Friday, January 31, 2020
Cuomo officials face heat over Medicaid woes | WHAM
Cuomo officials face heat over Medicaid woes | WHAM: Albany, N. Y. (AP) - Top state health officials were peppered with a series of questions by New York lawmakers over concerns that the governor's call to curb soaring Medicaid spending could end up hurting residents' wallets. Democratic and Republican members of the Legislature used a Wednesday budget hearing to press the Commissioner of Health Howard Zucker and Medicaid Director Donna Frescatore for more transparency about what has led to soaring Medicaid costs that Gov.
Trump releases block grant plan that would transform Medicaid
Trump releases block grant plan that would transform Medicaid
By Rachel Roubein, Dan Diamond | POLITICO Pro
01/30/2020 10:15 AM EST
The Trump administration took a big step forward Thursday to let states convert a portion of Medicaid funding into block grants, a long-sought conservative overhaul of the safety net health care program that Democrats will wield as a political weapon during the election.
The plan is the administration’s boldest step yet to curb Medicaid spending and shrink the program covering about 1 in 5 low-income Americans. But the move is inciting fierce opposition from Democrats who say it’s the latest evidence President Donald Trump is trying to sabotage Obamacare.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma, who’s crafted the politically sensitive and closely guarded plan for over a year, on Thursday encouraged state Medicaid directors to request budgeted federal payments to cover poor adults who enrolled through Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion in recent years. States who voluntarily cover adult populations outside of the Obamacare expansion could also receive capped funding.
Some conservative states have expressed interest in block grants in recent years, but it's not clear how many will take up the Trump administration's new offer.
Capped Medicaid payments would represent a radical departure in how the 55-year-old program is financed. The federal government has long provided open-ended matching funds to states.
Verma is touting block grants as a way for states to take greater accountability for the health of their residents while better controlling program spending. Verma also sees the policy as a way to constrain Obamacare’s expansion of Medicaid to millions of low-income adults — a program that she argues has siphoned away resources for the most vulnerable populations covered by Medicaid.
"Adult Medicaid beneficiaries can hope for better health and all beneficiaries can expect a stronger, more sustainable program for years to come," Verma said Thursday morning.
The rollout of the policy represents a signature achievement for Verma, who pushed through the plan just weeks after a high-profile feud with HHS Secretary Alex Azar jeopardized both of their jobs. The two have tried to repair their working relationship after an intervention from senior White House officials, and Azar will appear at Thursday’s rollout in a show of support for Verma’s policy.
Still, Medicaid advocates are likely to challenge the policy in court. Democratic lawmakers have long cautioned the Trump administration against advancing the policy, contending the health department doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally cap program spending. In a letter to Verma this week,more than 30 House Democrats warned the move “defies Congress” and threatens care for some of the country’s most vulnerable people.
Democrats are portraying the new block grant policy as a cut to Americans’ health care and tied it to Trump’s efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act. The DNC’s war room this week tweeted the plan was “an attack on the ACA and its expansion of a program that now covers about 1 in 5 Americans.”
The health care law — and in particular its Medicaid expansion — remains popular after Republicans failed to repeal and replace it in the first year of Trump's presidency. Nearly three-quarters of states have expanded Medicaid since 2014, and support for the program has boosted Democratic candidates in conservative strongholds.
On Wednesday, one day before the block grant rollout, Verma sought to rebut claims that the administration is undermining Obamacare — even as Trump supports a lawsuit that could kill the entire health care law.
“The tired canard that the Trump Administration is sabotaging the ACA rings hollow,” Verma said. “Rather, we are keeping what works and fixing what’s broken.”
Block grants have been a regular feature in Republican health plans dating back to the 1980s. Republicans say that states can better manage the programs on a defined budget and fewer rules set by Washington. However, Medicaid advocates say a block grant would limit states’ ability to respond to economic downturns and expensive new drugs, forcing them to trim their programs.
There’s never been enough support for the idea from Congress. Lawmakers rejected a block grant program in 2017, when it was debated during the failed Obamacare replacement effort.
The administration said states can pursue block grants under the health department’s authority to waive Medicaid requirements to test new payment and health care delivery ideas. Critics argue, however, that the administration can’t legally cap Medicaid spending without permission from Congress.
Sensitive to the negative connotations surrounding block grants, the Trump administration is branding the policy “Healthy Adult Opportunity.” Officials are emphasizing that states receiving lump-sum payments will face stricter oversight to ensure patients aren’t getting sicker or losing access to health care providers. Traditional populations covered by the program — like children, elderly adults and people with disabilities — would not be eligible for capped payments.
State Medicaid programs would also have new ability to limit health benefits and drugs. Some states have been frustrated that Medicaid programs, which must cover every FDA-approved drug, have had limited tools for constraining drug costs.
States could choose to receive lump-sum funding or receive funding based on the number of enrollees.
Democratic states that expanded Medicaid are unlikely to take up Trump’s offer, but it may draw some interest from conservative states.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, whose state hasn’t expanded Medicaid, will appear alongside Verma during the Thursday morning announcement at HHS. Stitt has been agitating for a block grant as an alternative to a Medicaid expansion referendum expected on the Oklahoma ballot this year.
Mike Dunleavy, Alaska’s Republican governor, has also expressed interest in a block grant. Tennessee, which hasn't expanded Medicaid, last fall became the first state to formally request a block grant for its program. Verma said that the Tennessee request is broader than the scope of the new guidance.
Litigation could still halt the new policy, potentially leaving another one of Verma’s Medicaid initiatives tied up in courts after a federal judge blocked new work rules. A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., is weighing the Trump administration’s request to revive the rules requiring some Medicaid enrollees to work, volunteer or attend school as a condition of coverage.
Groups like the National Health Law Program, which sued over work requirements, said they'll closely review the block grant plan. Its legal team will be “carefully assessing the enforcement and litigation options" said Leonardo Cuello, the group's health policy director.
Rachana Pradhan contributed to this report.
New Medicaid block grants could spark pharma pushback
New Medicaid block grants could spark pharma pushback
By Sarah Karlin-Smith | POLITICO
01/30/2020 12:44 PM EST
The Trump administration's new Medicaid block grant plan would let states exclude coverage of some prescription drugs while still receiving the program's guaranteed drug rebates — a proposal likely to face resistance from pharma.
Drugmakers have traditionally argued that the large discounts they provide to Medicaid is part of a trade-off in which states must cover essentially all FDA-approved medicines. Under traditional Medicaid, brand drugmakers must provide states a 23 percent rebate or the best price available on the U.S market, whichever is lower.
"I expect that there will be disagreement about their legal interpretation," said Ian Spatz, a senior adviser at Mannatt and former vice president for global health policy at Merck.
The block grant program released Thursday would let states request capped federal payments to cover poor, able-bodied adults. In return, the states would be given more flexibility to administer Medicaid.
The policy says states could receive CMS permission to make drugs "available under a limited formulary," while the rebates would apply for "a drug manufacturer with a drug rebate agreement."
CMS Administrator Seema Verma on Thursday said the new policy would give states greater negotiating power to further drive down drug prices.
CMS in 2018 rejected a similar idea proposed by Massachusetts. CMS had told Massachusetts it could create a limited drug formulary only if it gave up the mandatory discounts drugmakers provide in exchange for states agreeing to cover all medicines. At the time, Verma did not elaborate on the legal rationale for rejecting the state's plan.
States looking to establish a closed formulary under the new policy will have to at minimum meet essential health benefits set by Obamacare. That means states must cover one drug in each category or class — or more if the state mandates more robust coverage.
States also must cover "substantially all" antipsychotics and antidepressants, HIV drugs and opioid treatment medications, consistent with Medicare Part D's protected classes rule.
Rural America's Health Crisis Seizes States' Attention | The Pew Charitable Trusts
Rural America's Health Crisis Seizes States' Attention | The Pew Charitable Trusts: “Thank God I’m … not the CEO of a rural hospital.”
Trump pushes forward conservative transformation of Medicaid - POLITICO
Trump pushes forward conservative transformation of Medicaid - POLITICO: A new block grant program, rejected by Congress just three years ago, will face swift resistance from Democrats and expected legal challenges.
Trump Administration Unveils a Major Shift in Medicaid - The New York Times
Trump Administration Unveils a Major Shift in Medicaid - The New York Times: States will be able to cap a portion of spending for the safety-net program, a change likely to diminish the number of people receiving health benefits through it.
CMS clears block grants for states' Medicaid expansion
CMS clears block grants for states' Medicaid expansion: If states opt for block grants, they would share cost savings with the federal government and extend Medicaid coverage to more people in exchange for taking on more financial risk. One state plans to take advantage already.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Bipartisan bill would require employers to let employees pump breast m
Bipartisan bill would require employers to let employees pump breast m: A bipartisan bill aims to require employers to give nursing mothers breaks to pump breast milk.
Reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate: What Will It Take? | Medpage Today
Reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate: What Will It Take? | Medpage Today: House members mull possible solutions
When Pregnant Moms Are Distressed, Fetal Brains May Suffer | Medpage Today
When Pregnant Moms Are Distressed, Fetal Brains May Suffer | Medpage Today: Anxiety, stress, depression tied to fetal impairment, but what this means after birth is unknown
Brittle Baby Bones When Moms Smoke in Pregnancy | Medpage Today
Brittle Baby Bones When Moms Smoke in Pregnancy | Medpage Today: Swedish registry study points to another risk from maternal smoking
South Dakota Bill Would Criminalize Trans Medical Treatment | Time
South Dakota Bill Would Criminalize Trans Medical Treatment | Time: South Dakota lawmakers will vote on a bill that would make it a crime for doctors to treat trans children under 16 with puberty blockers
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Girls With Autism Diagnosed Later Than Boys
Girls With Autism Diagnosed Later Than Boys: Girls tend to be diagnosed with autism at an older age than boys, perhaps delaying essential treatment, a new study concludes.
Anthem beats revenue estimates due to accelerated launch of PBM IngenioRx | FierceHealthcare
Anthem beats revenue estimates due to accelerated launch of PBM IngenioRx | FierceHealthcare: Anthem reported that its 2019 revenue grew 12.9% year over year to $103 billion thanks in part to the successful launch of the insurer’s pharmacy unit IngenioRx.
Trump administration finalizing Medicaid block grant plan targeting Obamacare - POLITICO
Trump administration finalizing Medicaid block grant plan targeting Obamacare - POLITICO: The plan is guaranteed to enrage critics and invite attacks from Democrats in an election year.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Analysis: Louisiana Medicaid dispute lingers into new term
Analysis: Louisiana Medicaid dispute lingers into new term: Louisiana's state procurement officer Paula Tregre ruled the health department did such an inadequate job evaluating proposals from six contractors vying for the Medicaid managed-care work that the three-year deals awarded to four insurance companies shouldn't stand.
Despite ACA coverage gains, more people can't afford care
Despite ACA coverage gains, more people can't afford care: Cost is a barrier to accessing care for a growing share of uninsured and insured Americans despite insurance coverage improvements over the past 20 years.
The Jolt: Fights over budget, U.S. Senate seat threaten 2020 session
The Jolt: Fights over budget, U.S. Senate seat threaten 2020 session: Faster than a bat-winged coronavirus, a pall of pessimism has quickly spread across the state Capito...
Azar: 'Scare tactics' won't stall interoperability rules
Azar: 'Scare tactics' won't stall interoperability rules: HHS Secretary Alex Azar said the agency's proposed interoperability rule was an "intuitive, appealing standard," and voiced frustration over stakeholders "fiercely" pushing back against the effort.
Monday, January 27, 2020
A Flu Shot May Spare Your Young Child a Hospital Visit
A Flu Shot May Spare Your Young Child a Hospital Visit: This flu season is hitting children particularly hard, but new research shows that a flu shot is still well worth it for these youngest patients.
A change that could save Medicare billions would have a major impact on physicians' revenue | FierceHealthcare
A change that could save Medicare billions would have a major impact on physicians' revenue | FierceHealthcare: It’s an idea that could save Medicare billions of dollars a year, but it would have a major impact on physicans' revenue—cutting payments to surgeons and increasing those to primary care doctors.
Centene finalizes WellCare merger after clearing final regulatory hurdles | FierceHealthcare
Centene finalizes WellCare merger after clearing final regulatory hurdles | FierceHealthcare: Centene and WellCare have cleared the final regulatory hurdles and now expect their merger deal to close this week.
Call For FDA To Withdraw Preterm Birth Drug Divides Doctors and Insurers | Kaiser Health News
Call For FDA To Withdraw Preterm Birth Drug Divides Doctors and Insurers | Kaiser Health News: A study ordered by the Food and Drug Administration failed to prove that Makena, the only drug approved to prevent premature birth, is effective. While a panel of experts has recommended withdrawing the drug’s approval, many doctors are wary.
Surgeon general: Not enough doctors advise patients to quit smoking
Surgeon general: Not enough doctors advise patients to quit smoking: Too few healthcare professionals are giving their patients advice to quit smoking, according to the U.S. surgeon general on Thursday in the first report on smoking cessation in 30 years.
Medicaid changes could address maternal mortality driven by SDOH
Medicaid changes could address maternal mortality driven by SDOH: Changes to Medicaid policy like extending postpartum Medicaid eligibility and coverage for non-clinical services could improve maternal health for poor women of color and rural women, according to new MACPAC research.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Supreme Court denies quick review of Obamacare challenge
Supreme Court denies quick review of Obamacare challenge: The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reject the expedited review means legal questions surrounding the ACA will persist through the 2020 election.
‘Antibiotic apocalypse’ looming without dramatic new policies, report finds
‘Antibiotic apocalypse’ looming without dramatic new policies, report finds
By Sarah Owermohle |POLITICO
01/21/2020 08:01 AM EST
Drug companies have made “modest” progress in the fight against superbugs but not at the scale needed to arrest antibiotic resistance increases worldwide, the leader of a European health care nonprofit told POLITICO.
Relatively low profits for antibiotics mean the world is “precariously reliant” on just a handful of pharmaceutical companies to keep the supply going or launch new superbug killers, according to a report released by the Netherlands-based Access to Medicines Foundationthis morning.
World economic powers need to know that “this is going to be an antibiotic apocalypse if people don’t take this seriously,” Executive Director Jayasree Iyer said. The report, which the foundation releases every two years, will be presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.
Compounding the revenue challenge is the fact that antibiotics must be used sparingly to remain effective. That makes it difficult for drugmakers to rely on typical sales strategies that depend on volume for profits.
Pharmaceutical companies have made some progress in the two years since the foundation released its last study on antimicrobial resistance. They’re trying to discourage the overselling of antibiotics to providers, keep antibacterial residue out of industrial wastewater and share what they know about drug resistance. But development of treatments is not keeping pace with the rising rate of resistance, the report found.
Even as the foundation compiled its report, the antibiotic industry continued to whittle down: Two of the 30 companies analyzed in the report, Achaogen and Melinta Therapeutics, have recently filed for bankruptcy — Melinta just weeks ago.
The U.S. government has recognized a need for a national strategy on antibiotics, Iyer said, pointing to the 2014 stewardship plan from CMS finalized last year, as well as funding and public-private partnerships to develop new options through HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. CMS also said last year that it would make it easier for essential new antibiotics to be covered and pay more for them in the future to further promote new treatments.
In Congress, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and two Democrats last year introduced the DISARM Act, S. 1712 (116), a bill that would let Medicare reimburse hospitals at higher rates for critical new antibiotics — ideally creating incentives for newer, more effective antibiotics. Neither that bill nor its House companion, H.R. 4100 (116), have been marked up by committees.
“But in a way that’s not enough,” Iyer said. “In order to solve the economic situation, you need to create a system that is not necessarily based on the volume of products, because in the end you want to conserve antibiotics.”
Some countries are experimenting: The U.K. is developing a pilot program based on a ‘subscription’ payment model that pays drugmakers upfront and doesn’t link cost to the volume of drugs sold. Sweden has a similar pilot approach that guarantees a minimum annual payment to antibiotic makers regardless of how much is used.
In the U.S., some states have struck similar subscription payment deals with drugmakers — a so-called Netflix model — or agreements that link payments for certain medicines to patients' outcomes. But most of these are for pricey drugs like hepatitis C treatments; only one, Oklahoma’s value-based agreement with Melinta, deals with an antibiotic.
To solve the global need and encourage drugmakers to develop new treatments, models like these need to be implemented on a much larger scale, Iyer said.
“The thing that CMS and the U.S. have is that they are a very large market,” she said. Any payment-based incentive system or pooling of American customers to create a steady demand “can have a big effect on keeping the pharmaceutical industry incentivized to produce these products.”
For new antibiotics, FDA and its EU counterpart, the European Medicines Agency, have been in discussion about lowering the costs of filing applications to speed new products to market, Iyer said. But to ensure access — especially in lower-income countries — some advocates have pushed regulators to attach conditions to those approvals that would commit drugmakers to keeping prices affordable.
That would be unprecedented in the U.S. market, where FDA and the government at large historically do not get involved in the price of a drug. But incentives to produce new antibiotics, such as higher prices, should not inhibit global access, Iyer said.
“In the end, society should be able to benefit both in terms of price and supply," she said. "That is the big fear with any regulatory incentive. There is a big danger if it is not set up right.”
‘Antibiotic apocalypse’: doctors sound alarm over drug resistance | Society | The Guardian
‘Antibiotic apocalypse’: doctors sound alarm over drug resistance | Society | The Guardian: The terrifying prospect that even routine operations will be impossible to perform has been raised by experts alarmed by the rise of drug-resistant genes
Utah Bans Practice of Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Kids | Time
Utah Bans Practice of Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Kids | Time: The discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state to prohibit it.
Why Are Fewer U.S. Kids Going to Pediatricians?
Why Are Fewer U.S. Kids Going to Pediatricians?: Little Johnny's cough has lasted for days, leaving Mom and Dad wondering if the symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor. A new study suggests that such parents may choose to skip that standard pediatric sick visit.
Are Antibiotics a Recipe for Obesity in Childhood?
Are Antibiotics a Recipe for Obesity in Childhood?: Children who receive multiple antibiotic prescriptions early in life may be vulnerable to obesity, two new studies suggest.
This Year's Flu Season Taking Deadly Aim at Kids
This Year's Flu Season Taking Deadly Aim at Kids: How bad or how long this year's flu season will be remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear: It's proving to be an especially lethal season for infected children.
Costs of prior authorizations increase for physicians' practices at an 'alarming' rate | FierceHealthcare
Costs of prior authorizations increase for physicians' practices at an 'alarming' rate | FierceHealthcare: The cost of prior authorization requirements on physicians' practices has continued to increase—up 60% in 2019 to manually generate a request to insurers. The just released CAQH 2019 Index, which concluded that the healthcare industry can save $13.3 billion on administrative waste through automation of eight transactions including prior authorizations, said the medical industry could see potential annual savings of $454 million by transitioning to electronic prior authorizations.
Louisiana ends Medicaid contracts for Humana, UnitedHealthcare, others due to poor bidding process | FierceHealthcare
Louisiana ends Medicaid contracts for Humana, UnitedHealthcare, others due to poor bidding process | FierceHealthcare: Louisiana rescinded Medicaid managed care contracts to UnitedHealthcare, Humana and two other insurers because of problems with the bidding process
Gender gap averages more than $36K for physicians starting their careers, new study finds | FierceHealthcare
Gender gap averages more than $36K for physicians starting their careers, new study finds | FierceHealthcare: The researchers said they could explain about 60% of the gap in starting salary primarily by differences in specialty and hours spent in patient care. However, they couldn’t entirely explain the salary differences.
How to Fix a $6.1 Billion Budget Hole? Attack Health Care Spending - The New York Times
How to Fix a $6.1 Billion Budget Hole? Attack Health Care Spending - The New York Times: Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to cut New York’s Medicaid costs by $2.5 billion.
Trump poised to kick off election-year fight over Medicaid | TheHill
Trump poised to kick off election-year fight over Medicaid | TheHill: The Trump administration is poised to kick off a major partisan feud over Medicaid in 2020, as officials are reportedly planning to soon introduce a way for states to block grant Medicaid money.
Centene, WellCare merger to close this week
Centene, WellCare merger to close this week: Health insurers Centene Corp. and WellCare Health Plans said they expect to close their $17 billion merger Thursday, creating one of the largest providers of government-sponsored health plans.
Surprise billing solution favoring hospitals pushed by conservatives
Surprise billing solution favoring hospitals pushed by conservatives: The Coalition Against Rate-Setting opposes using benchmark payments to solve balance billing in any fashion, calling the policy "federal price-fixing."
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Georgia Lawmakers Push For Transparency In Hospital Finances | 90.1 FM WABE
Georgia Lawmakers Push For Transparency In Hospital Finances | 90.1 FM WABE: Georgia’s nonprofit hospitals spent more than $7 million in a recent year trying to influence legislation made at the state Capitol. That bit of data from a recent state audit is just one thing about hospitals’ finances that we’ve learned in recent months. State lawmakers, it seems, have set their sights on making
Listen: How Vaping Regulations Are Playing Out In The States | Kaiser Health News
Listen: How Vaping Regulations Are Playing Out In The States | Kaiser Health News: KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber joined Wisconsin Public Radio’s Rob Ferrett on “Central Time” to discuss the latest on vaping bans and what they mean for vaping trends among youth.
Medicaid advocates frustrated by red-state holdouts | TheHill
Medicaid advocates frustrated by red-state holdouts | TheHill: The politics of Medicaid expansion are changing as an increasing number of red states are dropping their opposition, but for expansion advocates there is also increasing frustration at the remaining holdouts.
For-profit healthcare companies competing for primary-care patients
For-profit healthcare companies competing for primary-care patients: Wraparound primary-care models can limit spending and reduce hospitalizations, but experts question whether they are economically viable amid labor shortages and costly preventive services.
Louisiana Medicaid managed-care contract awards thrown out
Louisiana Medicaid managed-care contract awards thrown out: Louisiana's multibillion-dollar Medicaid contracts have been scrapped after the state's chief procurement officer determined the health department mishandled the bid process for deals to provide health services to 1.5 million people.
Prominent physician group endorses single-payer, public-option plans
Prominent physician group endorses single-payer, public-option plans: The American College of Physicians has expressed openness to a single-payer system before, but this is the first time the group has explicitly recommended a transition to single-payer.
Hospitals advised to prepare for dealing with Wuhan coronavirus
Hospitals advised to prepare for dealing with Wuhan coronavirus: As the U.S. sees its first case of the Wuhan virus, major U.S. accounting firm RSM said U.S. hospitals should financially and operationally prepare for an outbreak.
Supreme Court denies quick review of Obamacare challenge
Supreme Court denies quick review of Obamacare challenge: The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reject the expedited review means legal questions surrounding the ACA will persist through the 2020 election.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Georgia governor says budget does not include 'drastic cuts'
Georgia governor says budget does not include 'drastic cuts': Much of what Georgia lawmakers hear this week will be about Gov. Brian Kemp’s call to cut spending by 4% this fiscal year and 6% in fiscal 2021.
Trump berates Azar over bad health care polling - POLITICO
Trump berates Azar over bad health care polling - POLITICO: The president's frustration with his health secretary sparked a flurry of new planning on election-year drug pricing initiatives.
President Trump berates HHS Secretary Azar over bad healthcare polling | HealthLeaders Media
President Trump berates HHS Secretary Azar over bad healthcare polling | HealthLeaders Media: President Donald Trump lashed out at HHS Secretary Alex Azar on Thursday after senior aides presented him with polling data showing that voters prefer Democrats on health care, according to six people with knowledge of the conversation.
Aging Country Doctors: As rural physicians age out, health-care industry fights to fill their place | Local News | valdostadailytimes.com
Aging Country Doctors: As rural physicians age out, health-care industry fights to fill their place | Local News | valdostadailytimes.com: FORT GAINES — Karen Kinsell is the only doctor in town.
Water leak at Scottish Rite Hospital causes headaches
Water leak at Scottish Rite Hospital causes headaches: Crews were assessing damage following fire sprinkler water line break at Scottish Rite hospital.
'Kangaroo Care' Reduces Infant Deaths
'Kangaroo Care' Reduces Infant Deaths: Low birth weight babies stand a better chance of surviving when their mothers hold them close throughout the day, a new study finds.
What Parents Overlook When Their Teen Is a Heavy Gamer
What Parents Overlook When Their Teen Is a Heavy Gamer: Most American parents believe their teens spend too much time playing video games, but many underestimate the actual amount, a new survey shows.
14 states, D.C. and New York City sue to stop Trump plan to slash food stamps for 700,000 unemployed people - The Washington Post
14 states, D.C. and New York City sue to stop Trump plan to slash food stamps for 700,000 unemployed people - The Washington Post: New rule is first of three planned to cut 3 million from food benefit rolls; states say changes are based on no evidence, ignore states’ discretion and Congress.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Millennials Most Likely to Skip Flu Shot, Believe 'Anti-Vaxxer' Claims: Poll
Millennials Most Likely to Skip Flu Shot, Believe 'Anti-Vaxxer' Claims: Poll: Millennials are less likely to have had a flu shot this season and are more likely than other American adults to agree with some false anti-vaccination information, according to a new nationwide survey.
Study: Medicaid churn declined in expansion states | FierceHealthcare
Study: Medicaid churn declined in expansion states | FierceHealthcare: Medicaid enrollment churn eased following the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, a new study shows. Research published in the January issue of Health Affairs found that both Medicaid coverage disruptions and coverage loss declined by 4.3% in states that expanded the program.
CMS seeks feedback on using out-of-state providers for Medicaid-covered children
CMS seeks feedback on using out-of-state providers for Medicaid-covered children: The CMS wants information from stakeholders on the best tactics to deploy when providers in other states care for medically complex children insured by Medicaid.
Nebraska could pave the way forward for Medicaid work requirements
Nebraska could pave the way forward for Medicaid work requirements: Nebraska's Medicaid waiver could beat legal scrutiny by creating a two-tiered Medicaid expansion with a work requirement, but critics say the plan is too complicated, ill-conceived and won't help people work or get the care they need.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
What to watch at Kemp’s State of the State address
What to watch at Kemp’s State of the State address: After weeks of dropping hints about his legislative priorities, Gov.
Parents Can Help Their Sleep-Deprived Teens
Parents Can Help Their Sleep-Deprived Teens: Mom and dad may be key in curbing the epidemic of drowsy teens, a new study suggests.
Half of doctors would take a pay cut for less hours, more work-life balance | FierceHealthcare
Half of doctors would take a pay cut for less hours, more work-life balance | FierceHealthcare: Half of physicians said they would take a salary reduction of up to $20,000 per year in exchange for working less hours and achieving a better work-life balance, according to a new survey.
Children's National CEO aims to quicken pediatric care innovation
Children's National CEO aims to quicken pediatric care innovation: Dr. Kurt Newman is bullish on the prospect of the new Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus being a launching pad for new technologies and treatments.
Kansas Hospital Association CEO praises bipartisan Medicaid expansion deal
Kansas Hospital Association CEO praises bipartisan Medicaid expansion deal: Hospital leaders felt they’d be penny-wise and pound-foolish not to pay a per-enrollee surcharge to get substantial money back in return.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Texas, South Face Political Changes as Movers Arrive | The Pew Charitable Trusts
Texas, South Face Political Changes as Movers Arrive | The Pew Charitable Trusts: Most of the nation’s population growth was in five states.
The Jolt: David Ralston is a ‘no’ on ERA, and ‘maybe&rsquo...
The Jolt: David Ralston is a ‘no’ on ERA, and ‘maybe&rsquo...: Last week, we told you of a special House committee report on Georgia’s maternal mortalit...
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Hospitals sue to stop site-neutral payment policy in 2020
Hospitals sue to stop site-neutral payment policy in 2020: Hospitals have estimated they would lose $760 million in 2020 if the policy went into effect.
Flu season shaping up to be one of the worst in years
Flu season shaping up to be one of the worst in years: The flu vaccine may not be well matched to the viruses that are circulating, though experts say there's still some benefit to getting the shot.
Flu season shaping up to be one of the worst in years
Flu season shaping up to be one of the worst in years: The flu vaccine may not be well matched to the viruses that are circulating, though experts say there's still some benefit to getting the shot.
Georgia lawmakers gather amid tax and spending questions | State | mdjonline.com
Georgia lawmakers gather amid tax and spending questions | State | mdjonline.com: ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s Capitol buzzed back to life Monday as the state’s 236 lawmakers gathered to kick off an election-year session that could be dominated by budget, education and
Can Pot Bring on Psychosis in Young Users? It May Be Happening, Experts Say
Can Pot Bring on Psychosis in Young Users? It May Be Happening, Experts Say: The idea of marijuana causing a psychotic breakdown sounds like something out of the camp film classic "Reefer Madness," but many experts argue it's not that far-fetched.
Which Teens View Vaping as a Health Threat? Survey Offers Clues
Which Teens View Vaping as a Health Threat? Survey Offers Clues: Some groups of American teens are more likely than others to view e-cigarettes as a health threat, a new study suggests.
Sports Coaches Recruited to Help Stop Dating Violence
Sports Coaches Recruited to Help Stop Dating Violence: So-called "locker-room talk" among boys can actually be used to promote respect toward girls, a new study reports.
Lawmakers face distractions from Iran, impeachment in bid to get deal on surprise billing | FierceHealthcare
Lawmakers face distractions from Iran, impeachment in bid to get deal on surprise billing | FierceHealthcare: Lawmakers concede escalating tensions with Iran and impeachment could cripple progress on deals for surprise billing as a stalemate over how to pay providers lingers.
Hospitals sue to stop site-neutral payment policy in 2020
Hospitals sue to stop site-neutral payment policy in 2020: Hospitals have estimated they would lose $760 million in 2020 if the policy went into effect.
Advanced practice RN autonomy bill wins FTC support
Advanced practice RN autonomy bill wins FTC support: The FTC pointed to research indicating that advanced practice nurses are as safe and effective as independent doctors in their respective fields.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Top issues for the Georgia Legislature in 2020
Top issues for the Georgia Legislature in 2020: AJC guide to top issues for the Georgia General Assembly in 2020, including the budget, gambling laws, seat-belt laws, regulation of senior care facilities, health-care spending programs for low-income people and education.
Budget, taxes to dominate 2020 Georgia General Assembly session | State | rockdalenewtoncitizen.com
Budget, taxes to dominate 2020 Georgia General Assembly session | State | rockdalenewtoncitizen.com: Gov. Brian Kemp set the stage last summer for what promises to be a budget-cutting legislative session
Family's Social Standing May Be Key to Happiness for Teens
Family's Social Standing May Be Key to Happiness for Teens: How teens see their family's social status may play a part in their mental health and success at school, a new study suggests.
Zika Damage Showing Up in Babies Deemed 'Normal' at Birth
Zika Damage Showing Up in Babies Deemed 'Normal' at Birth: Some infants who appear healthy at birth after being exposed to the Zika virus in the womb develop neurological problems during their first year of life, a new study finds.
Supreme Court will review Arkansas law governing PBMs - STAT
Supreme Court will review Arkansas law governing PBMs - STAT: At issue is an Arkansas law that governs the reimbursements rates that pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, must pay to pharmacies.
Government watchdog finds lax oversight of 340B discounts
Government watchdog finds lax oversight of 340B discounts: Auditors found that only 75% of hospital contracts audited that required facilities to serve low-income individuals specified those individuals as defined in the 340B statute.
Medicaid expansion linked to fewer opioid deaths
Medicaid expansion linked to fewer opioid deaths: Research finds that expanding healthcare access can help address the opioid overdose crisis.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Flu season on the rise in Georgia, health officials say | FOX 5 Atlanta
Flu season on the rise in Georgia, health officials say | FOX 5 Atlanta: The last week of 2019 was the deadliest week of flu season yet for Georgia.
5 Things To Know As California Starts Screening Children For Toxic Stress | Kaiser Health News
5 Things To Know As California Starts Screening Children For Toxic Stress | Kaiser Health News: California now will pay pediatricians to screen Medi-Cal patients for traumatic events known as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. The program is based on research showing that children who endure chronic stress have an increased risk of developing serious health problems. Here are five things to know about the new program.
Children's National Hospital uses robocalls to curb readmissions
Children's National Hospital uses robocalls to curb readmissions: Since March, Children’s National Hospital has used robocalls to contact parents post-discharge to address questions about their child’s care.
New Kansas proposal breaks impasse on expanding Medicaid
New Kansas proposal breaks impasse on expanding Medicaid: The plan includes the straightforward expansion of state health coverage that the Democratic governor has advocated, covering as many as 150,000 additional people. It also involves a program to drive down private health insurance premiums.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
More birth complications push up hospital costs
More birth complications push up hospital costs: The rate of women with a severe maternal morbidity factor rose by 36% from 2008 to 2018, Premier found. Those vaginal births cost nearly 80% more on average than those without complications.
U.S. hospitals see first decline in outpatient visits since '83
U.S. hospitals see first decline in outpatient visits since '83: A new report from the American Hospital Association shows all 6,146 hospitals in the U.S. saw a cumulative decline in outpatient visits between 2017 and 2018 as patients' outpatient options continue to grow.
Out-of-pocket spending on maternity care on the rise, study finds | FierceHealthcare
Out-of-pocket spending on maternity care on the rise, study finds | FierceHealthcare: Out-of-pocket costs related to maternity care grew significantly over the past decade—despite an ACA mandate that such services are covered, a new study shows.
5 Things To Know As California Starts Screening Children For Toxic Stress | Kaiser Health News
5 Things To Know As California Starts Screening Children For Toxic Stress | Kaiser Health News: California now will pay pediatricians to screen Medi-Cal patients for traumatic events known as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. The program is based on research showing that children who endure chronic stress have an increased risk of developing serious health problems. Here are five things to know about the new program.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Regulating e-scooters tough challenge for Georgia lawmakers | News | news-daily.com
Regulating e-scooters tough challenge for Georgia lawmakers | News | news-daily.com: ATLANTA — Electric scooters started showing up on city streets and college campuses in Georgia a year and a half ago, but the General Assembly has yet to figure out
Drugmakers Hike 2020 Medicine Prices Despite Lawmakers’ Ire - Bloomberg
Drugmakers Hike 2020 Medicine Prices Despite Lawmakers’ Ire - Bloomberg: The ever increasing public outcry over the high price of medicines did little to stop drugmakers from raising prices again for 2020.
What if a Vaping Tax Encouraged Cigarette Smoking? - The New York Times
What if a Vaping Tax Encouraged Cigarette Smoking? - The New York Times: Policies aimed at youth vaping may have negative effects on adult smokers.
More birth complications push up hospital costs
More birth complications push up hospital costs: The rate of women with a severe maternal morbidity factor rose by 36% from 2008 to 2018, Premier found. Those vaginal births cost nearly 80% more on average than those without complications.
Congress will try to score drug pricing, surprise billing wins in 2020
Congress will try to score drug pricing, surprise billing wins in 2020: Lawmakers want to finish legislation on billing and drug pricing that stalled in 2019. But the election will loom large as they take on controversial proposals.
Monday, January 6, 2020
Local lawmaker hints of possible state excise tax on vapor products | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com
Local lawmaker hints of possible state excise tax on vapor products | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com: There’s a chance Georgia will follow North Carolina’s lead in imposing an excise tax on certain vaping products if at least one local lawmaker has his druthers.
Regulating e-scooters tough challenge for Georgia lawmakers | News | news-daily.com
Regulating e-scooters tough challenge for Georgia lawmakers | News | news-daily.com: ATLANTA — Electric scooters started showing up on city streets and college campuses in Georgia a year and a half ago, but the General Assembly has yet to figure out
Trump's dialed-back vaping ban angers anti-tobacco groups - POLITICO
Trump's dialed-back vaping ban angers anti-tobacco groups - POLITICO: The new plan will bar the sale of all sweet and fruity flavored vape pods and cartridges but allow gas stations and convenience stores to continue selling menthol cartridges and vapes.
Docs concerned about financial risk in Stark reform while hospitals push for clarity | FierceHealthcare
Docs concerned about financial risk in Stark reform while hospitals push for clarity | FierceHealthcare: Doctor groups believe a proposed major reform to the Stark Law could add more administrative work and create new obstacles to setting up value-based enterprises.
Democratic AGs ask Supreme Court to review ACA decision
Democratic AGs ask Supreme Court to review ACA decision: A coalition of Democratic attorneys general defending the Affordable Care Act against a Republican state challenge asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision striking down the requirement that most Americans buy health insurance.
Friday, January 3, 2020
FDA to enact scaled-back e-cigarette flavor ban
FDA to enact scaled-back e-cigarette flavor ban: Anti-vaping advocates see the Trump administration's new policy as a capitulation to the e-cigarette industry because it allows sales of menthol-flavored pods and exempts tank vaping systems.
Doctors and hospitals support value-based Stark law changes
Doctors and hospitals support value-based Stark law changes: Hospitals support changes to the Stark law aimed at getting more providers to participate in value-based care, but they don't want price transparency to be part of the equation.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
How Are Your Newborn's Ears Working? Early Hearing Test Is a Must
How Are Your Newborn's Ears Working? Early Hearing Test Is a Must: When you have a baby, it seems like you visit the doctor all the time for checks on weight and length and to get needed vaccinations. But are you as aware of the guidelines regarding hearing checks for your little one?
Hospital Group Mum As Members Pursue Patients With Lawsuits And Debt Collectors | Kaiser Health News
Hospital Group Mum As Members Pursue Patients With Lawsuits And Debt Collectors | Kaiser Health News: The influential trade association has said little over the years as health systems, including those of its own trustees, seized patients’ incomes and assets. Now it is reevaluating.
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