Insight, analysis & opinion from Joe Paduda
Some WCRI attendees thought my public criticism of former Republican Sen. Tom Coburn (OK) was inappropriate (many did not). Here’s why I called him out. First, in talking about disability, Coburn asserted that SSDI – Social Security Disability Income – … Continue reading Calling out Coburn at WCRI
Read More...Two immutable truths were behind much of ACA’s original construction. These same truths are giving Republicans seeking to repeal/replace major heartburn. First, healthcare is the single largest part of America’s economy. One out of every six (soon to be five) dollars … Continue reading ACA Deathwatch: Two Immutable Truths
Read More...It’s time to polish up the HSA crystal ball and prognosticate on what the next year will bring for workers’ comp. Today we’ll keep it at a high level, examining 5 key drivers that will affect insurers, employers, regulators. Tomorrow we’ll … Continue reading Whither Workers’ comp in 2017?
Read More...As the GOP goes about repealing and replacing ACA, they’ll have to carefully consider how Medicare will be affected, because it absolutely will be. Briefly, reimbursement, senior drug benefits, hospital funding, and private Medicare Advantage programs were all altered by passage of ACA. Outright repeal … Continue reading Getting serious about health reform, part two – Medicare
Read More...This is a special post-election edition of Health Wonk Review – we asked our contributors to share their thoughts about how the GOP’s sweep will affect health care, health reform, and the health care system. I’d like to profusely thank … Continue reading The election’s impact on health care – experts opine
Read More...Okay, time to dig into what this election means for health care. I’m still working thru how this will affect workers’ comp; my first post next week will focus on that. To my loyal readers, thanks for your patience while … Continue reading TrumpCare – initial takes
Read More...The IAIABC meeting in Portland Maine (a singularly GREAT location for conferences) includes some really deep dives into very hot topics – this morning’s discussion of value-based payment was certainly both. Big takeaway – CMS is going BIG into alternative … Continue reading Value-based payment – will it work in workers’ comp?
Read More...I’m up to my eyeballs in the 13th (!!) Annual Survey of Prescription Drug Management in Workers’ Compensation; the response from payers willing to devote time to the project has been gratifying indeed. Previous Survey reports are available here; note … Continue reading Work comp pharmacy – early results of 2016 Survey
Read More...Examworks released their Q4 and 2015 earnings report last week, while Clinical Solutions boss Ken Loffredo and several of his colleagues left the company rather abruptly, with Ken departing ten months before his contract was up. First, key takeaways from the … Continue reading The latest on EXAM – rosy future, staff departures, attempts to diversify
Read More...Made it home from warm and sunny Baton Rouge yesterday just in time to escape the travel disaster unfolding across the east coast. Hope you and yours are warm and snug and home. The big news-that-wasn’t was the completion of … Continue reading Friday catch up
Read More...