Did you see that registration is now open for CAHU’s Capitol Summit? The Capitol Summit will take place May 17-19. If you’ve hesitated to participate in the past because of travel and expense, you’ll be thrilled to know that it’s virtual this year! So it’s time to jump in. We’ll be there and we’re looking forward to this important event. Find out more here.
HEATH
Having Health Insurance Does Matter
A study just out on JAMA Network Open found that The Affordable Care Act has slowed increases in out-of-pocket costs for those with health insurance coverage under the law by about 80%. According to the researchers, the slowed growth in cash outlays for healthcare was due to a 24% drop in out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under ACA. Read more here.
Aflac Report Highlights Company’s ‘Purpose and Profit’ Ethos
Aflac Incorporated released its 2020 Business and Sustainability Report, titled “65 Years of the Aflac Way: Making a Difference While Balancing Purpose and Profit.” The comprehensive, multimedia report consolidates information usually found in the company’s Environmental Social Governance (ESG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Year-in-Review reports into an integrated, easy-to-navigate online document. Check out Aflac’s 2020 Business and Sustainability report here.
MENTAL HEALTH
MediKeeper Health Risk Assessment Shows Whopping Increase in Stress, Anxiety and Depression
With Mental Health Month approaching in May, MediKeeper released part one of its 2021 Workplace Wellness Benchmark Report, a comprehensive analysis of the state of wellbeing among today’s workforce. The report focuses on mental health indicators, including stress, anxiety and depression. These data represent anonymized insights from more than 67,000 employees. The big take away is that there’s been a 104% increase in employees seeking professional help for stress, anxiety or depression in 2021.
Cal Broker’s May Issue Focuses on Mental Health
Keep your eyes peeled for California Broker’s May issue where our survey goddess Thora Madden compiled info from leading providers in the state. We give those in the mental health space room to tell you what they do and how the insurance industry is changing. Also be aware that Thora is constantly updating her lists of providers and other industry leaders who are interested in responding to surveys on large/small group, voluntary benefits, dental, mental health, pet insurance and more! If you want to know more or be included, reach out to Thora at thora@calbrokermag.com.
CLIMATE
Financial Industry Makes Climate a Priority
America’s financial institutions have all recently announced they will be making climate change a priority. JPMorgan Chase, America’s largest bank, announced that it aims to finance or facilitate investments of $2.5 trillion over 10 years to support solutions that address climate change and contribute to sustainable development. The target includes $1 trillion for green initiatives such as renewable energy, new clean technology, waste management and conservation. Furthermore, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Morgan Stanley have all recently rolled out plans to align financing activities with environmental concerns.
GOLDEN STATE
LawnStarter Says Golden State Is the New Green
The folks at LawnStarter have ranked the most and least environmentally friendly cities in the United States. Among the factors they looked at were the number of incentives and policies supporting renewables and energy efficiency; the number of zero-energy buildings; the share of workers who use green commuting methods; and the prevalence of community-supported agriculture. LawnStarter, a company that offers lawn care services, has something mighty nice to say about California:
It’s easy to see why California cities are trailblazers in sustainability: The state was first to propose banning sales of gas-powered cars, to construct America’s first high-speed rail line, and a years-long drought has forced California to reimagine water management in a far more sustainable way. While other states are making incremental changes, California is implementing sweeping reforms.
And now, without further ado, here are the lists:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MEDICARE
AHIP Raises Concern Over MCIT Rule
The Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) rule was finalized in mid-January 2021 and was supposed to go into effect next month, but has been delayed until May 15 for reevaluation. America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is weighing in with concerns regarding the rule. Kelsey Waddill, writing for Health Payer Intelligence, says AHIP has concerns that the MCIT pathway doesn’t sufficiently address patient safety. Instead, AHIP contends that the pathway could be used to bolster fraud, waste, and abuse. Writes Waddill:
False durable medical equipment payments have fueled Medicare improper payment rates in the past, giving rise to CMS fraud prevention strategies that target such scams specifically.
AHIP has also objected to the projections for the volume of manufacturers that would seek to use the pathway. AHIP says CMS has underestimated the number of devices that would use the pathway and this will impact the ability to ensure safe devices. Read more here.
LIFE
MIB, Cerner Team Up to Provide Life Insurance Industry Access to Patient Records
MIB and Cerner Corporation announced a life insurance industry collab. Through the agreement, MIB will facilitate access to 54 million patient medical records from Cerner, as well as 5,400 distinct patient portals, with appropriate client consent.
EVENTS
- Insurance Advertising Compliance Association conference, Virtual, April 22-23. Register here.
- CAHU Statewide Leadership Conference, Virtual, April 28-29. Agenda here. Register here.
- San Diego Association of Health Underwriters Sales Expo, Virtual, May 6. Info here.
- Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters Annual Symposium, Virtual, May 13-14. Sponsorship info here. Register here.
- CAHU Capitol Summit, Virtual, May 17-19, Info here.
-
IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum, June 15-17. Register here.
- BenefitsPro Broker Expo, virtual one day May 18 AND in person in San Diego, August 16-18. Save 15% with promo code RIGHTPLAN. Agenda here, register here.
- American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, National Medicare Supplement Insurance Industry Summit, Sept 8-10, Schaumburg Convention Center, Chicago area. Info here
