Sunshine Data Collection
The federal government will delay collecting physician payment data until 2013. The Physicians Payments Sunshine Act is a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that is intended to increase public accountability and transparency. It requires that drug companies and medical device makers collect and report data on payments and financial arrangements to providers. Initially scheduled to go into effect in October 2011, the initial draft regulations weren’t issued until December 2011. Subsequent stakeholder comments have inundated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from issuing final regulations.
Boosts to Community Health Centers
The administration has provided $728 million to expand and modernize 398 community health centers that provide primary care for the poor and uninsured. The grants for construction and renovation projects are part of an $11 billion funding boost for the centers under the health care law. Patient utilization of community health centers has increased by as much as 18% from 2008 to 2011.
Innovation Grants
Health and Human Services has awarded $122.6 million for 26 projects nationwide that are designed to improve care and reduce health care costs. The ACA provides for up to $1 billion in funding for grants to applicants who present the best ideas in controlling costs and delivering care for those enrolled in the Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs.
Limits Set for Health Savings Accounts in 2013
The IRS has announced the inflation-adjusted increases for thresholds applicable to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) for 2013.
The 2013 HSA changes are as follows:
- Maximum HSA Individual Contribution: $3,250
- Maximum HSA Family Contribution: $6,450
- Catch-up Provision for Ages 55+: Additional $1,000
The 2013 HDHP changes are as follows:
- Minimum Individual Deductible: $1,250
- Minimum Family Deductible: $2,500
- Maximum Individual Out-of-Pocket (OOP): $6,250
- Maximum Family OOP: $12,500
These limits are effective for calendar year 2013. For HDHPs with non-calendar plan years, the minimum deductible and out-of-pocket limits are those that are in effect on the first day of the plan year.
According to Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates, 8 million Americans had HSAs with more than $12 billion in assets in 2011.
May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
This year, over 2 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer. As Memorial Day marks the “unofficial” start of summer, many Americans will spend time outside at the pool, baseball games, and BBQs, putting them at risk for sun exposure. To help educate Americans about skin cancer, this month is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined.
Melanoma, the most common form of cancer in young adults, kills an estimated one person every hour. Prevention is key and the good news is 98% of cases caught early are curable.
Individuals with a family history, fair skin color, and blonde or red hair with blue or green eyes, are more inclined to develop skin cancer; however, it can happen to anyone. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a mirror to thoroughly examine skin on a regular basis using the ABCDE’s of Melanoma (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving). If you notice one of these changes to your skin, contact your dermatologist immediately. Although certain types of melanoma are genetic, there are certain steps to take to protect you this summer including wearing sunscreen; wearing hats that cover your face, ears, and neck; avoiding the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; as well as avoiding tanning beds.
For more information on skin cancer awareness:
Coventry Modifies Passport Program
Coventry has modified their "Passport Program" to allow out-of-area non-student dependents to enroll in a covered member's plan.
Previously, Coventry only allowed out-of-area dependents, who were students, to participate. Dependents can enroll and take advantage of the national network by calling Coventry Member Services. Contact information is listed on the back of the Coventry ID card. The effective date of coverage is the first of the month in which dependents enroll.
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Caravus Blog
Catch up on the latest Caravus blogs...
Caring About Girls on the Run
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The Future of Medicare
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Happy 25th Anniversary!
In 1987, Ronald Reagan was president, the price of gasoline was 95 cents a gallon, The Cosby Show was the... read more
2013 HSA Limits
The IRS has announced the inflation-adjusted increases for thresholds applicable to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and High Deductible Health Plans... read more
Healthy Food in Your Cube
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Lessons Learned
A Caravus client recently described his trip to Punta Cana, leading me to ask him to put pen to paper... read more
Caravus Branding Wins 2 Awards
While we have always been extremely proud and appreciative of the great work TOKY Branding and Design did in creating Caravus, we... read more
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