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March 17, 2010
Oregon Insurers Test Health Plans That Offer Incentives To Use Proven Treatments.
Kaiser Health News (3/11, Appleby) reports that five insurers in Oregon will offer some employees "a new type of insurance that offers free care for some illnesses, such as diabetes or depression, but requires hefty extra fees for treatments deemed overused, including knee replacements, hysterectomies and heart bypass surgery."
The health plans "are among the first to apply financial incentives on both sides of one important factor driving up the nation's healthcare tab: The underuse of proven treatments and overuse of certain surgeries and diagnostic tests that may be less valuable." The insurers will use "incentives to influence patients' behavior...on prescription" medicines, as well. The move is intended "to encourage workers to choose high-value care, defined as treatments backed by strong evidence that they work."
Related Links:
- Carrot-And-Stick Health Plans Aim To Cut Costs," Julie Appleby, Kaiser Health News, March 11, 2010.
Posted by admin at March 17, 2010 06:28 PM