early Innovator' Grant for Insurance Exchange

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said the state will turn down $54.6 million in "Early Innovator" funds provided by the federal government. Oklahoma was one of the recipients of the funding, which would be put toward setting up the electronic infrastructure to run health insurance exchanges. Tulsa World et al.

CMS To Help Cover Fees Associated With Health Plan Enrollment Systems

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As part of efforts to give states flexibility in Medicaid, CMS will cover 90% of states' costs to enhance electronic enrollment systems for the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid and provide 75% of ongoing operating costs. Health Data Management et al.

Senators Introduce Bill To Open Up Access to Medicare Database

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, Sens. Chuck Grassley and Ron Wyden introduced legislation that would overturn a court injunction preventing public access to physicians' Medicare claims data. Advocates argue that the data could help identify fraud and abuse. Wall Street Journal et al.

When Have Physician Groups Scheduled Time To Begin Internal HIPAA 5010 Testing?

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

More than half of surveyed office-based physician practices have not scheduled a time to start internal testing for the transition to HIPAA 5010 standards, while 8.3% already have begun internal testing for the conversion to HIPAA 5010, according to a Medical Group Management Association poll.

Group: Health IT Topics Among Top Issues for Health Plans in 2011

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Managed Care Executive Group has released a list of the top 10 issues facing health plans in 2011. Some of the issues relate to ICD-10 code sets and the development of technical infrastructure for health insurance exchange systems. Healthcare IT News, Managed Care Executive Group list.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Blue Shield's Doctor-Rating Database

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A judge has ruled that Blue Shield of California's online physician-ranking database is a form of protected speech that helps consumers. A California Medical Association lawsuit argued that the system is misleading and contains inaccurate data. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now" et al.

Website Connects Bids From Providers With Self-Insured Businesses

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new online tool allows self-insured employers to solicit bids for medical services directly from health care providers. One observer says companies could face extra work using the tool because they would be evaluating health care providers. AP/Washington Post.

CMS Wants To 'Refresh' Health Plan Information on Healthcare.gov

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS is asking the White House Office of Management and Budget to quickly review its plan to collect updated information from health insurance companies for the Healthcare.gov website. The website, mandated by the federal health reform law, aims to provide consumers with information about their health plan options. Modern Healthcare.

CMS Planning Database To Track Issues Relating to Health Reform Law

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS is planning a new database to compile questions consumers have about the health reform law. The system also will produce reports that could help officials identify instances when insurers fail to comply with provisions under the law. Government Health IT, Healthcare IT News.

States Setting Up IT Framework for Health Insurance Exchanges

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Kansas aims to develop an integrated online gateway for the health insurance exchange it is establishing under the federal health reform law. Meanwhile, Maryland plans to develop an eligibility verification tool within its health insurance exchange. Government Health IT.

Number of Hawaii Patients Using Online Health Tools Increases

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has seen a 21% increase in the number of e-mails sent between physicians and patients through its online system. The number of patients in Hawaii using e-mail and other online tools has increased significantly since 2009. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

New Database Tracks States' Bills, Actions on Health Reform Law

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The National Conference of State Legislatures has launched a database with information on various issues related to implementation of the federal health reform law at the state level. So far the database contains about 600 bills related to the law. The Hill's "Healthwatch," AHA News.

CMS Seeking Health IT Advisory Panel Feedback on Eligibility Web Hub

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS is asking a federal health IT panel to make recommendations about an online hub to provide states with eligibility information on applicants for public health and human services programs. Such data could be used in state health insurance exchanges. Government Health IT.

Health Net Reports Data Breach Affecting 1.9M Policyholders

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Health Net announced that nine server drives containing personal and financial data on its employees, health care providers, and current and former policyholders are missing from its data center in Rancho Cordova, Calif. The health plan said it would offer two years of no-cost credit monitoring and fraud resolution services to affected individuals. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.

N.Y. Physicians Receive $1.5M for IT-Supported Medical Home Program

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Six New York state health plans are providing $1.5 million to 11 primary care practices for establishing patient-centered medical homes. Health care providers participating in the medical home care model use a variety of health IT tools. Government Health IT et al.

HHS Levies Civil Penalty for HIPAA Privacy Rule Violation

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the Office for Civil Rights at HHS issued a $4.3 million penalty against the Maryland-based health center Cignet Health. According to HHS, the action marks the first civil financial penalty levied for a violation of HIPAA privacy rules. The new monetary fine structure was included in the 2009 economic stimulus package's HITECH Act. Washington Post et al.

HHS Awards 'Early Innovator' Grants for Insurance Exchanges

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has selected seven recipients for $241 million in "Early Innovators" funding, which will be put toward setting up the IT infrastructure necessary to operate state-based health insurance exchanges as required by the federal health reform law. Six states and a consortium of states will receive funding through the initiative. Modern Healthcare et al.

Health Plan Carrier for Military Members Seeks Information on EHRs

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

TRICARE, the government-run insurance carrier for active-duty military personnel and their relatives, is requesting data on electronic health record systems. The carrier says it is asking for information about the applicability of such systems. Modern Healthcare.

AstraZeneca, WellPoint To Analyze EHRs for Best Treatment Options

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

AstraZeneca and WellPoint are teaming up to study electronic health records and other data to determine the best and most cost-effective treatments for chronic illnesses and other diseases. Personally identifiable information will be removed from data. Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal.

Toolkit Aims To Help States Build Health Insurance Exchanges

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The National Academy of Social Insurance has released a toolkit designed to help states establish health insurance exchanges under the federal health reform law. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded the development of the resource. AHA News, Health Data Management.

Judge's Health Reform Law Ruling Could Affect Several IT Provisions

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A judge's ruling that the health reform law is unconstitutional carries consequences for health care-related programs that use IT. Such initiatives include online enrollment for health care programs and state-based insurance exchanges. Health Data Management et al.

Many Insurers Looking to Social Media as Aide in Rooting Out Fraud

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Social networking sites are being used by health insurance investigators conducting claims investigations and seeking to find evidence of fraud. However, experts say such practices should be just one step in the process of any action taken by insurers. Los Angeles Times.

Insurers Tapping Social Media Platforms for Consumer Outreach

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Many health plans are interacting with consumers on social networking sites to promote projects, provide health tips and address complaints. However, insurers generally are not leveraging social media channels to communicate with physicians. American Medical News.

HHS Announces More Funding for Health Insurance Exchanges

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The federal government has made new grants available to help states develop health insurance exchanges under the federal health reform law. States can use the grants to establish IT systems and begin other activities related to operating the exchanges. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said states can apply for short-term or multi-year funding. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

California Opens Online System for Enrolling in Health Care Programs

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

This week, California families begin using a new online system called Health-e-App, which allows residents to apply for coverage in the state's Medicaid program and Children's Health Insurance Program. Sacramento Business Journal, Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board release.

Officials: Quick Access to Claims Data Could Deter Health Fraud

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Although data-mining techniques have helped federal investigators crack down on health care fraud, the information available for such investigations often is several weeks old. Officials say immediate, real-time access to claims data could help federal investigators identify suspicious billing patterns earlier so Medicare could halt payments immediately. Wall Street Journal.

CMS Seeking Advanced Analytic Tools To Fight Health Program Fraud

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, HHS and the Department of Justice announced that CMS is soliciting state-of-the-art analytic tools to prevent wasteful and fraudulent payments in Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program before they occur. HealthLeaders Media et al.

Officials Told To Weigh Real-World Barriers to HIPAA 'Operating Rules'

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Officials who are working to develop more uniform "operating rules" for administrative and financial HIPAA transactions must consider real-world issues, according to testimony at a National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics meeting last week. Health Data Management.

Adoption of EHRs Could Boost Costs for Medical Liability Insurance

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

A report suggests that health care providers who adopt electronic health records could see their costs increase for medical liability insurance. The report predicts that errors could occur more often during the early stages of EHR implementation. NextGov's "Health IT Update."

Puerto Rico Health Plan Says Breaches Involve 400,000-Plus Individuals

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Triple-S Management, a Puerto Rico insurer, has announced that a subsidiary's database was breached multiple times by a competitor's employees. The insurer also identified separate breaches involving Medicare and the government-run health plan. Health Data Management.

Florida Insurer Sued Over Data Breach That Affected 1.2M People

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Five AvMed members have filed a class-action lawsuit against the health plan following a 2009 data breach that might have affected 1.2 million people. The incident is thought to be one of the largest breaches of medical records in history. Gainesville Sun et al.

New York Health Plan Launches Online Service To Boost Care Delivery

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has launched an online health care services program to connect members with local physicians. The Web-based program is meant to supplement traditional office visits and provide care for minor health issues. Buffalo Business First.

Survey: Most Individuals Want Control of Personal Health Data

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

A new survey of about 2,000 U.S. adults finds that a majority of respondents support having personal control over their health care information. According to the poll, 97% of respondents think physicians, hospitals and other health care organizations should not be allowed to sell personal health data without receiving patient consent. Healthcare IT News.

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Fines Health Net $375,000

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Insurance company Health Net of Connecticut will pay a $375,000 fine stemming from a 2009 incident in which a portable hard drive containing personal health information was lost or stolen. The hard drive contained information on roughly 1.5 million Health Net members. Modern Healthcare et al.

Federal Officials Say States Must Focus on Key Areas for Exchanges

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

States must focus on several areas to ensure proper integration of health IT systems as they prepare for implementation of health insurance exchanges mandated by the federal health reform law, according to federal government officials. Government Health IT.

Analyst: OPM Might Release More Details on Health Claims Database

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Harley Geiger of the Center for Democracy and Technology said the Office of Personnel Management might release more details on its Health Claims Data Warehouse in response to privacy concerns. Geiger also said OPM might delay the Nov. 15 launch of the project. Computerworld.

Privacy Groups Seek Details on Federal Health Care Database

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Several consumer privacy groups are asking the Office of Personnel Management to elaborate on its plans to create a database that would collect information from a federal employee health benefit program and two programs created under the federal health reform law. The letter calls for OPM to delay the launch of the database, which is scheduled to take place Nov. 15. Computerworld.

Indiana Attorney General Sues Health Insurer Over Data Breach

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Indiana Attorney General Gregory Zoeller has filed a lawsuit against WellPoint, the largest health insurer in the U.S. The suit alleges that the company did not notify in a reasonable time frame the individuals who were affected by a breach of their personal information. The breach occurred through a WellPoint website. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

Maryland Medical Group Seeks Safeguards for Electronic Patient Data

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

The Maryland State Medical Society is pushing for legislation that would penalize insurers and drug companies for misusing patient health data contained in the state's health information exchange. The exchange went online in October. Baltimore Business Journal, Baltimore Sun.

'Early Innovators' To Promote IT for States' Insurance Exchanges

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has announced an initiative that will recognize specific state efforts to set up IT systems for health insurance exchanges. The health reform law mandates the creation of the exchanges, which will allow individuals to compare and select health plans. Participants in the program will serve as a model for other states to follow. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

California Insurer Rolls Out Website Designed Specifically for Women

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT

California-based Anthem Blue Cross has launched a new website developed specifically for women. According to Anthem, the website will let women search for information on medical conditions and allow them to compare costs and quality at local hospitals. Healthcare IT News.