PRK - Useful Links

Keeping current on trends and data presents significant challenges. However, there are several useful resources accessible via the Web that periodically provide updated data and trend information, and discussion on important health policy issues. These lists are far from comprehensive; they represent sites that Dr. Kongstvedt uses. They are grouped into categories, but are otherwise in no particular order. [Note that all Web addresses are current at the time they were posted, but are always subject to change. If you encounter a dead or inaccurate link, please notify me]

Useful URLs

The U.S. federal government has multiple websites that contain a great deal of useful information and data. Not always easy to navigate, they are the source of much of the data used by other organizations for their research. They are divided into general sites, sites related to the ACA and sites related to data and research.

All states have their own websites for health, health insurance, and Medicaid issues, but those are not provided here. These links represent useful websites for state lawmakers and regulators, and are useful sources of information for anyone interested in state-level issues around health.

U.S. Federal Government Websites

State-level Websites

Research and Health Policy Websites

The following links are to various non-governmental research and health policy websites that are good sources of reasearch and data. Generally speaking, they are all non-partisan, though a few of them have a point of view.

These organizations represent combinations of public and private collaboration or cooperation to achieve common goals or support common issues in healthcare that affect the health insurance and managed care sector.

Public-Private Organization Websites

Accreditation Organization Websites

There are three organizations that are recognized as accrediting bodies for health insurance and managed health care organizations: NCQA, URAC, and AAAHC. Accreditation is often required by employers, and sometimes by states. Being accredited is also "deemed" as being in compliance with certain standard requirements of states, and by CMS for Medicare Advantage plans. Accreditation of ACOs and Medical Homes on behalf of CMS is also a work in progress. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), qualified plans in Exchanges will also need to be accredited, though those standards have not yet been developed.

Professional and Trade Organization Websites

These are key professional and trade organizations important to the health insurance and managed care sector.

Commercial Publication Websites

These commercial websites contain a variety of useful information about health insurance and managed health care. Some data and information is free, some requires registration, some requires subscription, and some requires payment.

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