This working paper examines how value-added models of performance measurement used in education can apply to health care when measuring and rewarding physician performance, particularly in the Medicare system. The paper finds that value-added models used to measure teacher effects on student...

Describes the Medigap market in 1999, both nationally and by state, and compares the national profile in 1999 with that in 1997 to show how the market is changing. Notes that one third of all Medigap policies were pre-standard in 1999, and standard forms F, C, and B accounted for 48 percent of...

Examines the relationship between rising Medicare risk and Medicare+Choice enrollment and the claims experience reported by Medigap insurers between 1996 and 1999. Concludes that adverse selection into Medicare HMOs has probably reduced average medical claims in standard Medigap plans, with a...

In 1990, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) ended lifelong certification by initiating a 10-year Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program that first took effect in 2000. Despite the importance of this change, there has been limited research examining associations between the MOC...

This HSC publication notes that insured consumers may face sticker shock at pharmacy counters as health plans take more aggressive steps, such as three-tier pharmacy benefits, to control rapidly rising drug costs. Under a three-tier design, consumers typically incur the lowest out-of-pocket...

This brief summarizes evidence on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of preventive health services, noting that health reform brings significant new opportunities to improve access to preventive care.