A study by the Center for Studying Health System Change reveals a gap between policy makers' expectations of commercial EMRs to improve care coordination and clinicians' real-world experiences. Current EMRs facilitate care coordination within practices but struggle with exchanging information across physician practices and settings.
A Commonwealth Fund survey found nearly half of young adults (19-29) are uninsured at some time, with key transition times like graduation posing significant risk. The majority support reforms that make health insurance more affordable and protective.
The survey found that half of US doctors spend substantial time dealing with insurance restrictions on patient care, while only 46% use electronic medical records. Many US physicians also report patients having difficulty paying for medications and care, and that their practices do not have provisions for after-hours care.
Leaders in healthcare and health policy support sweeping changes to Medicare, including expanding payment pilot programs and creating an independent advisory council. Experts also back negotiating pharmaceutical drug prices and filling the 'doughnut hole' coverage gap.
The report analyzes the similarities, differences, potential impacts, and costs of current bills passed by Congress, including provisions for expanding coverage, improving quality, and controlling costs. The bills differ in how reform would be financed and what actions would be taken to control costs and expand coverage.
The report found significant differences in health insurance coverage for adults, with a decline in many states, while children's coverage expanded or held steady. National efforts to publicly report performance led to quality improvements in hospitals and nursing homes.
52% of small business employees are uninsured or underinsured due to high premium costs and lack of transparency. Health reform provisions could alleviate these issues, providing standard benefits, eliminating lifetime maximums, and controlling premium costs.
The Commonwealth Fund report predicts family premiums will increase 119% between 1999 and 2008, reaching $23,842 per family by 2020. National reforms could save over $3,700 per family policy, with a 1% annual growth rate reduction yielding substantial savings.
Comprehensive health reform proposals can help young adults aged 19-29 gain coverage through Medicaid expansion and a health insurance exchange. Young adults face significant risks, including medical debt and limited access to healthcare, when they lose their parental coverage or struggle to find jobs with health benefits.
A majority of healthcare leaders support a public health care option and innovative provider payment reform to control costs and ensure access to quality care. They also favor a national insurance exchange with standard-setting authority to standardize benefits and set rating rules.
The individual health insurance market is failing consumers, with 73% unable to purchase a plan due to high premiums. Adults with individual coverage face significant out-of-pocket costs and premium expenses, with half spending 10% or more of their income on these costs.
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund suggests that including private and public insurance choices in a national exchange could save $265 billion in administrative costs. This approach would also help reduce health care costs by nearly $3 trillion by 2020, while improving quality and efficiency.
A study by NORC and Watson Wyatt Worldwide finds rising rates of underinsurance and unaffordability among workers with employer-sponsored health insurance, particularly those with chronic conditions. The average OOP cost for medical services increased from $545 in 2004 to $729 in 2007.
Physicians can play a leading role in achieving comprehensive health care reform by working towards payment and delivery system reforms that achieve 1.5% annual savings, covering all Americans. Reforms include integrated systems of care, innovative payment models and performance measures to promote care coordination.
A national survey of physician practices found that physicians spend an average of three work weeks per year on administrative tasks required by health plans. This translates to a cost of $31 billion annually and 6.9% of all U.S. expenditures for physician and clinical services.
A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries have higher ratings for consumer satisfaction, access to care, and quality of care compared to those with ESI. Many adults under age 65 would likely choose a public health insurance option if it were offered as part of health reform.
A Commonwealth Fund study finds that seven of 10 working-age women in the US have no health insurance coverage or inadequate coverage, leading to medical bill and debt problems. Women are more likely to experience financial burdens from health care costs, with 52% reporting difficulties accessing needed care.
A $6 million initiative supports 68 community health centers in Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to become patient-centered medical homes. The goal is to improve coordinated care, access, and quality improvements for over 500,000 patients.
Since 2004, private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have received $43 billion in extra payments, averaging $1,138 per beneficiary. This represents a 34% increase from 2008 payments and raises concerns about the cost-effectiveness of privatization.
A Commonwealth Fund-supported study found that half of non-surgical Medicare patients are readmitted without follow-up care, highlighting gaps in patient management and the need for coordinated care. The study suggests interventions to improve discharge planning, education, and follow-up care to reduce rehospitalizations.
A comprehensive set of insurance, payment, and system reforms could guarantee affordable health insurance coverage, improve health outcomes, and slow the growth of health spending. The report recommends creating a national insurance exchange, aligning incentives with value and cost control, and promoting patient-centered care.
A study found that increased use of health information technology (HIT) in hospitals led to fewer patient deaths, complications, and lower healthcare costs. The use of electronic notes, order entry, and clinical decision support systems was associated with significant reductions in mortality rates.
Only about one-tenth of unemployed workers secure COBRA coverage, leaving millions at risk due to unaffordable premiums. Low-wage workers are disproportionately affected, with limited public coverage options, and policymakers should consider expanding Medicaid eligibility to provide critical support.
The study highlights two countries that effectively cover all but one percent of their population through individual mandates and premium assistance. They also curb high administrative costs, spending about five percent on healthcare compared to seven percent in the US.
Several congressional proposals aim to cover the uninsured through expanded Medicare coverage, building on public programs and group purchase of private insurance. These plans demonstrate that universal coverage can be achieved with little or no additional total health spending.
A study of California adults found that interruptions in Medicaid coverage are associated with a higher rate of hospitalization for common health conditions. States require frequent reenrollment, leading to gaps in coverage and increased hospital spending.
A new survey reveals that more than half of US chronically ill adults skip necessary care due to financial constraints. The study also finds high rates of medical errors, poorly coordinated care, and long waits for primary care physicians.
Healthcare opinion leaders strongly support fundamental provider payment reform to encourage high-quality and efficient care. The survey also reveals a preference for bundled approaches and incentives for providers, with only 1% expressing satisfaction with the current fee-for-service system.
Extra payments to private FFS Medicare advantage plans totaled $2.5 billion in 2008, with each of the 2 million beneficiaries paying an average of $1,248 more than traditional Medicare costs. The new legislation aims to reduce overpayments and slow enrollment growth.
The Commonwealth Fund report compares Senator McCain and Senator Obama's health reform proposals, revealing divergent approaches to expanding health insurance. While both plans aim to reduce the number of uninsured, their strategies differ: Senator Obama strengthens employer coverage and public programs, while Senator McCain encourages...
Private Medicare Advantage plans received 12.4% more payment per enrollee in 2008 compared to traditional Medicare fee-for-service program. Extra payments amount to $8.5 billion, exceeding expected fee-for-service costs by 10.6%.
The report finds that working-age Americans are struggling with medical bills, with nearly two-thirds having problems or debt. Many delay or avoid needed care due to cost concerns, with one-third spending 10% or more of their income on out-of-pocket expenses.
According to a new survey, 82% of Americans believe the US healthcare system should be fundamentally changed or rebuilt. The survey found that one in three patients experience unnecessary or inefficient care, while nine out of ten adults support efforts to improve the health system's performance with respect to access, quality, and cost.
The US healthcare system scored an average of 65 out of 100 across 37 key indicators, falling short on health outcomes and quality. The number of uninsured and underinsured adults rose to 42%, with potential savings of up to $100 billion annually if performance improved.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund estimates that 25.2 million adults in the US are underinsured, facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses and financial stress. This number has increased by 60% since 2003, with middle and higher-income families hit hardest.
The report found that nearly 60% of employers do not insure dependent children over age 18 or 19, and two-thirds of young adults without coverage go without needed healthcare due to cost. Extending Medicaid and SCHIP eligibility beyond age 18 could cover up to 7.6 million uninsured young adults.
19 million full-time workers and dependents are uninsured, with 11 million on public programs; public spending increases from $31b to $45b between 1999 and 2004. Low-wage workers face growing gap in health care access and coverage.
Research finds black VLBW babies more likely to die in hospitals with higher neonatal death rates than white VLBW babies. Eliminating these disparities could improve survival rates for black VLBW infants by up to 34%.
A survey found that Americans favor keeping employer role in paying for health insurance and believe covering all should be a shared responsibility. The report also evaluates the Presidential candidates' health reform plans, highlighting key differences between Democratic and Republican proposals.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that the US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries in preventable deaths. If the US had performed as well as France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually by the end of the study period.
A new Commonwealth Fund report analyzes 15 federal policy options to achieve significant short- and long-term savings and greater value in the US health care system. Combining universal coverage with policies aimed at reducing spending could result in substantial savings, including $88 billion from promoting health information technolo...
The Commonwealth Fund survey finds widespread support for public reporting of healthcare quality and prices, with 86% supporting public reporting of drug prices and 82% supporting medical loss ratios. Improved transparency is seen as essential to reducing healthcare costs, but its impact on cost reduction varies.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission proposes a high-performance health system with guaranteed affordable coverage, aligned incentives, accountable coordinated care, and quality-focused investments. The report outlines specific strategies to contain costs and improve the U.S. health care delivery system.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds US adults are most likely to report medical errors, go without care due to costs, and support rebuilding the healthcare system. The US ranks last in saying only minor changes are needed, with high out-of-pocket costs and great problems paying medical bills.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a mixed private-public group insurance approach as the most practical way to achieve universal coverage. This strategy shares costs among government, employers, and enrollees, minimizing dislocation for those with existing coverage. The report outlines key principles for refor...
A new report from The Commonwealth Fund finds that 13.3 million young adults ages 19 to 29 were uninsured in 2005, with many having low incomes and limited access to private coverage.
Healthcare leaders support creation of a national quality agenda, fundamental payment reform, and care integration to improve quality and efficiency. The survey found consensus for strategies such as health information technology mandate, financial incentives, and public reporting of provider performance.
Several health reform bills before Congress could lead to significant improvements in health care quality and efficiency. These bills focus on changing payment systems, which hold the greatest promise for health care savings and quality improvement. However, they do not address an overarching strategy or gaps in implementation.
A new report from The Commonwealth Fund shows that providing minority patients with a 'medical home' can help eliminate racial and ethnic health care disparities. When insured adults have access to regular care and coordination, they are more likely to manage chronic conditions, receive preventive care, and have better health outcomes.
The US health care system ranks last compared to five other nations on quality, access, efficiency, equity, and outcomes. Despite spending more on healthcare than other countries, the US also invests less in health information technology.