A report released today by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) raises serious questions about whether Americans should accept the opportunity made available by HHS for the first time today to establish a personal account and begin entering their data into HHS data banks in preparation to apply for health care coverage through health insurance exchanges to be created under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act when enrollment begins on October 1, 2013. In light of the OIG findings, Americans concerned about protecting their personal information may want to hold off entering information on the Healthcare.gov website and to share their concerns with HHS and Congress.
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Category: Public Policy
Will Health Care Reform Be Ready Jan.1? HHS Says Yes; GAO Skeptical
Despite growing concerns expressed by the General Accounting Office (GAO) and others about arrangements and the need for added funding to prepare for the massive conversion in the U.S. health care system slated to take effect January 1, 2014 under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“ACA), Obama Administration officials are continuing to claim readiness to begin enrollment of Americans In federal health care marketplace on schedule on October 1, 2013 and to meet other crucial deadlines necessary to effectively implement the next wave of ACA’s health care reforms in the Department of Health & Human Service’s rollout of new consumer health care education and decision-making tools on its newly designed healthcare.gov website.
Economic Downturn, Not Health System Reform, Responsible For Decrease In Health Care Cost Trend
Bad economic times, and not health care reform, account for the record slowdown in U.S. health care spending, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation study, Assessing the Effects of the Economy on the Recent Slowdown in Health Spending (Study).
According to Kaiser Foundation, government statistics show that the period from 2009-2011 had the slowest growth (3.9%) in health care expenditures since the government began tracking health expenditure data in 1960.
Resources Can Help Persons With Disabilities Leverage Abilities To Become Successful Entrepreneurs
The widely shared story about 27-year-old Tim Harris, Young entrepreneur’s life defined by dreams, not disabilities, is an uplifting reminder about the power of focusing on the abilities of individuals. Although Harris was born with […]
Sequester Cuts Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
Even as small and other businesses are struggling to cope with rising rates and impending new rules under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), small businesses now must deal with being sideswiped by […]
NHI Says Coordinated Care Can Reduce Disabled’s High ER Use; System Contains Many Barriers To Providing This Care
Working-age adults with disabilities account for a disproportionately high amount of annual emergency department visitors, reports a comparison study from National Institutes of Health (NIA)researchers. As emergency department care may not be the best to […]
Look At Mental Health Care For Part Of The Solution To Prevent A Future Newtown Tragedy
As American’s struggle in the wake of the heartbreaking massacre of 20 children and 6 teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut last week to understand and find effective ways to prevent tragedies like […]
NIH “Weight of the Nation” and Other NIH Resources To Help Employees, Families Fight Obesity
Coincident with annual Hurricane Season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging all Americans to mark National Preparedness Month during September by preparing a family emergency plan during September. While important for all Americans, this […]
NIH “Weight of the Nation” and Other NIH Resources To Help Employees, Families Fight Obesity
While tight budgets may require employers, families and communities to cut back on a broad range of expenditures, limited budge Employers, communities and families struggling to find affordable resources to promote and manage obesity and other wellness […]
Effective Wellness Programs Possible Despite Tight Budgets
While tight budgets preventing many businesses from investing in wellness consulting resources, a tight budget doesn’t mean your company, church, or other group can’t have a thriving wellness program. Wellness is a culture. While the resources and advice of consultants and bells and whistles can be helpful sometimes, the inability to afford them doesn’t mean that your organization or group can’t have a healthy and effective wellness program.