Friday, February 28, 2020
Senators threaten to subpoena Express Scripts for insulin documents
Senators threaten to subpoena Express Scripts for insulin documents: The “unwillingness to provide the documents we requested fit an industry wide pattern of fighting efforts to shed light on PBM practices," they wrote.
States testing value-based payments in Medicaid managed care
States testing value-based payments in Medicaid managed care: Several states are pushing value-based payment in Medicaid managed care, but the jury is still out on which approaches work the best because there's not enough data, according to the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission.
COVID-19 and Kids: Jury Still Out on Scope of Infection | MedPage Today
COVID-19 and Kids: Jury Still Out on Scope of Infection | MedPage Today: Mild illness, family clusters seen in small study, but many questions remain
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Another Vaping Hazard: Less-Healthy Mouths
Another Vaping Hazard: Less-Healthy Mouths: Your lungs might not be your only concern if you're trying electronic cigarettes -- your mouth may pay the price, too.
Want Your Kids to Eat Veggies? Both Parents Must Set Example
Want Your Kids to Eat Veggies? Both Parents Must Set Example: Mom and Dad, if you want your little ones to eat their fruit and vegetables, both of you must set an example, Finnish researchers say.
Now more than 9,000 urgent care centers in the U.S., industry report says | FierceHealthcare
Now more than 9,000 urgent care centers in the U.S., industry report says | FierceHealthcare: The number of urgent care centers in the U.S. has now topped 9,000, according to a report from an industry group. And those centers are adapting to try and draw more patients.
Study: Medicaid expansion has not spurred more hospital charity care spending | FierceHealthcare
Study: Medicaid expansion has not spurred more hospital charity care spending | FierceHealthcare: Decreases in uncompensated care after Medicaid expansion don’t seem to be flowing to other types of community benefit spending.
C.D.C. Officials Warn of Coronavirus Outbreaks in the U.S. - The New York Times
C.D.C. Officials Warn of Coronavirus Outbreaks in the U.S. - The New York Times: Clusters of infection are likely in American communities, health officials said. Some lawmakers questioned whether the nation is prepared.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Key senator says HHS budget cuts 'not going to happen'
CQ NEWS
Feb. 25, 2020
Key senator says HHS budget cuts 'not going to happen'
Feb. 25, 2020 – 2:37 p.m. By Andrew Siddons, CQ
The senator who oversees funding for the Health and Human Services Department said Tuesday that Congress will once again reject some of the funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration in its fiscal 2021 budget request.
Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said at a hearing that the panel would likely have to make some difficult decisions about making reductions to some discretionary health programs, but that President Donald Trump's proposed cuts to health care workforce training programs, medical research and other areas were “not going to happen.”
Each year, the Trump administration has proposed funding cuts to popular HHS programs, and for the most part, Congress has provided more funding each year than what the administration sought.
For the last fiscal year, Blunt told HHS Secretary Alex Azar at the subcommittee hearing “the good news is you didn’t get what you asked for, and hopefully that will again be the case this time.”
The Trump administration proposed a 9 percent, or $9.5 billion, discretionary spending cut to HHS in fiscal 2021, down from the $106 billion Congress provided in fiscal 2020.
"Difficult decisions must be made to put discretionary spending on a sustainable path," Azar told the panel. He said the budget "cuts back on programs that lack proven results" in the department's portfolio.
Among the proposed spending reductions, the National Institutes of Health’s budget would be reduced from $40.3 billion to $37.7 billion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's budget would drop from $6.9 billion to $5.6 billion.
A program known as "BioShield" that helps develop and procure medical supplies for health emergencies would see its funding drop from $735 million to $535 million. The budget request also calls for ending a $3.7 billion heating assistance program for low-income individuals that HHS administers.
But Blunt said he would be “very reluctant” to reduce funding for programs like that, though he acknowledged “we are going to need a little more money this year in my view than the topline number is going to give us,” he said, referring to the amounts that lawmakers agreed to spend overall in fiscal 2021 under a budget agreement (PL 116-37).
Added discretionary spending pressures could come from needs related to the coronavirus outbreak response, which has started to spread more rapidly beyond China. Administration officials are warning it will likely spread in the United States.
While the administration submitted a request to spend $2.5 billion to combat the COVID-19 outbreak for the rest of fiscal 2020, officials told lawmakers that they would likely ask for more in fiscal 2021.
Democrats have panned the administration’s proposed CDC budget cuts, while the administration counters that they would mainly affect programs focused on chronic disease and have requested extra funding for infectious disease and global health programs.
On Tuesday, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, pressed Azar on whether the proposals should be rescinded.
Azar acknowledged that as the outbreak continues, the administration could reconsider some of the cuts that it proposed for fiscal 2021.
“We will work with you over the coming months as we learn more about this disease on whether to modify the 2021 appropriation request in light of that,” Azar replied.
The bill page for the not-yet-introduced fiscal 2021 Senate Labor-HHS-Education spending measure is here.
Trump’s Medicaid Chief Labels Medicaid ‘Mediocre.’ Is It? | Kaiser Health News
Trump’s Medicaid Chief Labels Medicaid ‘Mediocre.’ Is It? | Kaiser Health News: This claim ‘wouldn’t pass muster’ in a first-year statistics class.
Getting Quality Autism Therapy From Thousands of Miles Away
Getting Quality Autism Therapy From Thousands of Miles Away: By the time he was 7 months old, John Michael Crawford had been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis, associated with a high risk of developmental delays, including autism.
Aetna brings Whole Health plans to Atlanta in partnership with Emory, Northside | FierceHealthcare
Aetna brings Whole Health plans to Atlanta in partnership with Emory, Northside | FierceHealthcare: Aetna is partnering with Emory Healthcare and Northside Hospital System to bring its Whole Health program to the Atlanta market.
Proposed Medicaid rule threatens state flexibility
Proposed Medicaid rule threatens state flexibility: MFAR would make numerous changes that appear designed only to shrink Medicaid rather than contribute in any meaningful way to program integrity and transparency, says America's Essential Hospitals' CEO Dr. Bruce Siegel.
GOP and Dem senators voice concerns about U.S. virus readiness
GOP and Dem senators voice concerns about U.S. virus readiness: The White House budget office said the requested funding would be used for vaccine development, treatment and protective equipment, but Republicans and Democrats have said the amount is insufficient.
CMS plans to crack down on accrediting organization oversight, Verma says
CMS plans to crack down on accrediting organization oversight, Verma says: CMS Administrator Seema Verma said accreditors are failing to protect patients from harm and the agency will be doing more on the issue "in the near future."
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Bill would ban Georgia teens from using phones while driving
Bill would ban Georgia teens from using phones while driving: Powell’s substitute bill also removes additional surcharges tacked on to base fines that Carson’s original bill would have dedicated to the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund. Critics have noted such charges intended for specific causes sometimes are diverted to cover other state expenses.
Bill would ban Georgia teens from using phones while driving
Bill would ban Georgia teens from using phones while driving: The bill also scales back plans to increase fines for distracted driving.
Social Media Stokes Myths About Vaccines
Social Media Stokes Myths About Vaccines: Nearly 1 in 5 American adults has mistaken beliefs about vaccines, and misinformation is more common among those who rely on social media than on traditional media, a new study finds.
Many Kids in Rural U.S. Are All Too Familiar With Handguns
Many Kids in Rural U.S. Are All Too Familiar With Handguns: About one-third of boys and 10% of girls in rural U.S. communities have carried a handgun, a new study finds. Many started carrying as early as sixth grade.
Chicago's Short-Lived 'Soda Tax' Cut Consumption, Boosted Health Care Funds
Chicago's Short-Lived 'Soda Tax' Cut Consumption, Boosted Health Care Funds: Chicago's brief and now-defunct soda tax did cut the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, a new study finds, along with raising funds for public health initiatives.
Emory Healthcare, Verizon open first 5G-enabled innovation hub | FierceHealthcare
Emory Healthcare, Verizon open first 5G-enabled innovation hub | FierceHealthcare: Emory Healthcare in Atlanta is bringing the first 5G-enabled healthcare lab up online this week. Here's how they expect to be able to use the technology.
Hormone Blocker Shocker: Drug Costs 8 Times More When Used For Kids | Kaiser Health News
Hormone Blocker Shocker: Drug Costs 8 Times More When Used For Kids | Kaiser Health News: Two drug implants are nearly identical. The one for children has a list price of $37,300. For adults, the list price is $4,400. One dad fought for his daughter to be able to use the cheaper drug.
Needy Patients ‘Caught In The Middle’ As Insurance Titan Drops Doctors | Kaiser Health News
Needy Patients ‘Caught In The Middle’ As Insurance Titan Drops Doctors | Kaiser Health News: UnitedHealthcare is dropping hundreds of physicians from its New Jersey Medicaid network, separating patients from longtime doctors. Physicians charge the insurer is using its market power to shift business to practices it controls.
Georgia Senate passes bill to limit surprise medical bills
Georgia Senate passes bill to limit surprise medical bills: Lawmakers have been working on legislation to limit surprise billing for several years without success. But the effort has gained momentum this session.
Trump administration heats up interoperability talking points
Trump administration heats up interoperability talking points: HHS leaders have had harsh words for critics of interoperability and information-blocking proposals in recent weeks, calling industry pushback on the rules hypocritical and an “embarrassment.”
Sunday, February 23, 2020
UnitedHealthcare axes Mednax from its network in four states | FierceHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare axes Mednax from its network in four states | FierceHealthcare: Mednax revealed that the termination will be effective between March 1 and Sept. 1, 2020, varying between the four impacted markets: Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
HHS releases strategy for reducing EHR administrative burden
HHS releases strategy for reducing EHR administrative burden: The strategy, which both the CMS and ONC have been working on since mid-2017, was mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Atlanta’s next big thing: world hub for health innovation, preparedness
Atlanta’s next big thing: world hub for health innovation, preparedness: Backers of a two-year effort to capitalize on Atlanta’s maturing health and medical sector are...
Flu Season That's Sickened 26 Million May Be at Its Peak
Flu Season That's Sickened 26 Million May Be at Its Peak: It's been overshadowed by the new coronavirus outbreak in China, but this year's flu season could be near its peak after surging throughout the United States for months.
Georgia lawmakers mull vaping tax | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com
Georgia lawmakers mull vaping tax | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com: Vaping could face a new tax in Georgia under a House bill state lawmakers are considering.
Trump’s Medicaid Chief Labels Medicaid ‘Mediocre.’ Is It? | Kaiser Health News
Trump’s Medicaid Chief Labels Medicaid ‘Mediocre.’ Is It? | Kaiser Health News: This claim ‘wouldn’t pass muster’ in a first-year statistics class.
In rough U.S. flu season for kids, vaccine working OK so far
In rough U.S. flu season for kids, vaccine working OK so far: The vaccine has been more than 50% effective in preventing flu illness severe enough to send a child to the doctor's office. Health experts consider that pretty good.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Class action lawsuit against health insurer progresses in Cobb Superior Court | News | mdjonline.com
Class action lawsuit against health insurer progresses in Cobb Superior Court | News | mdjonline.com: A class action lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, centered around whether its insurance to locals included Wellstar Health System coverage, is progressing in Cobb Superior Court despite an
Shotguns Often Play Tragic Role in Rural Teens' Suicides: Study
Shotguns Often Play Tragic Role in Rural Teens' Suicides: Study: Could stricter safety rules for rifles and shotguns help prevent suicide?
Texting Trauma: Many Teens Suffer 'Digital Dating Abuse'
Texting Trauma: Many Teens Suffer 'Digital Dating Abuse': Many U.S. teenagers may be using their smartphones to harass, humiliate or otherwise abuse their dating partners.
Private equity firms are acquiring more physician practices. Which specialties are in highest demand? | FierceHealthcare
Private equity firms are acquiring more physician practices. Which specialties are in highest demand? | FierceHealthcare: As Congress considers efforts to rein them in, private equity firms increased their acquisition of physician practices from 2013 to 2016, according to a new study that also looked at which specialties were targeted.
2019 broke record for most rural hospital closures: report | FierceHealthcare
2019 broke record for most rural hospital closures: report | FierceHealthcare: A record-setting 19 rural hospitals closed last year, as researchers aim to pinpoint the leading indicators that a facility will shutter.
Publicly traded health insurers' revenue nears $1 trillion
Publicly traded health insurers' revenue nears $1 trillion: The largest publicly traded health insurers grew profits by a combined 66% in 2019, driven by the massive mergers and acquisitions several of them completed the year before.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Georgia lawmakers debate distracted driving fines
Georgia lawmakers debate distracted driving fines: Some say higher fines are needed to deter dangerous behavior. Others say fines are already too high.
Health companies apply to open free-standing ERs in Georgia
Health companies apply to open free-standing ERs in Georgia: Free-standing emergency rooms may be coming to Georgia patients.
Babies' Exposure to Household Cleaning Products Tied to Later Asthma Risk
Babies' Exposure to Household Cleaning Products Tied to Later Asthma Risk: A key to your baby's asthma risk may be as close as your laundry room.
Appeals Court Rejects Trump Medicaid Work Requirements in Arkansas - The New York Times
Appeals Court Rejects Trump Medicaid Work Requirements in Arkansas - The New York Times: The ruling, written by a Reagan appointee, said the administration failed to show how such rules would help Medicaid to meet its mission of covering the poor.
White House vague on surprise billing, drug pricing bills
White House vague on surprise billing, drug pricing bills: Some observers and congressional staff see an ambiguous approach as leaving room for bipartisan dealmaking, while others worry that vague calls for action will not break stubborn gridlock.
Rural hospitals' margins decline, sparking financial instability
Rural hospitals' margins decline, sparking financial instability: Of the 453 vulnerable rural hospitals, 237 are "at risk" and 216 are the least stable, new research shows.
Monday, February 17, 2020
Vaping Causes DNA Changes Similar to Those in Cancer: Study
Vaping Causes DNA Changes Similar to Those in Cancer: Study: People who vape have potentially cancer-causing changes in their DNA similar to those found in cigarette smokers, according to a new study.
Kids Raised by Grandparents More Likely to Pile on Pounds: Study
Kids Raised by Grandparents More Likely to Pile on Pounds: Study: Grandparents can be a bad influence on kids' weight, researchers say.
1 in 4 Opioid ODs Involves Kids and Teens
1 in 4 Opioid ODs Involves Kids and Teens: More than a quarter of all opioid overdoses in the United States involve teenagers, and a full fifth of those cases were likely suicide attempts, new research shows.
Amid coronavirus fears, a second wave of flu hits U.S. kids
Amid coronavirus fears, a second wave of flu hits U.S. kids: The number of child deaths and the hospitalization rate for youngsters are the highest seen at this point in any season since the severe flu outbreak of 2009-10. The wave is expected to keep going for weeks.
Appeals court nixes Arkansas Medicaid work requirement
Appeals court nixes Arkansas Medicaid work requirement: The ruling is a major blow to the Trump administration's Medicaid policy centerpiece of requiring beneficiaries to work as a condition of receiving benefits.
Georgia legislators return this week with budget cuts on their plate
Georgia legislators return this week with budget cuts on their plate: Georgia lawmakers have spent the first month of the 2020 session raising concerns about Gov.
Friday, February 14, 2020
Diabetes Among U.S. Young, Especially Asians, Continues to Climb
Diabetes Among U.S. Young, Especially Asians, Continues to Climb: Diabetes among U.S. youths continued to rise from 2002 to 2015, especially for Asian children and teens, a new study says.
Ga. Groups: Medications Left Out, Improper Use Of Child-Resistant Containers A Risk To U.S. Kids | 90.1 FM WABE
Ga. Groups: Medications Left Out, Improper Use Of Child-Resistant Containers A Risk To U.S. Kids | 90.1 FM WABE: Across the country, tens of thousands of young children are treated in emergency departments each year after ingesting dangerous prescription medications. A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University's School of Medicine and the Georgia Poison Center places the blame largely on
Georgia House budget writers reject some of Kemp's planned cuts
Georgia House budget writers reject some of Kemp's planned cuts: Thursday was the Georgia House’s opening shot at Gov. Brian Kemp’s recommendations to cut $200 million this year and $300 million next year.
Parents, Grandparents to Blame for Many Child Drug Poisonings, CDC Warns
Parents, Grandparents to Blame for Many Child Drug Poisonings, CDC Warns: If you are sometimes less than careful with your prescription medications and have young kids at home, a new study shows how easily tragedies can occur.
How to Dispel Your Child's Fears About the New Coronavirus
How to Dispel Your Child's Fears About the New Coronavirus: With stories about the new coronavirus outbreak flooding the media, it's easy to get scared. And if you're scared, your kids might be, too -- but they don't have to be.
15 coronavirus cases confirmed in US | CDC warns of foothold
15 coronavirus cases confirmed in US | CDC warns of foothold: A 15th confirmed case of coronavirus has been identified in the U.S., as the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prepare for the deadly disease to gain an foothold in the nation.
Senate Democrats blast Azar over Affordable Care Act lawsuit
Senate Democrats blast Azar over Affordable Care Act lawsuit: While Democratic presidential candidates have focused on the differences between their healthcare plans, Democrats in Congress have targeted the Trump administration's attempt to take down the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Democrats blast Azar over Affordable Care Act lawsuit
Senate Democrats blast Azar over Affordable Care Act lawsuit: While Democratic presidential candidates have focused on the differences between their healthcare plans, Democrats in Congress have targeted the Trump administration's attempt to take down the Affordable Care Act.
Doctors aren’t confident about U.S. preparedness for coronavirus, survey finds | FierceHealthcare
Doctors aren’t confident about U.S. preparedness for coronavirus, survey finds | FierceHealthcare: U.S. physicians aren’t confident about the country’s preparedness to cope with the novel coronavirus, but they are putting protocols in place to follow at their own practices for potentially infected patients. Learn more about what doctors are saying about COVID-19.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Lawsuit Alleges Juul Advertised Products on Kids' Websites | Time
Lawsuit Alleges Juul Advertised Products on Kids' Websites | Time: A new lawsuit filed in Massachusetts alleges that Juul Labs advertised its e-cigs on websites specifically meant for kids and teenagers.
Lawsuit Alleges Juul Advertised Products on Kids' Websites | Time
Lawsuit Alleges Juul Advertised Products on Kids' Websites | Time: A new lawsuit filed in Massachusetts alleges that Juul Labs advertised its e-cigs on websites specifically meant for kids and teenagers.
Juul Vows It’s Never Marketed To Teens, But New Suit Finds Company Bought Ads On Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network | Kaiser Health News
Juul Vows It’s Never Marketed To Teens, But New Suit Finds Company Bought Ads On Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network | Kaiser Health News: The suit, filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, presents some of the starkest evidence to date that the company was targeting young, nonsmokers during its launch period.
Juul bought ad space on kids' websites, including Cartoon Network: lawsuit - Reuters
Juul bought ad space on kids' websites, including Cartoon Network: lawsuit - Reuters: E-cigarette maker Juul Labs Inc bought online advertisements on teen-focused websites for Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Seventeen magazine after it launched its product in 2015, according to a lawsuit filed on Wednesday by the Massachusetts attorney general's office.
MFAR rule cuts Medicaid spending, increasing the CMS' power
MFAR rule cuts Medicaid spending, increasing the CMS' power: The proposed regulation aims to increase transparency of supplemental pay to doctors and hospitals, but critics say it would hamstring states’ ability to finance Medicaid.
Treating Sleep Problems in Children With Autism | MedPage Today
Treating Sleep Problems in Children With Autism | MedPage Today: New guideline offers way to help patients and parents
Cassidy Pans 'Insurer-Friendly' Surprise Billing Legislation | Medpage Today
Cassidy Pans 'Insurer-Friendly' Surprise Billing Legislation | Medpage Today: HELP Committee bill would put rural hospitals out of business, senator says
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Medicaid Expansion Meant More Poor in 'Diabetes Belt' Got Insurance
Medicaid Expansion Meant More Poor in 'Diabetes Belt' Got Insurance: There was a steep drop in the number of low-income people without health insurance in so-called Diabetes Belt states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, a new study shows.
AMA president: Automating prior authorization not a 'panacea' to problems facing physicians | FierceHealthcare
AMA president: Automating prior authorization not a 'panacea' to problems facing physicians | FierceHealthcare: The head of the American Medical Association warned automating prior authorization requests isn't the final solution to the problems plaguing providers.
Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Cut About A Trillion Dollars From Medicaid Programs, ACA Subsidies | Kaiser Health News
Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Cut About A Trillion Dollars From Medicaid Programs, ACA Subsidies | Kaiser Health News: While President Donald Trump's budget doesn't offer specifics on his "health care vision," an $844 billion mystery pot -- along with other Medicaid changes -- signal deep cuts to health programs. Critics were quick to challenge Trump's promises to protect people's coverage despite any funding cuts. “You can’t cut $1 trillion from these programs and protect the most vulnerable,” said Aviva Aron-Dine of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The budget also includes a big funding drop for CDC, a proposal to strip the FDA of its authority over tobacco products, a provision to slash funding for the agency currently working to create a coronavirus vaccine, and more.
CMS to alter prior authorization process this year, Verma says
CMS to alter prior authorization process this year, Verma says: Verma in a speech before the AMA offered few details on what CMS' planned changes to prior authorization will be, only mentioning that automation of the process can improve efficiencies.
Georgia Democrats oppose health care budget cuts
Georgia Democrats oppose health care budget cuts: Proposed budget cuts to health care fueled a Democratic press conference Tuesday at the Georgia Capi...
Monday, February 10, 2020
Safety net plans use public records, claims data to glean social determinant information: survey | FierceHealthcare
Safety net plans use public records, claims data to glean social determinant information: survey | FierceHealthcare: Safety net health plans mainly rely on claims and diagnostic codes as well as public records and member engagement to glean data on social determinants of health, a new survey found.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign creates treatment guidelines for children
Surviving Sepsis Campaign creates treatment guidelines for children: Clinicians have mostly focused on identifying and treating sepsis in adults because it occurs more often and is generally more dangerous. But there's growing recognition that children are also at risk.
Governors warn Trump rule could lead to big Medicaid cuts
Governors warn Trump rule could lead to big Medicaid cuts: Governors of both major political parties are warning that a little-noticed regulation proposed by President Donald Trump's administration could lead to big cuts in Medicaid, reducing access to healthcare for low-income Americans.
1 in 4 Gets Unneeded Antibiotics at Children's Hospitals
1 in 4 Gets Unneeded Antibiotics at Children's Hospitals: One-quarter of kids who receive antibiotics in U.S. children's hospitals are given the drugs inappropriately, which increases the risk of antibiotic resistance, researchers say.
Baby in Your Room, Not in Your Bed: Good Advice, but Are Parents Listening?
Baby in Your Room, Not in Your Bed: Good Advice, but Are Parents Listening?: Parents have long been told that babies should sleep in their own crib to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), yet nearly 1 in 5 infant are still sleeping in their parent's bed, a new study finds.
Verma slams criticism of Medicaid block grants as 'fearmongering' | FierceHealthcare
Verma slams criticism of Medicaid block grants as 'fearmongering' | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration vehemently pushed back on major criticism of an initiative to get states to convert some Medicaid funding to a block grant, slamming comments as “alarming misinformation.”
Feds Slow Down But Don’t Stop Georgia’s Contentious Effort To Ditch ACA Marketplace | Kaiser Health News
Feds Slow Down But Don’t Stop Georgia’s Contentious Effort To Ditch ACA Marketplace | Kaiser Health News: The state proposes to jettison the federal insurance exchange and instead send people buying individual coverage to private companies to choose coverage. It would also cap how much money is spent on premium subsidies, which could mean some consumers would be put on a wait list if they needed financial help buying a plan.
Patients Stuck With Bills After Insurers Don’t Pay As Promised | Kaiser Health News
Patients Stuck With Bills After Insurers Don’t Pay As Promised | Kaiser Health News: Insurance companies often require patients to have medical procedures, devices, tests and even some medicines preapproved to ensure the insurers are willing to cover the costs. But that doesn’t guarantee they’ll end up paying. Some patients are getting stuck with unexpected bills after the medical service has been provided.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Scope-of-practice bills stoke debate over caregivers' roles
Scope-of-practice bills stoke debate over caregivers' roles: Legislatures in Ohio, Kansas and other states are reviewing bills that would increase advanced practice practitioners' autonomy, drawing criticism from some physicians and associations.
State lawmakers take break to try to ease budget worries - Gainesville Times
State lawmakers take break to try to ease budget worries - Gainesville Times: ATLANTA — Georgia's lawmakers will take an unscheduled break and use the time to try to patch up the state's ailing budget.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Beyond burnout: Docs decry ‘moral injury’ from financial pressures of healthcare | FierceHealthcare
Beyond burnout: Docs decry ‘moral injury’ from financial pressures of healthcare | FierceHealthcare: Keith Corl, M.D., a Las Vegas emergency room doctor says that what’s driving the burnout among physicians, is something deeper—a sense of “moral injury.”
Policy wonks think they've found a bipartisan plan to reform healthcare. Here's what it looks like | FierceHealthcare
Policy wonks think they've found a bipartisan plan to reform healthcare. Here's what it looks like | FierceHealthcare: A new report aims for a consensus on healthcare in Washington. But payers and providers probably won't like what they see.
Cigna sees 2019 profit nearly double year over year, reaching $5.1B | FierceHealthcare
Cigna sees 2019 profit nearly double year over year, reaching $5.1B | FierceHealthcare: Cigna's acquisition of Express Scripts continues to pay (literal) dividends.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Employers Need to Do More to Help Breastfeeding Moms: Survey
Employers Need to Do More to Help Breastfeeding Moms: Survey: Protections may be in place for employees who breastfeed, but the onus is on working moms to seek out the resources they need, according to a University of Georgia survey.
Online Bullies Make Teen Depression, PTSD Even Worse: Survey
Online Bullies Make Teen Depression, PTSD Even Worse: Survey: Cyberbullying can worsen symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in young people, new research shows.
Pregnant Moms Who Smoke, Drink Put Babies at Risk of SIDS: Study
Pregnant Moms Who Smoke, Drink Put Babies at Risk of SIDS: Study: Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol may put their babies at higher odds for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a new government study finds.
Centene delays release of 2020 guidance due to WellCare deal closure | FierceHealthcare
Centene delays release of 2020 guidance due to WellCare deal closure | FierceHealthcare: Centene saw notable revenue growth, and here's what the company attributes it to. (Hint: It's not its latest acquisition of WellCare Health Plans.)
This Year’s Flu Is Hitting Children Especially Hard, And Experts Stay It’s Still Not Too Late To Get Vaccine | Kaiser Health News
This Year’s Flu Is Hitting Children Especially Hard, And Experts Stay It’s Still Not Too Late To Get Vaccine | Kaiser Health News: The CDC reports influenza B, which causes more significant illness in children than in adults, is the dominate strain of flu this year. Public health news is on liver transplants, pain sensitivity, autism, primary care, Alzheimer's disease, and emergency room care.
U.S. Sees Sharp Drop In Visit To Primary Care Providers, As Costs Rise : Shots - Health News : NPR
U.S. Sees Sharp Drop In Visit To Primary Care Providers, As Costs Rise : Shots - Health News : NPR: When's the last time you checked in with your primary care provider? U.S. adults under age 65 made nearly 25% fewer visits to primary care providers in 2016 than in 2008, a big study finds.
Nurse practitioner workforce doubles amid primary-care push
Nurse practitioner workforce doubles amid primary-care push: The number of NPs grew at an unprecedented rate across major professions from around 91,000 in 2010 to 190,000 in 2017, new research shows.
House lawmakers introduce bill to tighten CMMI's reins
House lawmakers introduce bill to tighten CMMI's reins: Both Republicans and Democrats worry that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has too much power to test new payment models. They want to increase the agency's transparency and accountability.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding May Guard Against Early Menopause
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding May Guard Against Early Menopause: Both pregnancy and breastfeeding may protect women against early menopause, new research suggests.
CMS rolls out guidance to help states convert Medicaid funding into block grant | FierceHealthcare
CMS rolls out guidance to help states convert Medicaid funding into block grant | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration has rolled out new guidance to enable states to convert Medicaid funding into a block grant, but only for a limited population.
Medicaid block grants would give states more power to oversee managed care | FierceHealthcare
Medicaid block grants would give states more power to oversee managed care | FierceHealthcare: Managed care plans in states that get a Medicaid block grant need to heavily scrutinize proposed rates thanks to new state flexibility, experts say.
5 Things To Know About Trump’s Medicaid Block Grant Plan | Kaiser Health News
5 Things To Know About Trump’s Medicaid Block Grant Plan | Kaiser Health News: Federal officials unveiled guidance for states that want to opt out of some of the current funding program and instead seek a fixed payment to gain more flexibility.
School tip lines were meant to stop shootings, but uncovered a teen suicide crisis
School tip lines were meant to stop shootings, but uncovered a teen suicide crisis: States that set up tip lines to prevent school shootings have found the hotlines flooded with students' reports of suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
Providers oppose Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation
Providers oppose Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation: The Trump administration proposed the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation to rein in Medicaid spending. But hospitals and state officials say that it's rushing the process, and the changes could strain their budgets and reduce access to care.
Walmart tests leap into healthcare business by opening second clinic
Walmart tests leap into healthcare business by opening second clinic: Walmart's move may signal looming pressure on primary-care providers to reduce prices.
Medicaid block grants would allow states not to cover some drugs
Medicaid block grants would allow states not to cover some drugs: Medicaid block grant guidance unveiled on Thursday would allow states to exclude some prescription drugs from their formularies, though the CMS in 2018 denied Massachusetts' request to employ a similar strategy.
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