The changing managed care market.
A continuum of managed care options has evolved reflecting differing health care market characteristics. Alternative health plans are increasing, outdistancing the "gold standard" staff model HMOs. A dizzying array of options, however, has led to considerable confusion. Direct contracting has evolved as a way for employers to understand what they are paying for and to managed costs. Increases in managed care, and a degree of financial distress, will encourage the development of integrated networks. National reform is unlikely to convert today's loosely structured system to a fully integrated system overnight, but will stimulate managed care in markets sooner than otherwise expected.
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Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Corporation, Springfield.
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D003284:Contract Services / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000639:trends*; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000639:trends; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000639:trends*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D014481:United States