Business Examiner

The average cost for a typical American family of four receiving health care through an employer-sponsored preferred provider organization this year is $20,728, according to the 2012 Milliman Medical Index (MMI). While the 6.9 percent increase over 2011 is the lowest rate of increase in the 10 years of this study, the $1,335 increase surpasses last year’s record of $1,319.

“The average rate of increase this year dips below 7 percent for the first time since we began analyzing these costs, but the total dollar increase is still the highest we have seen,” said Lorraine Mayne, principal and consulting actuary with the Salt Lake City office of Milliman Inc. read more »

Kitsap Mental Health Services is among the first organizations receiving federal Health Care Innovation awards. Made possible by the health care reform law — the Affordable Care Act — the awards will support 26 innovative projects nationwide that will save money, deliver high-quality medical care and enhance the health care workforce. The preliminary recipients of awards totaling $122.6 million expect to reduce health spending by $254 million over the next three years.

“We can’t wait to support innovative projects that will save money and make our health care system stronger,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “It’s yet another way we are supporting local communities now in their efforts to provide better care and lower cost.” read more »

WASHINGTON — More than 3 million health insurance policyholders and thousands of employers will share $1.3 billion in rebates this year, thanks to President Obama’s health care law, a nonpartisan research group said.

The rebates should average $127 for the people who get them, and Democrats are hoping they’ll send an election-year message that Obama’s much-criticized health care overhaul is starting to pay dividends for consumers. Critics of the law call that wishful thinking.

The law requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of the premiums they collect on medical care and quality improvement or return the difference to consumers and employers. read more »

In a major disappointment to small businesses and individuals that purchase their own health insurance in Washington, the Legislature passed E2SHB 2319 — the Health Insurance Exchange Bill — largely along party lines. The bill is aimed at further implementation of the Federal Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in Washington and contains many provisions that exceed federal requirements and, according to business groups, insurance carriers and the agent and broker community, will further damage the insurance marketplace in our state. read more »

The Hospice of Kitsap County Board of Trustees has announced its intent to partner with Harrison Medical Center. As the area’s first and only locally incorporated hospice care provider, Hospice of Kitsap County remains committed to working in concert with local doctors and other health care providers to meet the needs of this community.

“As we grow and expand our services, so does the need for creating a strong and effective infrastructure,” said Jim Page, president of the board of trustees. “We want to make sure that our agency can manage this growth responsibly and effectively.” read more »

Life Care Physician Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Life Care Centers of America, recently placed Dr. Michael Butler as an on-site physician at Life Care Center of Port Orchard.

Butler was hired as part of Life Care’s initiative to place physicians its facilities in Washington. In his new position, Butler will work with the Port Orchard center’s interdisciplinary team and other attending physicians in caring for the facility’s patients.

His presence in the nursing home will enhance physician accessibility to patients and families. He will aid in hospital transitions and pharmacy communications, and being on-site will allow him to personally respond to medical changes or emergencies in a timely manner. read more »

Hospice of Kitsap County announced that Ann Taylor has accepted the position of executive director. Taylor brings extensive nursing and healthcare administration experience to the role.

Formerly the executive director of CAPRI, Taylor has also served on the Hospice of Kitsap County board of trustees for more than three years. Board of Trustees president Jim Page stated, “Although we are losing a dedicated board member, we are gaining a talented and mission driven executive director. Ann has a great passion and dedication to Hospice. She will provide strong and effective leadership.” read more »

Adair Palis, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Harrison Medical Center, was selected as one of 25 national healthcare leaders under the age of 40 by Becker’s Hospital Review.

The “Rising Stars: 25 Healthcare Leaders Under Age 40” is one of several leader lists compiled by Becker’s. The list is a sampling of noteworthy industry leaders and is developed based on nominations and editorial research.

Palis, who has been with Harrison since 2002, served as chief information officer from 2005 to 2010, becoming the youngest executive at Harrison. read more »

MultiCare Health System patients now have a mobile app for accessing their medical records, reviewing test results and upcoming visit schedules, and sending messages to their physicians. The app, made available in January for Apple and Android smart phones and mobile devices, is integrated into MultiCare’s secure online patient portal, MyChart, which additionally allows patients to schedule appointments and request prescription refills.

The first version of the secure mobile app does not include the capability to schedule appointments or request refills, but expanded functionality is expected to be added in the future, according to Dr. Eric Herman, MultiCare primary care physician and medical director for Population Health Management. read more »