Word: hmos
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1990-1999
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...WATCH Last week Aetna and Humana got slammed with class actions for failing to disclose bonuses given to doctors and claims reviewers who kept costs down by restricting patient care. More cases are expected, particularly if Congress allows malpractice suits against HMOs. Meanwhile, HMOs are planning to raise their premiums an average 11% next year, following this year's 6% increase, according to a Sherlock Co. survey. Although HMOs usually scale back these increases, why such a big initial hike? HMOs cite higher drug costs, for one thing, not to mention lawyers' fees...
When Davis signed a head-turning bipartisan health-care-reform package into law last week--one that, among other things, expands coverage to include breast cancer and mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, creates a panel to review denial of coverage and gives patients the right to sue HMOs that don't make "the health of the patient the bottom line"--he established what could become a national standard by which to judge reform in this area...
...bill would also require HMOs to provide access to specialized and emergency care...
...them, who?ve tied cement blocks to the bill, the goal is to position HMO reform as close as possible to the business interests that support them most fervently. That means limiting lawsuits and capping damage awards. Democrats tend to prick their ears to the trial lawyers, who see HMOs as the most lucrative enemy since Big Tobacco, and, most important, the angry patients on whose behalf the suits would be filed. Both sides have a point, even if they?re not above using "gamesmanship" to make it. But as it usually goes when Clinton and the House GOP brain...
...This is a familiar dance," says TIME congressional correspondent John Dickerson. "And Clinton, like so many times before, is backing a viewpoint that?s very easy for him to demagogue." Not to mention that it?s pre-election maneuvering time - and voters are hopping mad at the HMOs. Will Clinton?s tune soothe the savage congressional beast? It might ?- after all, it was fear of getting outmaneuvered again by Clinton that pushed Speaker Hastert into his compromise effort. But Denny really can?t win either way. Give in, and it?s the leadership left holding the bag while Democrats declare...