Prescription for Protecting Online Health Records
June 26, 2008 - The Washington Post
Hoping to persuade more people to store their medical records online, Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and a hodgepodge of health care providers and insurers have agreed on ground rules for protecting the privacy of the sensitive information.
New AHRQ Campaign Focuses on Patient Empowerment
June 26, 2008 - The Boston Globe
The U.S. Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality is rolling out a new campaign called "Questions Are the Answer," designed to help patients be more involved in their care to avoid preventable harm. The program offers a website that includes video, checklists and advice for patients and providers on asking and answering questions.
New Survey Reveals How Much Employers Spend on Incentives for Health Management Programs; Survey of NAM, ERIC employers also explores ROI, behaviors earning incentives and commonly used program evaluations measures
April 9, 2008 - Washington and Lyndhurst via International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Major U.S. employers using incentives to promote employer-sponsored health and wellness programs rose 62 percent to 71 percent between 2007 and 2008 according to a report released today. Also included is new data about what program employers reward, how much they spend and what they expect in return for their investment.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Will Affect Health Plan Practices
June, 2008 - Watson Wyatt
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) has important implications for group health plans. The act's restrictions on the collection and use of the genetic information and privacy protections will effect many aspects of the plan operations, including health risk assessments and vendor relations among others. To prepare, plan sponsors should review the new requirements, identify all practices that involve genetic information and determine whether changes will be necessary.
Treasury Releases Q & A on HSAs
U.S. Department of Treasury
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service released on Wednesday additional guidance on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Notice 2008-59 contains 42 new frequently asked questions and answers as well as examples.
