Monday, April 7
Medicare Advantage (MA)
A health insurance program of managed health care approved by Medicare and provided by private companies. Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and B (doctor coverage) plus additional benefits all in one plan. Also known as Medicare Part C.
Friday, April 4
Countercyclical
When a program expands to meet the needs of patients when the economy is in decline. As the program grows the costs also rise.
Thursday, April 3
High-Risk Pool
State programs aimed at offering health insurance to individuals considered uninsurable and unable to buy coverage on the individual market.
Wednesday, April 2
Cost-Sharing
A percentage of health care that is not covered by health insurance and is paid by the patient.
Tuesday, April 1
Purchasing Pool
When small groups or individuals band together to purchase health insurance as a larger unit (and thus presumably at a lower cost). For example several small companies could join together into a purchasing pool to buy coverage for their employees.
Monday, March 31
Gold Plan
The second highest actuarial level health plans available through the insurance exchanges, equal to an 80 percent actuarial value. Bronze, Silver, and Platinum plans offer varying actuarial values.
Thursday, March 27
Cost-Shifting
Balancing revenues by increasing costs on some payers to offset the lower reimbursement of other payers.
Wednesday, March 26
Day Treatment Center
Health center that provides care for patients not required to stay overnight; most commonly these centers treat mental health or substance abuse issues.