BURLINGTON, Mass., Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources Group has condensed its latest insight on U.S. managed markets into seven over-arching trends, outlined in a new Executive Briefing. Sweeping change driven by healthcare reform, already a constant for companies doing business in healthcare throughout 2013, will continue to be the new normal in 2014.

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Key Facts:


    --  Decision Resources Group's newest Executive Briefing, entitled "2014 In
        Focus: 7 Trends to Watch in U. S. Managed Markets," discusses seven
        national trends that will drive further evolution of U. S. healthcare
        industry:
        --  State exchanges will take center stage--what ACOs were to 2013,
            exchanges will be to 2014.
        --  ACOs will grow up--not just in organization, but as an expectation
            of players that want to be considered innovative.
        --  Medicaid expansion will continue--those who don't play will miss out
            on federal dollars.
        --  Narrow networks will broaden--limited choices mean big savings with
            better control.
        --  Medicare's system of ranking health plans will evolve as average
            Star Ratings for all plans increases.
        --  Telehealth will grow as legislatures catch up with the reality of
            the mobile world.
        --  Healthcare mergers and acquisitions will slow in comparison to
            2013's frenetic pace.
    --  The full Executive Briefing can be downloaded here.

Quotes:


    --  Carolyn McMeekin, Vice President of Market Access Insights for Decision
        Resources Group, said: "As the Affordable Care Act continues to impose
        new rules, regulations and reality on the healthcare industry, it
        becomes ever more important for businesses operating in this space to
        re-evaluate their strategies frequently and rapidly. For example, merger
        and acquisition activity has centered on health plans, hospitals and
        physician groups. As the calendar turns, watch for that activity to
        shift to ACOs and IT companies."
    --  Bill Melville, Market Analyst for Decision Resources Group, adds:
        "Exchanges will reshape commercial markets in most states and become a
        driving force in how carriers design plans and provider networks. Don't
        underestimate the impact of Arkansas on exchange markets and Medicaid
        plans - this could be the year for other states to adapt their private
        model."

Webinar:


    --  Decision Resources Group is offering an open webinar based on the new
        Executive Briefing, which will walk through the important managed
        markets trends to watch in 2014. "U. S. Healthcare 2014: The 7 Trends,
        Players and Market Drivers That Matter" will take place February 19(th),
        2014 and is open to media, payer, provider, PBM, government and
        pharmaceutical executives. Register for the webinar here.

About Decision Resources Group
 Decision Resources Group offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on critical issues within the healthcare industry. DRG insights and analysis on the U.S. managed care market are powered by HealthLeaders-InterStudy. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Find out more at www.hl-isy.com and www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.

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For more information, contact:

Christopher Comfort
Decision Resources Group
781-993-2597
ccomfort@dresourcesgroup.com

SOURCE Decision Resources Group