The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Revenue Procedure 2014-30 outlining the annual health savings account (HSA) contribution limitation, the minimum deductible for a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and the maximum out-of-pocket expense limits for an HDHP in 2015. For calendar year 2015, the annual contribution limitation to an HSA is $3,350 for self-only coverage and $6,650 for family coverage. The minimum deductible under an HDHP is $1,300 for self-only coverage or $2,600 for family coverage. The maximum out-of-pocket expense limit is $6,450 for self-only coverage or $12,900 for family coverage.
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HHS Releases Data on Physician Medical Services Payments
“As part of the Obama administration’s work to make our health care system more transparent, affordable, and accountable, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the release of new, privacy-protected data on services and procedures provided to Medicare beneficiaries by physicians and other health care professionals. The new data also show payment and submitted charges, or bills, for those services and procedures by provider.” Read more here.
Insurers Rethink Pay and Pursue Strategy
“With about seven percent of all public and private health insurance claims paid incorrectly, insurers have a ways to go, beyond traditional models, if the healthcare spending crisis is to be reined in.
Private insurers historically were apt to raise premiums to cover rising healthcare inflation and, like Medicare, to “pay and chase” incorrect claims. But that may not be sustainable for much longer.
With provider upcoding and demand for healthcare services bound to continue … payment integrity is one area where insurers can start to make a large difference.” Read more here.