****
Tara Culp-Ressler: How The Obama Administration Is Getting Serious About Lowering Health Costs
The Obama administration unveiled an ambitious plan on Monday that will make historic changes to the way that doctors get paid. The ultimate goal is to tie more of doctors’ payments to the quality of care they provide, hopefully driving down the trillions of dollars that the U.S. currently spends on health services every year. The reforms are targeted at Medicare, the government program that provides coverage for Americans over the age of 64. Most Medicare providers currently get paid through what’s called a “fee for service” system. They’re paid a flat free for every test or procedure they perform, regardless of whether those services actually improve their patients’ health. Now, the administration wants to shift the program so that more of its payments are tied to health outcomes.
Essentially, that means providers will be rewarded for keeping their patients healthy, and penalized for unnecessary services that don’t advance that goal. Proponents of payment reform are encouraged by the move — which they see as a serious step toward creating a health care system that’s based on the value, rather than the sheer volume, of services. The Affordable Care Act has been slowly moving in this direction over the past few years. The health law created alternative payment models — called “Accountable Care Organizations,” or ACOs — to incentivize providers to work together to improve patient care and cut down on costs. So far, there’s been some evidence that ACOs are successfully improving the quality of health care for Medicare patients. Some are also starting to generate cost savings. If ACOs save enough money, the participating providers earn bonuses, a goal that about a fourth of of them hit last year.
More here
****
How the Obama Administration is getting serious about lowering health costs thkpr.gs/3615915
—
ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) January 27, 20151st clear indication we're leaving fee-for-service in much of healthcare. As I said in 2009, it's the right direction nyr.kr/1zqEwRq
—
Atul Gawande (@Atul_Gawande) January 27, 2015****
Rock climb ✓
Work out ✓
#GetCovered ✓
A healthy lifestyle includes getting health coverage: healthcare.gov http://t.co/Jwxu3Bo4mt
—
The First Lady (@FLOTUS) January 29, 2015If you need health insurance, find a plan that's right for you right now: ofa.bo/g2Y7 #GetCovered
—
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2015
The Obama Diary 
Afternoon all
Congrats!
Thanks
Congrats vetivera 🙂
Very well done, as always, NW. Your coverage of #OBAMACARE is so helpful!
Thanks, Bob.
I agree. NW has really kept everyone on top of this important issue.
Yes thanks President Obama!!
well on our way to universal coverage, unless republicans continue gaining power. bringing this over from the last post:
this guy in greece shows some promise, but we’ll see what he does now with some power. i’ve been seeing articles such as this one where they’re trying to paint him as some pootin apologist:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/syriza-kremlin-alexis-tsipras-vladimir-putin-are-new-best-friends-1485621
but i’m not convinced he is yet. his actions now will determine it though. it would make sense if “the news” owners around the world tried to tie him – a communist – to the dictator pootin, to try and alienate this far leftist. the owners certainly do not want a radical liberal succeeding with policies that destroy their beloved “trickle-down” fantasies. russia has been “communist” in name only maybe forever, and certainly not with pootie-poot, so a real communist should recognize this and not cozy up to this sociopath. we’ll see…
Hi 4more, if PM Elect Tsipras does anything but condemn Putin, he’ll do great damage to democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Greece, and beyond.
Good Afternoon TODVille!
omg, how hilarious. Christie should have any acronym that includes the F letter.
shouldn’t have!
I remember when PBO started with ” Winning the Future ” for his 2012 campaign and that ” low life ” Sarah Palin turned that into “WTF”.
He dropped it and went with ” Forward “.
Hysterical!
Obama! Obama! Obama!
Nerdy Wonka! NW! Nerdy Wonka!
🍸
Congrats Vetivera24 on your Gold ⭐
LOL.
Thanks, Nena.
A very ‘Good Afternoon’ to you, NerdyW! I see I’ve arrived in time to enjoy your healthcare reminder.
Howdy, CC Irish! Hope your day has some of the white falling thingy that you love.
‘Afternoon, TODobots!’
I’m not sure if the storm has decided to make its way here, but there sure is a lot of white STUFF falling outside. Happily I have no plans to head out anywhere today, and apart from expecting an important call in about an hour, the afternoon is all mine. 😀 😀
Why?
I hope they Got covered with ACA.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Vice Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) today announced members for the 12 subcommittees that make up the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
The majority and minority rosters are listed below, along with the chairmen and ranking member designations that were announced earlier this month.
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), ranking member
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
John Tester (D-Mont.)
Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.)
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)
James Lankford (R-Okla.)
Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), ranking member
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
Chris Coons (D-Del.)
Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.)
Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
Department of Defense
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), vice chairman
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)
Patty Murray (D-Wash.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Jon Tester (D-Mont.)
Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Energy and Water Development
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
James Lankford (R-Okla.)
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), ranking member
Patty Murray (D-Wash.)
Jon Tester (D-Mont.)
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Chris Coons (D-Del.)
Financial Services and General Government
John Boozman (R-Ark.), chairman
Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
James Lankford (R-Okla.)
Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
Department of Homeland Security
John Hoeven (R-N.D.), chairman
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Patty Murray (D-Wash.)
Jon Tester (D-Mont.)
Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.)
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Jon Tester (D-Mont.)
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), chairman
Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)
James Lankford (R-Okla.)
Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking member
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.)
Legislative Branch
Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), ranking member
Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), chairman
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)
Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Jon Tester (D-Mont.), ranking member
Patty Murray (D-Wash.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.)
Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), chairman
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
James Lankford (R-Okla.)
Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
Patrick Leahy (R-Vt.), ranking member
Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
Chris Coons (D-Del.)
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Susan Collins (R-Maine), chairman
Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)
Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member
Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)
Patty Murray (D-Wash.)
Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Chris Coons (D-Del.)
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
Appropriations Committee Chairman Cochran and Vice Chairwoman Mikulski are also ex-officio members of each subcommittee of which they are not regular members
Thanks for this info. Saved!
Glad to see our Sen. Merkley from Oregon the ranking member on Appropriations.
I didn’t watch this video clip but the title made me think of someone in the village.
Also, too, so did this tweet.
Might I ask of whom you are reminded?
Hel-lo, Japa! Nice to run into you this aft. Hope all is going well at home.
I haven’t read all of this but the headline and summary looks good.
Good West Coast morning NW & TOD family. Yes, it’s still morning 😃
NW thanks for keeping GetCovered on our front page!
Also NW, I watched Empire last night. I like it. Have you seen it?
Great show! Happy that it got a season 2 after just two episodes airing.
Fantastic news!
http://time.com/3685593/empire-cookie-taraji-p-henson/
Great interview here with Taraji. I just love her and Terrence together again – they are GREAT together
Let’s give a shout out & hello to our girl Tally who is working hard getting folks signed up with healthcare!!
Nerdy, you have no idea how valuable these ACA updates are. So many Democrats tell me they don’t understand what’s in the ACA aside from the big things, like no pre-existing conditions or insuring kids until they’re 26. I try to put updates into every one of our monthly newsletters, but it’s like trying to drain the ocean with a teaspoon. People don’t pay attention until their own or their family’s health is involved. Yet they continue to be lousy spokespeople in their community, enabling Republicans to misrepresent the ACA at every turn. Sometimes I think Democrats need cue cards like we used to have for spelling when we were kids. The cards would list the provisions of ACA in the simplest possible terms and people would have to memorize them. I’d even pass out gold starts if they made the effort.
They don’t understand because they don’t want to understand. They would rather believe any old bullshit thrown their way.
I agree, Don, but I made a vow to keep trying for the one or two people who might actually learn something and go forth in the world as less of a dummy.
My comment was more out of frustration than anything else, we can continue to stress the facts of the ACA but at some point it is up to each of us to get the facts.
This!!!!
Don’t like or trust Menendez.
Neither do I.
I hope Menendez gets primaries next election.
3 American contractors, Afghan national killed in shooting at Kabul airport
Three American contractors and an Afghan national were killed in a shooting at a military base at Kabul’s airport Thursday, said a U.S. defense official.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said that the three Americans were civilian contractors, and that another American contractor was wounded in the attack at the Kabul airport.
WAPO
Oh wow, I love that web site. This is so amazing.
So do I meta. The principal of this school is amazing.
It’s a really interesting place. Now it’s all about the school funding drive, but usually it’s a series of vignettes where the interviewer just walks up to strangers in NYC and gets them to open up. The absolutely intriguing things people say!
That’s how this fundraiser started — a week or so ago — a random encounter with a kid named Vidal, who PRAISED the tough love and disciple administered by the principal. She disciplines them as needed, but tells them it is because THEIR LIFE MATTERS!
It’s just too awesome for words!
Now that’s what you call a 21st century revolution
This really bothers me. Our ignorant and proud to be ignorant subculture in the USA endangers all of us.
This is a thing of beauty. THANK YOU, Sen Whitehouse.
In Vivid Color. Thanks.
😦 for the duplicate Meta
Boom! Now that is a smackdown our president would be proud of!
Way to go, Senator Whitehouse! Sunshine on a Cloudy Day
Anything we can do to put a wrench into the wheels of the Smear Machine is to be applauded.
Wasn’t the hearing suppose to be able Lorretta Lynch conformation, then why are the jackass witnesses there trashing AG Holder.
bella—when you give the haters a microphone this is what they do with it.
Condensed to the exact Time.
WTG Sen Whitehouse.
Nena, what Sheldon Whitehouse did was a thing of beauty that I hope it’s played again and again to other Democratic Senators and Congresspeople. This is how you do it–you keep your cool, refer to impeccable authority–George Washington no less–and call them out for their idiocy in using a Senate confirmation process to air grievances against a DEPARTING AG. He identified what was going on as soundbites for Faux and, God Bless him, brought the words “civility and decent behavior” into the Senate chamber–concepts long forgotten by that body’s membership. Wish I could vote for him for something–VP maybe?
Well then more pipes, I want a pipe every fucking square inch of North Dakota!
WOW, now that the price of oil/gas is plummeting and many of these companies are going out of business I can see ND having a real problem. Who is going to pay for the cleanup with these companies go belly up?
They relied on an industrial bubble that benefits when the rest of the economy is hurting and its growth is stunted due to energy costs. Are we supposed to feel sorry for these people?
I’m hoping it has a VERY negative impact on KKKoch bros oil and gas empire.
Is this the same motherfucker that was Bush’s brother from another mother?
I can’t say 100% for sure. But it sounds like him.
The News King also dismissed a Virtue and some other thing Minister too.
yep, he was the face of Saudi for years. Served as ambassador to the US.
Yup….
Full Confession, I have not seen it.
HTGAWM on ABC is my only show during the week
Nena, it is da bomb! I’m hooked. Now I have to stay up late on Wednesday’s AND Thursday’s. Boy, my Friday’s are gonna be a B! 😀 😀
My sister just asked me this morning if I’ve seen it. I hadn’t; have been planning to catch up by watching Hulu. I just may start tonite – it’s getting a lot of buzz lately
PS I really hate that it’s a FOX show grrrrrrrrrrrrr
When you’re watching the show, you totally forget what station is broadcasting it. It’s so good, the acting, the characters, the storylines, the music, the color, the flavor, the clothes, the dialogue, the “hustle & flow” between Lucius & Cookie. It’s Scandal for “grown folks” because the topics they cover are real!
I don’t watch any shows on Fox Entertainment because it includes Fox Hate Cable “news” I watch #TGIT on ABC. Otherwise I’m tuned to OWN
bringing over from earlier thread in regards to WI not taking the opportunity to unload Walker like 3 times.
WI voters are so stupid. the racism/homephobia in that state in the rural areas can be off the charts as well i feel. They have a $2billion deficit due to walkers stupid tax cuts for the rich and well-connected. so to paper that over, he is cutting $300 mill out of WI state schools. stupid. here in MN we have a $1bill surplus that the gov is commited to investing in eductation and infrastructure, not a give away to the rich. Why do people vote R again? so stupid. come back in 10 yrs and WI will feel like another country.
CASA’s lovely video:
.
Cloture vote on Keystone. 62-35
Here are the fake Democrats
Bennet (D-CO)
Carper (D-DE)
Casey (D-PA)
Donnelly (D-IN)
Heitkamp (D-ND)
Manchin (D-WV)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Tester (D-MT)
Warner (D-VA)
We can’t drink oil you jerks. There have been 5 spills/explosion of pipelines so far this year.
I wonder if the Republicans are failing to pass the Amendments on purpose so the bill won’t have to go back to the House. They are a sneaky group
oh no…cspan is saying that the final bill has passed with the same 62-35.
Now PBO will veto it. Let the “impeach because he is obstructionist” chorus start their song. “Veto Czar.” Yes, I’ve seen the Factual veto counts of past presidents. PBO ranking last.
I’VE seen that. But
Fox viewers won’t.
No surprises. Won’t survive a veto. It’s dead in the water.
Greedy sick POS. PBO has no party backing him up.
How many of these asses are up for election in 2016. I know Casey is and he will wear this vote like lead boots.
I think Casey was re-elected in 2012
The only one that voted for this up for re-election in 16 is Bennet
Here is the 2016 list
Michael Bennet (Colorado)
Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut)
Barbara Boxer (California) retiring in 2016
Patrick Leahy (Vermont)
Barbara Mikulski (Maryland)
Patty Murray (Washington)
Harry Reid (Nevada)
Brian Schatz (Hawaii)
Charles Schumer (New York)
Ron Wyden (Oregon)
it is Toomey who is up for re/election
These DINOs take the Democratic base for granted and vote for BS like this, trying to get Republican votes during their elections, and it fails every time. Ask Landreau , the woman from Arkansas, and all of the other Blue Dogs who played this game.
And Tester is the choice to head the DSCC. Unbelievable.
Please everyone call these senators, especially if their from your state. I just left a scathing message on Bob Casey’s DC office phone and intend to follow up in writing. Make them know you’re furious and there will be consequences to pay.
I have heard that if you don’t live in a particular congress person’s district or state, calls can be counter-productive. But there has to be a way of voicing our concerns.
That’s what Twitter is for!
Twitter is the best way because it can spread so fast.
I hit Casey hard two weeks ago, and by association, Cong. Bob Brady in my district. Will not be supporting them in the future, no matter what. Just like HRC will NOT get my vote. You piss on my president, you piss on me.
i tweeted Casey…and i sent an email
They’re not fake. Just wrong on this issue.
Sabreen, if you’re lurking, please go back to…I think it’s the last thread, I replied to your comment. I hope it clears up your misunderstanding and I thank you for speaking up – you go girl! 🙂
Communication and dialogue are so very important in relationships.
What I’ve been working on:
http://www.aquariusmoon.info/LoungeAnnex/GreatObamaSpeeches.html
It’s a lot of work, but at least there’s a place to go.
Nice website Carol!!! As you said, it’s a meteoric rise to the highest office in the land AND with unprecedented accomplishments. It would be interesting to see if ANY president did so much in 10 years or even if you consider the time span since his first elected office in 1997 as a state senator. Just beyond belief really.
Obama is simply amazing. Best President of my lifetime, which includes Kennedy. Also the most emotionally balanced one as well. And the cleanest. Think: just about every President besides Carter and Ford had some scandals. A ton of digging in the world of instragram and twitter has revealed nothing.
That is probably why they call him aloof. By not gladhanding these guys, Obama has avoided even being sideswiped by some stuff. He spends his time with old friends, his family instead of hanging around socialites who would only talk about him behind his back. Of course, there’s no Monica if you do that.
Interesting piece on Netanyahu
A SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL
by Bradley Burston
Something’s in the wind in Israel: A change for the better
When Netanyahu’s running scared, he doesn’t run smart. Even Israel Hayom’s lead columnist calls his planned trip to address Congress ‘grievous,’ motivated not by concern for Israel, but for electoral gain.
http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/1.639381
Good article. I like that it stresses that what Bibi has defeated is Hope. Maybe Hope will make a comeback in the March elections. I sure hope so.
Did y’all know It’s Hammer Time?
✈ LIVE NOW ✈ Awaiting President Obama’s departure Joint Base Andrews: http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml
Thanks JER. Where’s he going?
Thanks JER – you are wonderful 🙂
MKnoller has such a way with words – I can’t wait to read his memoir, it’s gonna be so scintillating. ROFLMAO!!!!
He’s coming here, Philly. Sigh. Wish I could spot him, or atleast his plane.
Taking I-95 from the airport.
JER you are amazing.
If you ask JER real nicely, I bet she can get you the hookup. I swear I believe JER is a Air Traffic Controller 😀
😉
Preach Stephen!
7:10 PM – The President delivers remarks at the House Democratic Issues Conference – Sheraton Society Hill – Philadelphia
Have a safe flight Mr. President and team
Watched the airport people de-ice the plane before takeoff. Know how that is living in the North. Safe trip is right.
http://theweek.com/articles/536424/michelle-obamas-fashion-diplomacy-helped-erode-indians-color-prejudice
More: http://www.aquariusmoon.info/LoungeAnnex/Library.shtml
I swear that Obama has driven more people crazy in the last 6 years than any president I can remember. Folks that were at least semi-functional have gone completely around the bend.
If I were having problems with my computer, I would take it to the shop first before thinking the Feds had anything to do with it. But I like to think I am somewhat sane.
That’s so friggin’ funny and could be a metaphor for every Tea Party conspiracy, right? There’s a left wing conspiracy inside every peanut butter jar – you just gotta open it and spread it around!
sharyl attkisson: obama’s probably inside my computer. Racism drives people crazy, welcome to the right wing conservative tea party haters.
Thank you JER – I needed to know that he has safely landed 🙂
You are welcome, GGail.
Belated ENORMOUS thanks for the post, Nerdy!!
Chat on:
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/01/29/chat-away-502/
You’re welcome.