Description: An overview of the Medicare Supplement landscape and the critical factors for successfully pricing and managing this product line amidst the challenges that exist.

Description: This article focuses on the capitation rate development methodology for the Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Demonstration. It also describes the background behind the establishment of the initiative and how it will be evaluated.

Description: Changes in CMS requirements for 2011 Medicare Part D plans aimed at reducing confusion surrounding the PDP selection process by making plan differences more visible to seniors. Carriers have responded by making the most significant changes in plan offerings since the program's inception, which is expected to result in membership shifts.

Description: Background on, and best practices guidelines for dealing with, bid reviews and audits for Medicare Advantage plans.

Description: This article compares the Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) market to the commercial individual market exchanges included in the Affordable Care Act. PDP carrier actions to date could help predict certain aspects of the exchange market.

Description: The editors of Health Watch have made health care reform the focus of the Sepctember 2009 issue, and provide an introduction to the issue's contents.

Description: Updates on the efforts of the Academy’s health practice council. its work groups and task forces, to educate and influence health care policymakers on issues including principles for health care reform, Medicare, wellness programs, and solvency.

Description: Issues relating to the1998 Balanced Budget Act BBA on Medicare Supplement Carriers. Discusses High-Deductible options, open enrollment provisions, pre-existing condition limitations, new provider payment methods and preventive benefits Issue No. 36.

Description: Summary of Report examining issues affecting the cost of Medicare supplement insurance policies high trend, high outpatient hospital costs, new prospective payment methods. Issue No. 39.

Description: This article makes organizations entering the MA market aware of the star rating climate, as well as short- and long-term star rating & revenue considerations.