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What We're Reading: Small Innovations Make a Big Difference
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What we're reading, December 31, 2015: small innovations from doctors and insurers can make a big difference in cutting healthcare costs; WellCare is transitioning its pharmacy benefit management to CVS Health; and US health officials remind Americans to get the flu shot.
The Atlantic took a look at innovations from providers and insurers to cut healthcare costs. For instance, Geisinger Health System has created an app that allows unhappy customers to request a refund, the website Clear Health Costs enables patients to compare prices of procedures in different locations, and some doctors are receiving laminated cards to remind them of cost-saving strategies when prescribing medications.
WellCare Health Plans has announced that it will transition its pharmacy benefit management to CVS Health, effective January 1, 2016. CVS will administer the pharmacy benefits for 3.8 million WellCare members across the country, according to a press release sent out on the last day of the year.
Finally, US health officials are reminding Americans who have not yet done so to get vaccinated against the flu. It is not too late to get the flu shot as the virus’ activity usually peaks in January or February and can even strike as late as May, reported HealthDay. So far the season has been mild, but flu activity is expected to pick up, and the FDA is reminding even healthy adults to get vaccinated.
