How likely are a company’s employees to accept coverage under Health Care Reform? – Video

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How likely are a company #39;s employees to accept coverage under Health Care Reform?
In this video, Dave Marini of ADP discusses findings from a recent study by the ADP Research Institute® and suggests ways to improve participation rates. For...

By: ADP

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How likely are a company's employees to accept coverage under Health Care Reform? - Video

Minimum health care for maximum city, Mumbai

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By 2020, Mumbai is expected to become one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. The much-touted health care infrastructure in the megalopolis has, however, failed to cope with the exponential population growth.

According to the 2011 census, Mumbai and its suburbs are home to 1.2 crore persons. Projected calculations estimate that more than 13 lakh people will be added to the population pool by 2021.

According to BMC figures, the island city has seen a reduction of two lakh persons and recorded negative growth in past ten years and upto seven lakh persons have been added to suburbs. To add to the woes of this migrating population, the health infrastructure in the suburbs continues to be poor. In the past 10 years, the population in the island city has decreased substantially.

There are numerous reasons for this demographic shift. Clearly, former residents of the island city are giving up their erstwhile small houses in search of cheaper and spacious properties in the suburbs, said a senior BMC official.

Researchers have pointed out that there is a glaring deficiency in public health infrastructure in the suburbs as health care facilities continue to be concentrated in the island city. This, in spite of the area seeing a negative growth of population. Increase in slum population and migration of city islanders to the suburbs has led to the mushrooming of numerous small-time nursing homes and private hospitals.

The Mumbai Human Development Report 2009, points out that, on an average, only about 21% of city households use public health services. The rest approach private doctors or hospitals. To add to the problem there is a huge scarcity of public dispensaries and health posts in Mumbai, which compels a majority of people to depend on private physicians. All this creates the breeding ground for quacks or bogus doctors and vulnerability of the poor to their mercy.

While, tertiary care hospitals like KEM hospital in Parel, Nair hospital in Mumbai Central and Sion hospital are among the top-notch medical colleges in India and they produce among the best doctors in the country, the load on these three hospitals to cater to a humongous influx of patients is beyond comprehension.

Patients throng the hospital corridors not only from Mumbai but also from satellite towns of Thane, Kalyan, Mira Road, Bhayander and Navi Mumbai. In totality, KEM, Nair and Sion Hospitals, see a footfall of up to 14,000 patients a day. This has led to the hospitals infrastructure to crumble.

BMCs health committee member and NCP corporator Dr Saiyeda Khan explains that there is an acute disparity in distribution of hospital beds across Mumbai. The island city (Colaba to Mahim) is home to three super specialty hospitals - state-run JJ Hospital, KEM Hospital and Nair Hospital with capacity to hold more than 6,000 patients at any given point of time. In comparison, the bed capacity at Sion Hospital which caters to the population from the far suburbs is merely 5,000. This disparity exists even as many of are migrating to the suburbs from the island city in search of better living conditions, said Khan.

It is imperative that basic health care and treatment be provided in the 16 peripheral hospitals across the city that are run by the civic body. Apart from this, the bed capacity in peripheral hospitals and Sion Hospital, which is the only tertiary care super-specialty hospital in the suburbs, should be strengthened, said Khan.

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Minimum health care for maximum city, Mumbai

Health care is the economy, Obama insists

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When Bill Clinton ran for president, his campaign headquarters famously had a sign on the wall reading: "It's the economy, stupid."

One of the lines of criticism against the next Democratic president has been that he allegedly hasn't paid enough attention to the still-ailing economy and instead chose to implement dramatic reforms of the health-care sector. If it was "the economy, stupid" in 1992, shouldn't that be even more so in 2013?

This evening at the Clinton Global Initiative, Bill Clinton invited President Barack Obama to address this line of criticism directly.

(Read more: Bono defends Ireland and its low taxes)

"Why didn't you just focus on the economy and leave this alone?" Clinton asked.

Obama's answer challenged the premise of the question.

"It's important to remember that health care is the economy. A massive part of our economy. The idea that we can separate out the two is a fantasy," Obama replied.

The president went on to elaborate on that theme in a way that seemed aimed directly at Republican lawmakers who are attempting to defund certain aspects of Obamacare. Health-care reform, he argued, is a form of deficit reduction.

The fact is that the U.S. has, for decades, lagged behind other industrialized nation when it comes to health-care coverage.

"So when we talk about our deficit, the reason we have not only current deficits and projected long-term deficits, the structural deficit we have is because of how much we spend on health care," Obama said. "If we spent the same amount of money on health care, with the same outcomes, as Canada, or the U.K., or Japan, that would remove our structural deficit."

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Health care is the economy, Obama insists

Health care is the economy, Obama says

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When Bill Clinton ran for president, his campaign headquarters famously had a sign on the wall reading: "It's the economy, stupid."

One of the lines of criticism against the next Democratic president has been that he allegedly hasn't paid enough attention to the still-ailing economy and instead chose to implement dramatic reforms of the health-care sector. If it was "the economy, stupid" in 1992, shouldn't that be even more so in 2013?

This evening at the Clinton Global Initiative, Bill Clinton invited President Barack Obama to address this line of criticism directly.

(Read more: Bono defends Ireland and its low taxes)

"Why didn't you just focus on the economy and leave this alone?" Clinton asked.

Obama's answer challenged the premise of the question.

"It's important to remember that health care is the economy. A massive part of our economy. The idea that we can separate out the two is a fantasy," Obama replied.

The president went on to elaborate on that theme in a way that seemed aimed directly at Republican lawmakers who are attempting to defund certain aspects of Obamacare. Health-care reform, he argued, is a form of deficit reduction.

The fact is that the U.S. has, for decades, lagged behind other industrialized nation when it comes to health-care coverage.

"So when we talk about our deficit, the reason we have not only current deficits and projected long-term deficits, the structural deficit we have is because of how much we spend on health care," Obama said. "If we spent the same amount of money on health care, with the same outcomes, as Canada, or the U.K., or Japan, that would remove our structural deficit."

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Health care is the economy, Obama says

Health care law reuniting Obama, Bill Clinton – NBC40.net

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By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton took to the same stage Tuesday to promote the new health care law that Obama championed after Clinton's own efforts to reform health care years earlier fell flat.

Joining forces under dimmed lights in a hotel ballroom in New York, Obama and Clinton laid out the law's benefits and its connection to the economy while dispelling what they called disinformation about its downsides. Clinton, acting as host, lobbed the questions; Obama answered with the eagerness of a guest on a daytime TV talk show.

It was a pair of presidents in dark suits, reclining on comfy, white chairs as they reflected on the effort that went in to passing the sweeping law, and the intense challenges facing its implementation. New exchanges where Americans can buy health insurance - a centerpiece of the law - open for enrollment on Oct. 1.

"I don't have pride of authorship for this thing, I just want the thing to work," Obama said. He added that he was confident Americans will be swayed by its advantages even though polls show they're deeply wary of the law. "The devil you know is always better than the devil you don't know."

Clinton felt free to point out some of the drawbacks in the law's implementation, while making clear that Obama was not the one to blame. For example, he noted that the Supreme Court said states could not be forced to take Medicaid money to finance the expansion of health coverage.

"That's going to lead to a cruel result, and there's nothing the president can do, and it's not his fault. That's what the Supreme Court said," Clinton said.

The hourlong appearance, sponsored by the former president's foundation known as the Clinton Global Initiative, marks the start of a concerted campaign by the Obama administration and its allies to inform consumers about their options under the law. It also took place around the 20th anniversary of Clinton's address to a joint session of Congress calling for an overhaul of the health care system. That effort, by Clinton and former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, was unsuccessful.

Mrs. Clinton, who ran against Obama before becoming his first-term secretary of state, introduced the two presidents with a list of what they have in common. They're both left-handed, love golf and have fabulous daughters, she said. And one more thing:

"They each married far above themselves," Clinton said with a laugh.

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Health care law reuniting Obama, Bill Clinton - NBC40.net

Fitch Affirms Health Care Service Corporation Ratings

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CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Health Care Service Corporation's (HCSC) Insurer Financial Strength Rating (IFS) at 'A+', its long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'A', and the 'A' rating on the company's $500 million issue of 4.70% senior unsecured notes due Jan. 15, 2021. The Rating Outlooks are Stable

KEY RATING DRIVERS

HCSC's strong competitive position, conservatively structured balance sheet strength and solid earnings profile all support the current ratings. Balanced against these strengths is HCSC's concentration in its two key markets of Illinois and Texas.

On July 31, 2013, HCSC completed its acquisition of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Montana's insurance assets and operations. BCBS Montana will become one of HCSC's five BCBS operating divisions. BCBS Montana has 250,000 customers.

HCSC is a leading provider of health insurance and managed care services in Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It is the nation's largest nonpublic health insurer with greater than 13.5 million members.

A key competitive advantage is the company's exclusive right to use Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Blues) trademarks in HCSC's four core states. In addition, access to Blue Card, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's (BCBSA) national account platform, has helped establish and grow HCSC's leading market position.

HCSC has a conservative balance sheet measured by strong statutory capitalization, modest financial leverage and a high quality, liquid investment portfolio. HCSC's NAIC RBC ratio was 620% of the company action level (CAL) at year-end 2012. Surplus increased by nearly 7% or $656 million to $10.2 billion through the first half of 2013.

Debt to total capital as of June 30, 2013 was 4.8%, which Fitch considers very modest for both the current rating category and the entire market sector. The company has $500 million in senior unsecured debt with 4.7% coupon maturing in January 2021.

HCSC's annualized return on capital was considered strong at 11.8% through the first six months of 2013, especially in light of its conservative capital position. HCSC's EBITDA margin was 8.2% through June 30, 2013, which is consistent with Fitch's median guideline for the current rating category.

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Fitch Affirms Health Care Service Corporation Ratings

Health care law reuniting Obama, Clinton

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By: Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Health care is reuniting President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton.

The two are set to appear together Tuesday to discuss Obama's health care law at a session sponsored by the Clinton Global Initiative, the former president's foundation.

The joint appearance comes exactly one week before people who don't have health insurance can start signing up on Oct. 1 for coverage plans through new insurance marketplaces. It also comes as the Obama administration and those who stand to benefit from the law's success, such as insurance companies, launch a campaign to inform consumers about their options under the law.

The Affordable Care Act requires everyone to carry health insurance or face penalties. Obama has said the goal is to make health care more affordable while extending coverage to millions of people who don't have it.

Clinton's appearance will be his second in recent weeks to help promote the 3-year-old law, which has been contentious from the start. In a speech earlier this month in his home state of Arkansas, the former president explained how the law works and argued that it makes the country stronger. He urged opponents to quit trying to undo the law and to work instead to improve it.

The law "does give us the best chance we have to achieve nearly universal coverage, provide higher quality health care and lower the rate of cost increases, which we have got to do in a competitive global economy," said Clinton, who failed to expand access to health care during his eight years as president.

The Republican-controlled House has voted more than three dozen times to repeal, delay or eliminate funding for the law, arguing that it hurts the economy by imposing too many requirements on businesses and individuals, and driving health care costs higher as a result. None of the bills have advanced in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Obama highlights popular, consumer-friendly provisions of the law, such as requiring that mammograms and other health screenings be conducted free of charge, and allowing parents to keep children on their plans until they turn 26. He also has highlighted requirements for insurers to spend a certain percentage of premiums on health care.

But large numbers of Americans say they don't understand the law. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll conducted earlier this month found just 30 percent of people saying they understand the law and how it will affect them. Sixty-nine percent said they understand the law only some or not very well.

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Health care law reuniting Obama, Clinton

Healthcare Futurist Jack Uldrich to Keynote Two Hospital Association Events in October

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Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) September 24, 2013

Popular keynote speaker, healthcare futurist, and best-selling author, Jack Uldrich has been selected to deliver three keynote sessions to hospital associations across the country. On October 10, 2013, Uldrich will keynoting the Arkansas Hospital Association's annual meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas where he'll be discussing "Why Future Trends in Healthcare Will Require Unlearning." Later in the month, Uldrich be discussing key technological trends in health care with members of the Arizona Hospital Association in Phoenix on October 23.

The presentations, based on Uldrichs two most recent books: "Foresight 20/20: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow" and "Higher Unlearning: 39 Post Requisite Lessons for Achieving a Successful Future" as well as his popular article, "Top Ten Trends in Healthcare," will begin by discussing how continued advances in information technologies, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, genomics, regenerative medicine and social networking will radically transform healthcare in the decade ahead. (A video of Mr. Uldrich discussing future trends can be viewed here.)

Uldrich will then focus on why these trends will demand unlearning and discuss why participants must embrace the concept of unlearning in order to achieve future success. Uldrich, who has been hailed as Americas Chief Unlearning Officer, will conclude by reviewing specific habits, customs, beliefs and ideas that healthcare professionals canand mustunlearn. Throughout his talks, he will use vivid analogies and memorable stories, drawn from a wide spectrum of industries, to ensure his message of unlearning sticks with his audiences.

In the past year, Uldrich has addressed dozens of healthcare associations and hospitals, including the Alcetel-Lucent/Verizon Forum on Wireless Healthcare, IASIS Healthcare, Allina Hospitals, The Healthcare Trustees of New York, The Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, Care Providers of Minnesota, St. Jude Medical, Fairview Hospitals, University Hospitals & Health System of Ohio, and healthcare associations in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. He has also addressed a number of major, non-health-care-related corporations on the topic of unlearning including United Healthcare, PepsiCo, Cisco, IBM, WiPro, Guardian Life Insurance and General Electric. Uldrich also frequently addresses Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and Chamber of Commerce events throughout the country.

Parties interested in learning more about Jack Uldrich, his books, his daily blog or his speaking availability are encouraged to visit his website at: http://www.jumpthecurve.net. Media wishing to know more about the event or interviewing Jack Uldrich can contact him directly at 612-267-1212 or jack(at)schoolofunlearning(dot)com.

Uldrich is a renowned global healthcare futurist, best-selling author; editor of the monthly newsletter, The Exponential Executive, and host of the award-winning websites, http://www.jumpthecurve.net and http://www.schoolofunlearning.com. He is currently represented by a number of professional speakers bureaus, including Leading Authorities, Executive Speakers Bureau and Convention Connection.

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Healthcare Futurist Jack Uldrich to Keynote Two Hospital Association Events in October

The Learning Show’s Latest Episode Features an Interview with Learning Futurist, Elliott Masie

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Burbank, California (PRWEB) September 24, 2013

Talk show host, Leigh Gregory is back with another episode of The Learning Show, the training industrys de facto internet talk show. And this time, hes riffing on gameful learning, sharing the latest statistics on manager meetings; and talking with learning futurist, Elliott Masie.

One of our goals is to champion workplace learning in all its forms. We do that by talking to the current and emerging thought leaders in the space. And, you cant say the phrase thought leader without Elliott Masie coming to mind. Were stoked to have him on the show, said Leigh.

It was over 20 years ago, that Elliott originated the word, eLearning. And that word became the name for a training method and an entire industry. And Elliott continues to stand at the forefront of the movement to deliver quality learning in as many innovative and engaging ways as possible. Along the way, hes brought his insights to the Department of Defense and to the White House during initiatives to expand learning opportunities to all people. To that end, he used the Learning Show to introduce the emerging concept of personalized learning.

Were expanding out the definition of what eLearning is. And its evaporating, I hope, in an ironic way. I hope we just talk about Learning. Im almost ready to make the assumption that well always use electronics, well always use face to face. Maybe at some point, the E will go away, said Elliott, while outlining how learning will be personalized.

Im excited about Elliotts concept of personalized learning. And I cant wait to see how our industry responds creatively and technologically to this bold philosophical pivot, said Marguerite Gregory, co-founder of Trainevision and executive producer of The Learning Show.

Elliott Masie will host Learning 2013, his annual learning conference, from November 3 6 in Orlando, Florida. George Takei is a special presenter and the featured keynote address will be delivered by former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The Learning Show is brought to you by Trainevision, Inc. The Elliott Masie episode is available now on Trainevisions website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring the industrys thought leaders, disruptors and shape shifters.

About Trainevision Trainevision, Inc. is a performance improvement company located in Burbank, CA. Trainevision produces off-the-shelf video heavy eLearning, Streaming and DVD learning solutions for small, medium and large companies that are looking to improve the soft skills performance of their employees. For more information, visit https://www.trainevision.com. Follow @Trainevision on Twitter, link up on LinkedIn, and like them on Facebook!

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The Learning Show’s Latest Episode Features an Interview with Learning Futurist, Elliott Masie

Kushala Daora – Let’s Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [Gameplay/Commentary] – Ep.40 – Video

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Kushala Daora - Let #39;s Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [Gameplay/Commentary] - Ep.40
Remember to leave a like and a comment if you enjoyed the video - I #39;d really appreciate it :)! Well that was a terrible idea Know When I Upload Faster - http...

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Kushala Daora - Let's Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [Gameplay/Commentary] - Ep.40 - Video

Benny Hinn – Call to Freedom—the Dani and Hans Johnson Interview, Part 5 – Video

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Benny Hinn - Call to Freedom—the Dani and Hans Johnson Interview, Part 5
Dani and Hans Johnson seek to equip so-called ordinary men and women into being extraordinarily successful, as described in her new book, Spirit-Driven Succe...

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Benny Hinn - Call to Freedom—the Dani and Hans Johnson Interview, Part 5 - Video

Sarah Palin: Politicians Shouldn’t Ask How ‘To Limit The Freedom Of The People’ – Video

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Sarah Palin: Politicians Shouldn #39;t Ask How #39;To Limit The Freedom Of The People #39;
Sarah Palin On Gun Control Debate: Politicians Shouldn #39;t Ask How #39;To Limit The Freedom Of The People #39; Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) wrote an op-ed for N...

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Sarah Palin: Politicians Shouldn't Ask How 'To Limit The Freedom Of The People' - Video