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Public Policy Initiatives 2008 - South
Dakota
The underlying drivers of health care costs continue to drive increased
costs in health insurance: technological advances, greater prevalence
of chronic diseases, an aging population with greater health care needs,
new drug therapies, and increased consumer expectations. Consumers continue
to expect access to the best medical care, the most advanced medical
technology, and the latest prescription medications. These expectations
are costly. Wellmark is committed to supporting sound public policies
that limit health care costs increases for its South Dakota customers,
promote wellness, and address effective treatment of chronic diseases.
Initiatives
Address the Drivers of Health Care Costs
- Support proposals to deter the use of tobacco products (e.g. limits
on smoking in public places).
- Support efforts to strengthen the ability of health plans to effectively
negotiate on behalf of customers with providers. Oppose efforts to
weaken current ability of health insurers to bargain on behalf of customers
with health care providers for reasonable and appropriate reimbursement
of costs for services.
- Support state initiatives that address the high cost of prescription
drugs for consumers, e.g. state-sponsored purchasing cooperatives,
negotiated price discounts with drug manufacturers, and appropriate
regulation of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs).
- Oppose initiatives such as mandated health insurance benefits that
reduce customers’ ability to select health insurance benefit plans
best suited to their needs at affordable prices. Support efforts to
limit or bar new or expanded benefit mandates. Oppose adoption of new
laws or regulations impacting the business practices of carriers and
which add administrative costs with no offsetting value for Wellmark
customers.
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