Insurance Premiums Drop, HIAA Finds
Despite recent reports that health insurance premiums are rising, the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA), based in Washington, D.C., reports that between 1991 and 1996 they actually dipped by 10%.
These statistics and other industry trends - ranging from HCFA's annual healthcare spending in the next millennium to the average waiting time in a doctor's office-are compiled in the HIAA's Source Book of Health Insurance Data for 1997-98. This year's issue features two new chapters on managed care and fraud.
The book covers a wide range of healthcare topics including health insurance, managed care plans and government-run health programs. Findings include:
- In 1997, the top three concerns of working Americans were: high-cost medical care; losing health insurance and other benefits because of a job change; and having enough income for an extended amount of time if illness or injury prevents them from working;
- In 1997, 12% of Medicare recipients were enrolled in Medicare HMOs. By the year 2000, 18.6% of Medicare recipients are projected to be in Medicare HMOs, and by the year 2007, 38.7% will be enrolled; and
- In 1996, in the continental U.S., Maryland had the greatest number of resident in HMO programs at 41.1%, followed by Oregon at 41%, California at 40.4% and Kentucky at 33.6%. (HIAA, Richard Coorsh, 202/824-1787)
High-Risk Target Have Low Awareness of Stroke
Those at greatest risk for stroke have the least knowledge, according to a report published last week by the Journal of the American Medical Association. The report, based on a study by the University of Cincinnati, identifies warning signs and risk factors as the two areas that the public should be educated about.
Researchers surveyed 1,880 people in Cincinnati, assessing their knowledge of five stroke warning signs established by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg and sudden difficulty speaking or comprehending words.
The study found that:
- 57% of the respondents correctly identified at least one of the five warning signs, but substantially fewer were able to name more than one warning sign;
- 68% could name at least one of the established risk factors for stroke; and
- Those aged 75 or older, who are at the greatest risk for stroke, were the least knowledgeable.
To impact stroke ignorance, the editors suggest targeting younger patients as well as physicians with information on risk factors and symptoms. (University of Cincinnati, Pat Samson, 513/558-4553)
Membership in Medicare Managed Care To Soar
Enrollment in Medicare managed care plans is expected to exceed 20% by the end of 1999 as a result of reforms in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, according to Towers Perrin's health industry consulting practice, based in New York.
Providing an industry outlook that stresses increased consumer pressure for better access to information about their health plans, TP's Managing Principal Howard Veit, highlighted how providers will be most impacted by the act. He anticipates:
- Seniors will have more provider choice through larger hospital and physician networks;
- The number of health plans serving seniors will escalate rapidly, primarily from HMOs, preferred provider organizations (PPOs), provider-sponsored organizations (PSOs) and fee-for-for services as well as medical savings accounts;
- Employers will push health plans to help them merge health benefits, workers compensation and disability insurance into a coordinated system. (TP, Joe Conway, 914/745-4175)