CMS Confirms Tavenner for Administrator Role
The former nurse and hospital company executive, Marilyn Tavenner, has been confirmed as administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Tavenner has been serving as the interim administrator for the CMS since 2010. Her appointment, which has officially been vacant since Dr Mark B. McClellan stepped down in October 2006, came after much debate as to whether or not she should officially lead the organization.

Healthcare Advocates Partner to Improve Medication Adherence Rates
An emerging partnership between a diverse group of providers, pharmacies, and other medical professionals is intended to help improve the rates of medication adherence. The coalition involves significant advocates such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). Other participating companies include Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and CVS Caremark.

NAMCP Spring Managed Care Forum 2013 Conference Re-cap
This week The American Journal of Managed Care editorial staff attended the Spring Managed Care Forum 2013 in Orlando, Florida, presented by the National Association of Managed Care Physicians (NAMCP).

The Collective Appeal for Controlling Healthcare Costs
As implementation of the Affordable Care Act moves forward, insurers and providers will need to continue searching for innovative ways to provide transparent, cost-effective healthcare.

Navigators to Play Critical Role in Healthcare Exchange Marketplaces
A recent press release from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed the group’s intention to recruit “Navigators” in assisting consumers with the new healthcare exchanges, especially as October enrollment dates quickly approach.

Sequester Cuts Affect Cancer Clinic Funding for Medicare Patients
As a side effect of national sequester cuts, many cancer clinics have been forced to turn away Medicare patients.

Obama Says No to Raising Medicare Eligibility Age for Seniors
Could two years really have made the difference? While some healthcare reforms proposals have called for raising Medicare eligibility from age 65 to 67 to address cost concerns associated with the Affordable Care Act, President Obama has made it clear that he would not consider increasing the age limit as a way to aid the national deficit.

Reaching the Uninsured through Recruitment and Health Insurance Exchanges
The initial push to reach the uninsured masses before final implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is in full force. The Obama administration is planning to campaign as early as this July, eager to register constituents by the October 1 start date.

Progress of Personalized Medicine Raises Question about Coverage, Morals
As the fields of medicine and technology continue to advance, the intersection of these 2 fields promises great potential. Personalized medicine has the power to look into an individual’s future and better predict susceptibility to conditions and diseases, giving them the power to better prepare for the possibilities. However, as this area of medicine continues to develop, questions about insurance coverage and ethical uses abound.

CMS Revises Medicare Readmission Penalties
For the second time in 6 months, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials have revised readmission penalties for hospitals. In doing so, approximately 1200 hospitals are now subject to lesser penalties.