Coalition agenda at a glance
Here is a list of the items on the agenda of the Coalition for Affordable Quality Healthcare — along with the status on similar actions already taking place in the marketplace.
• Direct access to OB/GYNs. Thirty-six states already mandate this, covering two-thirds of all women.
• Use prudent lay person standard for emergency departments. Already required in 38 states.
• Independent external review. Required in 35 states, and increasingly popular among plans.
• One credentialing application for doctors. Many states are looking at this, but no national system is in place.
• Web site to search for doctors. Currently done only by a few plans.
• Standard benefit grid to compare plans. In development at some HMOs.
• Allow on-line interactions with insurer. Currently rare.
• Database of health plan formularies. Not presently available.
• Develop best practices with physicians. Little success.
Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Menlo Park, CA; National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver.
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