So, yesterday, I talked about how corporations are using PPACA (Obamacare) as a wedge with which they can obtain information to which they really are not entitled. And, as a means to lower their health care costs, via an avenue that is impermissible. One that the regulators have begun to address.
Continue reading The COOPs. No, not the MIT/Harvard one, either.
It’s time for a little truth. One that has probably eluded you for years- because your employer provides your health insurance. But, if you have to buy your own insurance- or, worse yet, have no insurance, you probably have an inkling of these insidious practices.
Continue reading What’s behind that curtain?
While reading the New York Times (NYT) this past Sunday (What? You don’t?), I was struck once again how the law of unintended circumstances comes into play. [Ed: This was written 3 June 2012.] The Times’ front page article headline read: “The $2.7 Trillion Medical Bill”, which really focused on just one medical procedure- colonoscopic exams.
Continue reading Another Example of Unintended Circumstances
We discussed uncompensated care a few days ago, where I mentioned the variation in health care costs across the US. But, is that variability related to the cost of living in the various regions of the US? Or, is it attributable to the relative health of folks in various regions?
Continue reading Healthcare Costs- Controversy and Data
Lately, data are indicating that the seemingly inexorable rise in our health care costs may be attenuating. Is this real? Or, just an artifact? Given that there are large variations in health costs across the US, what does this trend mean for our local, state, and federal taxes. And, given that these difference in regional costs will become exacerbated as more (Republican) states refuse to run their own health care exchanges, some of us are in for additional costs.
Continue reading Uncompensated Care
Regardless of what happens with the fiscal cliff, there are some pretty major changes to our tax situation. Of course, some of them will only affect those at the upper ends of the income scale, but it’s worthwhile to evaluate what your net income will be starting next week- now.
Continue reading Taxes- 2013 Style!
OK. It’s getting close. Finally, some of the real provisions of the health insurance reform act passed last year are going to come into view. One of the first things that will make a difference- a big one- is IPAB. No, it’s not an Apple product. It stands for Independent Payment Advisory Board. What is does is something pretty special- it will put the brakes on Medicare spending, should the costs rise too quickly and too high.
Continue reading The IPAB: No, it’s NOT a new Apple Product!