medco health stock

Medco Health Solutions (NYSE: MHS) is one of the nation's biggest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Medco provides services through a network of retail pharmacies and its own mail-order pharmacy. Pharmacy benefit managers like Medco generate profits by consolidating buyers to obtain discounts with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retail pharmacies, and work with clients to design customized pharmacy benefit plans. By acquiring Accredo in 2005, Medco became one of the largest providers of specialty pharmacy services in the United States as well.

Medco provides clinically-driven pharmacy services designed to improve the quality of care and lower total healthcare costs for private and public employers, health plans, labor unions and government agencies of all sizes, and for individuals served by Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. During the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009, the Company administered 695 million prescriptions.

Company Overview

Medco is one of the national Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) named by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to administer prescription drug plan benefits for the Medicare-eligible population at large.

Medco's revenue comes primarily from contracting with clients to provide prescription drugs to their members through mail order and Medco's retail network. The PBM client will pay for the drugs dispensed to their members at a discount to average wholesale price plus a dispensing fee. Some clients may also pay center administrative fees attached to services. Increasing these fees is part of the way Medco has been able to increase its rebates to customers.

Contents 1 Company Overview 1.1 Business and Financial Metrics 1.2 Business Segments 1.2.1 Plant Design[2] 1.2.2 Clinical Management[2] 1.2.3 Clinical Services, Specialty Pharmacy[2] 1.2.4 Pharmacy Management[2] 1.2.5 Physician Services[2] 1.2.6 Internet-based Services[2] 1.3 Partnerships and Acquisitions[3] 2 Trends and Forces 2.1 Benefits from expiring patents 2.2 Biotechnology and specialty pharmacy growth 2.3 Market Consolidation and Walmart's $4 Prescriptions 2.4 Demand for greater transparency, more rebates 2.5 Baby boomers, other trends outpace inflation 3 Competition 4 References

Business and Financial Metrics

Second Quarter 2010 Results^[1]

During the second quarter of 2010, Medco reported GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 20.3 percent to a record $0.77 from $0.64. Diluted EPS, excluding $0.06 in amortization of intangible assets from the 2003 spin-off, increased 20.3 percent to a record $0.83 from $0.69 in the second quarter of 2009. Total net revenues increased 9.9 percent to a record $16.4 billion. Specialty pharmacy revenues increased 18.1 percent to a record $2.8 billion. Mail-order prescriptions increased 6.2 percent to a record 27.5 million. Generic dispensing rate increased 3.3 percentage points to a record 70.6 percent

Business Segments

Plant Design^[2]

Medco’s client teams take a consultative approach to assisting clients in the development and implementation of plan design, which suit their specific needs. The clients have access to the skills of various Medco professionals, including experienced clinical, financial and information technology specialists. As an integral part of the consultative approach, the account teams use the software tools developed to model the effects of different plan designs based on historical data, including Medco’s EXPERxT Advisor, which provides real-time plan design modeling capability for the clients. Clients can use these models to judge the impact of specific plan design elements before they are implemented.

Clinical Management^[2]

The Company offer coverage management and utilization management programs, including drug utilization review, which is a systematic evaluation of individual and population use of prescription drugs, to identify and address over-use, under-use, and misuse of prescription drugs. It has also introduced a portfolio of clinical solutions. RationalMed service, an advanced patient safety program designed to improve patient care and lower total healthcare costs. It analyzes patients’ available prescriptions, inpatient and outpatient medical and laboratory claim records to detect gaps and errors in care, and then engages physicians, pharmacists and patients in making appropriate changes. Medco offer RationalMed as a program to health plans and plan sponsors.

For Medicare Part D plans, Medco offers Medication Therapy Management program, designed to ensure that covered Medicare Part D medications prescribed to focused beneficiaries are appropriately utilized to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Medco uses the Chronic Disease Score, a software algorithm to identify the beneficiaries who meet the criteria established by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Optimal Health is Medco’s health and care support solution, offered through its 10 year alliance with Healthways, Inc. Optimal Health offers plan sponsors health improvement solutions across the entire population of at-risk members with chronic and complex conditions, which extends the therapy management capabilities to include disease management services for those clients looking for healthcare service for their members.

Clinical Services, Specialty Pharmacy^[2]

Medco works with the patient and the patient’s physician to implement the prescribed plan of care. The patient is supported by a team consisting of a pharmacist, a customer service representative and a reimbursement specialist, and with certain therapies, a registered nurse. It assist patients and their families in coping with a variety of difficult emotional and social challenges presented by their diseases, and in some cases participate in patient advocacy organizations, assist in the formation of patient support groups, and advocate legislation to advance patient interests.

Pharmacy Management^[2]

In 2009, the Medco Pharmacy, the mail order service filed 103.1 million prescriptions. The pharmacy benefit management (PBM) mail-order pharmacy operations consist of seven prescription order processing pharmacies, which are located throughout the United States.

In the prescription order processing pharmacies, the pharmacists, technicians and other staff focuses on pharmacy activities such as reviewing, recording and interpreting incoming prescriptions, screening for interactions based on each patient’s drug history profile, resolving benefit issues with rules that are determined by plan sponsors, resolving clinical or prescription clarification issues with physicians and collecting the copayment from the patient. It uses the image-based technology, which provides for access to prescription orders and promotes efficient processing.

In the dispensing pharmacies, the focus is on the fulfillment and distribution of medications to patients. The dispensing pharmacies uses automated technology to dispense tablets and capsules, as well as items dispensed in original packaging.

PolyMedica provides diabetes testing supplies, prescriptions and related products to patients with diabetes through its Liberty brand. PolyMedica meets the needs of diabetes patients by providing delivery of supplies through locations in Florida and Virginia. For these services, PolyMedica bills Medicare, other government agencies and/or private insurance companies directly, for those diabetes-related supplies.

Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers located within the mail-order pharmacy operations, are designed around the theory that specialization leads to better pharmacy care for members with chronic and complex conditions. Accredo Health Group provides an improved level of care to patients taking specialty medicines to treat complex or chronic conditions. Accredo Health Group focuses on dispensing infused, injectable, inhaled, and oral drugs, which require a higher level of patient services and support compared to what typically is available from the pharmacies.

Medco have contractual relationships covering approximately 60,000 independent and chain retail pharmacies, which have agreed to participate in one or more of the retail networks. The Company operates call center pharmacies, each of which is licensed as a pharmacy in the state in which it is located and is staffed by pharmacists and service representatives.

Physician Services^[2]

The Company offers a number of programs from the Physician’s Service Center, which is dedicated to answering physician questions and accepting phone prescriptions, to products like RationalMed. Physician Practice Summaries inform physicians about prescribing options and patterns for their Medco patients.

Internet-based Services^[2]

The Company’s Internet-based services offer sites for clients and retail pharmacists, which provide interactive tools focused on improving compliance with plan goals, simplifying benefit administration, and providing critical benefit and medical information. The My Rx Choices prescription savings program provides members with transparency around their benefits and facilitates more informed patient-physician dialogue.

The member Website capabilities allow members to self-manage their prescription benefits, while encouraging the use of safe, effective therapies that comply with their plan’s provisions. The member Website also supports pre-enrollment and post-enrollment activities on behalf of the Medicare PDP and programs serving multiple clients. The client Website provides online access to Medco’s tools for reporting, analyzing and modeling data, clinical-utilization management and decision-support, plan administration, including eligibility and claims reviews, the latest industry news, and easy submission and tracking of service requests. The Pharmacist Resource Center offers online support for retail pharmacies, which participate in the national networks.

Partnerships and Acquisitions^[3]

In January 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of DNA Direct Inc. In April 2008, Medco acquired a majority interest in Europa Apotheek Venlo B.V. (Europa Apotheek), which provides mail-order pharmacy services in Germany. In 2009, Medco formed a joint venture with United Drug plc, a pan-European healthcare provider, to provide home-based pharmacy care services in the United Kingdom for patients covered by the country’s National Health Service.

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health insurance mag

AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a United States-based non-governmental organization and interest group, founded by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus in 1958 and based in Washington, D.C. According to its mission statement,^[1] it is "a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over ... dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age," which "provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members."

AARP operates as a non-profit advocate for its members and as one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the United States, and it also sells insurance, investment funds and other financial products. AARP claims over 40 million members,^[2] making it one of the largest membership organizations in the United States.

Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Activities 3 Health care 3.1 Divided We Fail 3.2 Future Champions 3.3 Health insurance 4 Criticism 4.1 2009 membership controversy 5 See also 6 References 7 Further reading 8 External links

[edit]History

Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP in 1958. AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), which Andrus had established in 1947 to promote her philosophy of productive aging, and in response to the need of health insurance for retired teachers. After ten years, Andrus opened the organization to all Americans over 50, creating AARP. Today, NRTA is a division within AARP. According toAndy Rooney, AARP was established by insurance salesman Leonard Davis in 1958, after he met Ethel Percy Andrus.

According to critics, until the 1980s AARP was controlled by businessman Leonard Davis, who promoted its image as a non-profit advocate of retirees in order to sell insurance to members.^[3] After a lengthy competitive bidding process, AARP shifted the insurance contracts made available to members to Prudential in 1980. In the 1990s, the United States Senate investigated AARP's non-profit status, with Republican Senator Alan Simpson, then chairman of the United States Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, questioning the organization's tax exempt status in congressional hearings. These investigations did not reveal sufficient evidence to change the organization's status.^[4]

The organization was originally named the American Association of Retired Persons, but in 1999 it officially changed its name to "AARP" (pronounced one letter at a time, "A-A-R-P") to reflect that its focus was no longer American retirees.^[5] AARP no longer requires that members be retired, just that they be over 50 years old, and does not extend full membership privileges to applicants who are retired but not over 50.

[edit]Activities

AARP is widely known for addressing issues affecting older Americans through a multitude of initiatives, including lobbying efforts at the state and national governmental level, an activity permitted by its 501(c)(4) status. The organization claims that it is non-partisan and does not support, oppose or give money to any candidates or political parties. AARP's total revenue for 2006 was approximately $1 billion and it spent $23 million on lobbying.^[6] AARP also provides extensive consumer information, volunteer opportunities, and events including the annual National Event & Expo (in Los Angeles in 2011).

AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the wide range of products and services that are offered as benefits to AARP’s 40 million members. The offers span health products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services founded AARP Financial Incorporated, a subsidiary that manages AARP-endorsed financial products including AARP Funds. AARP Services develops new products, manages and markets products and services, and creates and maintains partnership and sponsorship relationships.

The AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation’s litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.

The organization also publishes AARP The Magazine^[7] (known until 2002 as Modern Maturity), a magazine focusing on aging issues. Established in 1958, the magazine, distributed bi-monthly, is sent to every AARP member. AARP also publishes the AARP Bulletin.^[8] AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin are by far the two magazines with the highest circulation in the United States. AARP also produces AARP VIVA, a quarterly publication with every article in Spanish and English; the online Live & Learn; and has a books division.

The organization also produces radio and television programs. Prime Time Radio, hosted by veteran broadcaster Mike Cuthbert, is a one-hour weekly interview program that focuses on the wide-ranging interests and concerns of Americans 40 and older. The program is heard on radio stations across the country as well as on the Prime Time Radio web site. Prime Time Focus, hosted by Alyne Ellis, is a 90-second daily feature with a five-minute weekend edition heard on more than 500 stations. Movies for Grownups, a weekly 2-minute program hosted by AARP the Magazine Entertainment Editor Bill Newcott, is heard on stations nationwide and online at the radioprimetime website. Recent guests have included Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Ron Howard, Alfre Woodard, and Helen Hunt. The Movies for Grownups Awards (www.moviesforgrownups.org) are presented each February in Hollywood. My Generation is AARPs lifestyle show featuring nationally known experts including Dr. Elmer Huerta, Dr. Dorree Lynn covering issues from health and money to relationships and volunteering.

In 1979, AARP introduced the nation’s first-ever driver safety course geared towards older adults. The AARP Driver Safety Program, which can be completed in a classroom setting or online, teaches defensive driving techniques and provides “added information on age-related cognitive and physical changes that affect driving.”^[9] The course is instructed and promoted by volunteers throughout the US.

[edit]Health care

AARP has been active in health care policy debates since c. 1960 and its recent engagement is a reflection of this long-standing involvement.^[10]

AARP's public stances influenced the United States Congress' passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, which authorized the creation of Medicare Part D, in 2003, and also influenced the Congress by resisting radical changes to Social Security in 2005.^[11][12] AARP also addressed health care issues in their campaign targeting the 2008 elections with Divided We Fail.

[edit]Divided We Fail

In early 2007 AARP launched "Divided We Fail," designed to address health care and long-term financial security. The initiative was launched with Business Roundtable and the Service Employees International Union, and encompasses advertising in national outlets and in the primary states, online activities, and traditional grassroots work, in order to engage the public, business and elected officials in the debate, and to encourage public leaders to offer solutions, according to the AARP.^[13] Nancy LeaMond, executive officer for social impact, said, "We want to really get to these candidates and ask for action, answers and accountability on these questions."^[14]

In November 2007, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) joined the Divided We Fail leadership.^[15]

The initiative used an "elephonkey" mixed animal as its symbol, with the head and forelegs of the Republican elephant and the ears, hindquarters, and tail of the kicking Democratic donkey. "Champ" quickly became a recognizable symbol of the Divided We Fail initiative, fostered in part by television commercials that ran across the country. In addition, Divided We Fail Florida incorporated the initiative's mascot into an interactive educational vehicle, dubbed the "Champmobile," which traveled across the state and throughout the United States encouraging voters to "Let your voice be heard!"

[edit]Future Champions

In February 2007, AARP announced the launch of a new advertising campaign designed to address issues that will impact future generations and showcase the AARP brand. The campaign, called “Future Champions,” features children talking about the state of health care and financial security. The multigenerational focus is designed to reinforce the AARP's Divided We Fail coalition.^[16]

[edit]Health insurance

Approximately seven million people have AARP branded health insurance, including drug coverage and Medigap, as of April 2007 ^[17] and AARP earns more income from selling insurance to members than it does from membership dues.^[18] In 2008, AARP plans to begin offering several new health insurance products: An HMO for Medicare recipients, in partnership with UnitedHealth Group; and a PPO and "a high-deductible insurance policy that could be used with a health savings account" to people aged 50–64, in partnership with Aetna. AARP will likely become the largest source of health insurance for Medicare recipients, and AARP estimates the new products will increase its health insurance customers to 14 million by 2014.^[17][19]

AARP is not an insurer and does not pay insurance claims. Instead, AARP allows its name to be used by insurance companies in the sale of insurance products, for which it is paid a commission like an insurance agent.^[20]

Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), senior Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, said in 2008 that the "limited benefit" insurance plans offered by AARP through UnitedHealth provided inadequate coverage and were marketed deceptively. One plan offered $5,000 for surgery that may cost two or three times that amount.^[21]

AARP does a "thriving business" in marketing branded Medigap policies. As of October 2009, Medical care reform contained a proposal to trim an associated program Medicare Advantage, which was expected to increase demand for Medigap policies.^[22] However, as cited above, AARP also brands a Medicare Advantage plan (MedicareComplete), and would also be subject to cuts under health care reform.^[23]

[edit]Criticism

In an editorial column in the Los Angeles Times, critic Dale Van Atta wrote that AARP does unauthorized lobbying for its membership, and lobbies against the best interests of its membership. Van Atta says that by lobbying for the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, AARP leaders betrayed the membership.^[24]

According to an Annenberg Public Policy Center report, critics have said AARP had a conflict of interest in supporting the Act, because AARP “derives income from the sale of health and life insurance policies,” by licensing its brand to insurance dealers such as New York Life,^[25] and would benefit financially from passage of the legislation.^[26]

BusinessWeek magazine says that in the past questions have arisen about whether AARP's commercial interests may conflict with those of its membership, and characterizes many of the funds and insurance policies that AARP markets as providing considerably less benefit than seniors could get on their own.^[27]

At present, there are two affiliated organizations: the AARP Foundation which operates on a non-profit basis and AARP Services Inc. which is managed wholly for profit. The AARP Foundation runs programs on: free tax preparation and counseling, work training for older people of low income, training of volunteers on matters concerning the elderly, crime prevention and safe driving. AARP Services Inc. offers: Medicare supplemental health insurance, discounts on prescription drugs and consumer goods, entertainment and travel packages, long-term care insurance and automobile, home and life insurance.^[28]

According to AARP's 2008 Consolidated financials, it was paid $652,000,000 in royalties from insurance companies that sold products referred by AARP. AARP also received an additional $120,000,000 for the ads placed in its publications.^[29]

[edit]2009 membership controversy

Approximately 60,000 AARP members quit AARP between July 1 and August 18, 2009, in a controversy that arose over AARP's support forU.S. health care reform. FOX News stated, "The Atlanta-based American Seniors Association, which is opposed to President Obama's health care plan, is trying to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction with the AARP." AARP spokesman Drew Nannis responded that AARP loses about 300,000 members a month on average, and the controversial 60,000 of those that had left had specified leaving over the Health Care debate. Nannis also stated that the AARP gained 400,000 members and that 1.5 million members renewed their memberships within the same period of time. ^[30]

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mercia health benefits

Bupa Cash Plan celebrates 10th anniverary with record customer service results

Bupa Cash Plan has achieved record customer satisfaction scores, with 92 percent of customers rating the service as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’, in a recent survey.

The all-time high results come as Bupa Cash Plan celebrates its 10th year of supporting customers with everyday healthcare expenses such as eye tests, dental treatments, chiropody and other day-to-day healthcare items that are not readily available on the NHS. Bupa Cash Plans also include children at no extra cost on most schemes.

Stuart Wright, head of Bupa Cash Plan, said: “Customer service is our top priority, so we’re really pleased with these results. In the last 10 years, we have seen a three fold increase in customers and the popularity of cash plans continue to rise. It is an outstanding achievement by our dedicated team that they have sustained such high quality customer service alongside our strong expansion.”

Bupa Cash Plan was formed when Bupa acquired Mercia Health Benefits, which was originally founded in 1870 as the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital Saturday Fund.

Earlier this year Bupa Cash Plan launched a new product as a complement to private medical insurance. Additional Health offers 100 percent cash back on prescriptions and includes a helpline benefit. It also offers 100 percent cash back on level 2 and level 3 cover and 50 percent cash back on level 1 cover for all benefits (dental, optical, chiropody, reflexology and acupuncture treatment).

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health insurance south

South Carolina health insurance

how healthy is living in South Carolina?

South Carolina was among the bottom 10 states in the nation, coming in at #45 in the 2008 ranking of the healthiest states by the United Health Foundation.

The state's best and worst category rankings:

• Prevalence of bing drinking – 11
• Prevalence of obesity – 45
• High school graduation – 48
• Violent crime – 50
• Infectious disease – 42
• Immunization coverage – 16
• Poor mental health days – 41
• Infant mortality – 47
• Premature death – 46

See the United Health Foundation's latest findings on South Carolina.

does South Carolina have a health insurance high risk pool?

South Carolina Health Insurance Pool
Toll-free Phone 1-800-868-2500, ext. 42757, or 1-803-788-0500, ext. 42757

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Starting in 2010, South Carolina will offer health coverage to residents through the federally established temporary high-risk pool program. To find out more about South Carolina's participation, click here.

Risk pools are state-sponsored programs to help people with a history of medical problems in their family to purchase coverage. These pools are for people who can afford to buy health insurance, but are not able to get underwritten in the private market because of a pre-existing health condition. These programs can vary significantly from state to state in price, benefits and number of people served. Often insurance companies doing business in the state are required to contribute to the pool to keep it in the black. In the best cases, they allow people to be able to switch jobs or become self-employed without the fear of losing their health insurance coverage. Read more about risk pools here.

how to find health insurance in South Carolina

Cover The Uninsured is a national effort to highlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance and to demand solutions from our nation's leaders. Read more information on its efforts. It is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

• Cover The Uninsured's facts on the uninsured in South Carolina and all other states.
• The Foundation for Health Coverage Education's guide on how to find health insurance in South Carolina.
• Materiales En Español – Guías para encontrar cobertura de seguro de salud.

Georgetown's South Carolina health insurance guide

Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute has researched and written state-by-state guides for finding and keeping health insurance. It updates these guides as federal and state policies change. A number of non-profit organizations help fund its research. Learn more about the Health Policy Institute.

Review Georgetown's guide for South Carolina.

USNews health insurance rankings for South Carolina

US News does an annual ranking of what it considers the best health insurance plans in each state. Visit its reports on various health insurance or medical insurance plans being offered in South Carolina.

South Carolina government health insurance resources

Hands on Health South Carolina – a resource by South Carolina's state government to help and encourage state residents to live healthier lives.

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – manages the state's Medicaid program to provide heath care coverage for those who cannot afford it.

Partners for Health Insurance (PHC) – South Carolina's program to provideMedicare coverage to children 18 and under who live in families with income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

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online health care mba

Welcome to The George Washington University
Online Healthcare MBA Program

The George Washington University Healthcare MBA program is designed for working professionals who want to expand their knowledge of business in healthcare. The program is immersed in values, rigorous in theory, and experiential in practice. The Healthcare MBA is based on the concepts of ethics, global business, and leadership. The GW MBA in Healthcare program is delivered online to provide you with the convenience and flexibility to complete this degree from your home, office, or anywhere with internet access.

GW's standards are high for both this program and its students, and those who are part of it will join an elite group of professionals who are well prepared for management in the healthcare arena and who have the desire and motivation to advance their careers to the highest level possible.

Tailor your MBA with healthcare electives

The two-year MBA in Healthcare is taught by world-renowned faculty with experience in healthcare and business. It includes all the core classes of a traditional MBA program as well as 12 elective classes from which you can select those that best suit your professional goals. The core will teach you the fundamentals of business and management so you can take on more responsibilities and expand or diversify your business knowledge. You will gain a solid understanding of finance, accounting, key human resource management principles, and strategy. The electives provide you with the flexibility to take only the classes that fit your personal and professional objectives. Choose from electives such as management of acute care hospitals, physician practice management, and managing the skilled nursing facilities.

Learn from an unmatched School of Business

The GW School of Business offers an unparalleled education and experience. It is located next to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, between the White House and the State Department, connected to the esteemed GW Medical Teaching Hospital, and at the intersection of the nation's public and private sectors. Its faculty brings an expansive, global perspective to teaching, research, and consulting. GW has consistently been ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, and according to the Financial Times' annual business school rankings, the GW MBA ranks among the top 50 US schools. The School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), the hallmark of excellence in business education.

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