by Mary Butler-Everson
Senior Vice President,
Products, Partnerships and Marketing Management
HM Insurance Group

It’s no secret that big changes are taking place in the health insurance industry. Employers are faced with rising costs, making it difficult, if not impossible, to provide comprehensive medical plans. Employees are faced with a choice of paying a greater portion of their wages to cover themselves and their families, or having to go without health insurance.

by Jeff Hawes, PharmD
Pharmacy Benefit Consultant
Pharmaceutical Strategies Group

An increasing number of consumers are becoming more involved with their healthcare management. This is a positive trend and plan sponsors should take an active role in empowering their beneficiaries to be knowledgeable consumers. Doing so both increases health outcomes, while decreasing costs for both the plan sponsor and the consumer. Plan sponsors should begin getting involved now as, the rising cost and increased use of medications will continue to force consumers to become more knowledgeable about their health conditions and the most cost-effective treatments.

by Jack Hurley
Vice President of Sales 

“It seems like 10% - 20% of our health plan members are driving the vast majority of plan costs.” You’re probably right! Chronic disease affects one in ten Americans and accounts for 70% of the dollars spent on healthcare each year. Compounding the problem is the fact that nearly half the people with chronic disease are not receiving the care required to keep them in optimal health.

ATLANTA, GA - November 8, 2007 - MedAvant Healthcare Solutions (MedAvant) (NASDAQ: PILL) and Coalition America, Inc. today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to sell MedAvant’s National Preferred Provider Network (“NPPN”) to Coalition America, Inc. (“Coalition” or “CAI”) for $23.5 million in cash. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2008, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.