Archive for 2009

Does This Make Sense to Anyone?

Author : Toni Bigby

Consumer Advocacy at CareSource Over 11 years of experience working with Ohio’s Medicaid program promoting the importance and availability of health care coverage for Ohio’s underserved populations; Responsible for working with statewide consumer advocacy groups to advance key initiatives to provide value-added benefits to CareSource members; Charged with engaging members to bring their voice to the forefront to inform internal business operations

Dec 23rd, 2009 | by Toni Bigby

We don’t think anyone meant the new tax on insurers to actually be a tax on states, but that’s how it works out in the current iteration of the bill. It doesn’t make sense to us.

One Playground Accident Away from Bankruptcy

Author : Toni Bigby

Consumer Advocacy at CareSource Over 11 years of experience working with Ohio’s Medicaid program promoting the importance and availability of health care coverage for Ohio’s underserved populations; Responsible for working with statewide consumer advocacy groups to advance key initiatives to provide value-added benefits to CareSource members; Charged with engaging members to bring their voice to the forefront to inform internal business operations

Dec 14th, 2009 | by Toni Bigby

It’s sad to think that one playground accident could bankrupt a family of four. A fall from the monkey bars, a broken leg from a football game, an ill-timed sprint in front of the swings. It’s enough to keep many parents up at night.

Insurer Fee – Reasonable Idea… Unintended Consequences

Author : Chris Whistler

Vice President, Government Affairs at CareSource Over 15 years of experience in public policy and finance, with a focus on the Medicaid program. Responsible for working with policymakers to ensure that they understand the benefits CareSource brings to our members and to taxpayers, and for leading advocacy for legislative and programmatic changes that enable CareSource to better serve our members.

Dec 10th, 2009 | by Chris Whistler

Whenever a new concept is proposed, those at the deliberation table automatically ask “what would happen if?” before they decide to act.

The Holidays are a Time for Reflection

Author : Toni Bigby

Consumer Advocacy at CareSource Over 11 years of experience working with Ohio’s Medicaid program promoting the importance and availability of health care coverage for Ohio’s underserved populations; Responsible for working with statewide consumer advocacy groups to advance key initiatives to provide value-added benefits to CareSource members; Charged with engaging members to bring their voice to the forefront to inform internal business operations

Nov 24th, 2009 | by Toni Bigby

The holiday season is now upon us. And while this time of year is supposed to be a joyous time spent with family and friends, I find myself reflecting on the lives of people that find the holiday season to be just another reminder of their economic circumstance.

The Government Says Questions are the Answer. Our Question is: Have You Tried It?

Author : Toni Bigby

Consumer Advocacy at CareSource Over 11 years of experience working with Ohio’s Medicaid program promoting the importance and availability of health care coverage for Ohio’s underserved populations; Responsible for working with statewide consumer advocacy groups to advance key initiatives to provide value-added benefits to CareSource members; Charged with engaging members to bring their voice to the forefront to inform internal business operations

Nov 13th, 2009 | by Toni Bigby

The federal government is investing in a consumer education campaign to encourage people to watch out for themselves a little better. Two questions: who is responsible and what’s the point?

The “Public Option” is NOT Revolutionary… Actually, It’s Been Working Great For Years

Author : Bobby Jones

Chief Operating Officer, CareSource More than 30 years experience in both Medicaid and Medicare; Strong proponent for public sector health care at both the state and federal levels; Proven track record for driving operational efficiencies with an extensive executive leadership background in health plan operations for national managed care organizations; Holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and Business Economics from Wayne State University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Nov 6th, 2009 | by Bobby Jones

You’ve probably noticed that the health care reform debate has shifted from health care reform to health “insurance” reform.

More Is Not Better – The Story of Fragmentation of Care

Author : Craig Thiele, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer, CareSource Over 16 years of clinical leadership experience with a strong background in case and disease management. Oversees clinical and quality initiatives at CareSource and manages medical policy, clinical care guidelines, utilization parameters, and quality assurance for its health plans.

Nov 4th, 2009 | by Craig Thiele, M.D.

I heard a story that didn’t surprise me, but may surprise you. It was called “The Telltale Wombs of Lewiston, Maine,” on National Public Radio. At the start, the story seemed to be pointing a finger…

Can We Wait Until 2014?

Author : Chris Whistler

Vice President, Government Affairs at CareSource Over 15 years of experience in public policy and finance, with a focus on the Medicaid program. Responsible for working with policymakers to ensure that they understand the benefits CareSource brings to our members and to taxpayers, and for leading advocacy for legislative and programmatic changes that enable CareSource to better serve our members.

Oct 14th, 2009 | by Chris Whistler

The US Senate Finance Committee just approved a plan that includes a provision that would significantly expand Medicaid. This is great on so many levels. However…