Heather Trese

• 69% of businesses will not hire in next year

  By Heather Trese  |  August 31, 2011

  A new study by Newtek Business Services found that 69 percent of independent business owners do not plan on hiring any new employees within the next year — or even two years.

• PBM industry 2Q lobbying expenses total $525K

  By Heather Trese  |  August 30, 2011

  A group that represents pharmacy benefits managers spent close to $525,000 in the second quarter lobbying the federal government on a variety of issues.

• Some seniors overwhelmed by Medicare Advantage

  By Heather Trese  |  August 30, 2011

  A new study shows that many older Americans — particularly those with impaired brain function — may be overwhelmed by Medicare options and end up making poor decisions.

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  United, Assurant reach out to Irene victims

  By Heather Trese  |  August 30, 2011

  UnitedHealthcare and Assurant Employee Benefits are pitching in to help the millions of residents affected by Hurricane Irene.

• Higher rebates for Medicaid patients than Medicare

  By Heather Trese  |  August 29, 2011

  Medicaid patients have received higher rebates for their prescription drugs than patients enrolled in the Medicare Part D program.

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  Perry: Social Security is a 'Ponzi scheme'

  By Heather Trese  |  August 29, 2011

  Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry is speaking out against Social Security, calling it a "Ponzi scheme" and a "monstrous lie."

• Health information exchanges lead to plan savings

  By Heather Trese  |  August 26, 2011

  A new study found that health information exchanges (HIE), when used in emergency departments, resulted in improved provider efficiencies and health plan cost savings.

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  The individual mandate cheatsheet

  By Heather Trese  |  August 25, 2011

  A quick and easy reference guide to everything you need to know about the individual mandate.

• 72% of uninsured skip out on health care

  By Heather Trese  |  August 24, 2011

  Nearly three-quarters of people who lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs reported skipping out on needed health care or prescription drugs.

• Value-based health care takes off

  By Heather Trese  |  August 24, 2011

  Value-based health care is becoming more popular as employers strive to create a healthier, more productive work force.