Despite PHR availability, few consumers use them

Even as insurers increasingly make plans to offer personal health records for their customers, very few Americans use the technology or even know what a PHR is. An estimated 70 million people have access to basic PHRs through their health insurers, with millions more scheduled to receive the service this year, according to research by Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna and the Financial Planning Association. The survey of more than 2,100 adults found that 64 percent said they do not know or are unsure about what a PHR is. Among the group of Americans familiar with PHRs, 83 percent acknowledge that the online record personalizes their experience with their healthcare provider, but only 11 percent currently use one to keep track of their medical and health history.

More payers join coverage verification core initiative

Last month, three more payers and a vendor were certified as able to exchange or access consistent eligibility and benefits information required to verify patient health insurance coverage, according to CAQH, which is operating the Committee on Operating Rules for Information Exchange, or CORE initiative. Those certified were Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while the certified vendor is VisionShare, a secure connectivity solutions provider. CAQH said nearly 25 healthcare organizations, covering approximately 65 million commercially insured lives, are now CORE-certified, and more than 20 other healthcare associations, accrediting bodies, networks and businesses have endorsed the rules.

AMA, AARP push for uninsured child coverage plan

The American Medical Association and AARP are joining forces to push for legislation they say would protect Medicare and extend health insurance to millions of uninsured children. The Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives in late July and “would be paid for by reducing excess payments to insurance companies and by raising the tobacco tax,” a news release indicated. “This bill helps both America’s seniors and America’s children get the healthcare they need, and it’s paid for with a tobacco tax and an end to subsidies to insurance companies,” said AMA President-elect Nancy Nielsen, MD. The groups are launching a joint advertising program to push for passage of the legislation.