Email steve@steveariens.com 502-938-2414
Pay Attention
Doc Blows Whistle on Cigna https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/features/109910 Cigna increased efforts to speed up claims denials using new software and performance measures that pressured medical directors to close cases without a full review, according to a ProPublica investigationopens in a new tab or window. The insurance company reportedly pressured medical directors who fell behind in reviewing cases, […]
Filed under: General Problems | Leave a Comment »
In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation (Exhibit B – 3.28.24 hearing transcript)Related document(s) https://www.docketbird.com/court-documents/In-re-National-Prescription-Opiate-Litigation/-Exhibit-B-3-28-24-hearing-transcript-Related-document-s/ohnd-1:2017-md-02804-05402-002 It is only 160+ pages
Filed under: General Problems | Leave a Comment »
R.I.P. Robert Charles Foster Robert Charles Foster, a male from Oregon died by suicide. ‘(or as he phrased it, “suicide by cop”). Foster told the police during a previous suicide attempt, “I had been in chronic, constant pain, and was for whatever reason, not able to get the medication he needed for it.” He was […]
Filed under: General Problems | 6 Comments »
Notice in this DOJ press release, that they stated that individuals traveled hundreds of miles to obtain prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances – one of those DEA RED FLAGS. Generally, RED FLAGS are policies that the DEA adopts from observing what many/addicts/diverters do. Let’s look at the simple math. Over a ~ 6-year […]
Filed under: General Problems | 4 Comments »
Equal Protection Clause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Protection_Clause The Equal Protection Clause is part of the first section of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The clause, which took effect in 1868, provides “nor shall any State … deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” It mandates that individuals in similar situations […]
Filed under: General Problems | 2 Comments »
United Health Care for ALL
Filed under: General Problems | 4 Comments »
This could be the proverbial “canary in the coal mine”. Several major healthcare providers did not renew their contracts with a number of Medicare-C (Advantage) programs for 2025. All insurance providers of Medicare-C and Medicare-D are FOR PROFIT. CVS stated in this article that it experienced increased Medicare utilization. If you have Medicare-C or Medicare-D […]
Filed under: General Problems | Leave a Comment »
This poses an interesting conundrum. Being de-classified to a C-3, may encourage some pharmas to do some clinical research on some of the components of MJ. MJ being classified as a C-1 prohibited research. I have read that there have been at least 100 different components isolated from MJ and there may be that many […]
Filed under: General Problems | Leave a Comment »
ProPublica Creates a Tool to Hold Payers Accountable https://www.daily-remedy.com/propublica-creates-a-tool-to-hold-payers-accountable/ Series: Uncovered: How the Insurance Industry Denies Coverage to Patients Health insurers reject millions of claims for treatment every year in America. Corporate insiders, recordings and internal emails expose the system and its harm. Just outside public view, the American health insurance industry’s algorithms, employees and […]
Filed under: General Problems | Leave a Comment »
FTC makes strides to boost competition and hold PBMs accountable https://ncpa.org/newsroom/qam/2024/04/24/ftc-makes-strides-boost-competition-and-hold-pbms-accountable Two pieces of news about the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that will affect the health care community. Chair Lina Khan revealed this week that an update into the agency’s investigation of pharmacy benefit managers will be released in the coming months, far sooner than […]
Filed under: General Problems | Leave a Comment »
