Breaking News in Healthcare Reform
Snippets of news & commentary with a special focus on
health policy, Medicare for All & California
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“Plans are waging a campaign against the cut by running digital ads and organizing meetings on Capitol Hill….”
Insurers Fight Back on MA Cuts
Politico | Chelsea Cirruzzo, Ben Leonard | February 16, 2024
“…roughly 8 million Anthem members in California were at risk of losing in-network access to UC Health’s vast network of prestigious hospitals and medical facilities, which could have left them with much higher out-of-pocket expenses.”
Faceoff Between Anthem Blue Cross, UC Health Shows Hazards of Industry Consolidation
California Healthline | Annie Sciacca | February 16, 2024
“Thousands of low-income patients cannot survive without MLK Hospital. The South L.A. hospital cannot survive on what it is paid by public insurance.”
A Hospital’s Overflowing Emergency Room, Our Sick Health System
Capital & Main | Mark Kreidler | February 15, 2024
“This is part of a major shift in how insurers make their money, with profits increasingly coming from their provision of government plans like Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care.”
Major Shift: Health Insurers Are Suddenly Coveting Sicker Patients
Axios | Caitlin Owens | February 14, 2024
“Millions of Medi-Cal beneficiaries can now save for a rainy day, keep an inheritance, or hold on to a modest nest egg, without losing coverage….”
New Eligibility Rules Are a Financial Salve for Nearly 2 Million on Medi-Cal
California Healthline | Bernard J. Wolfson | February 14, 2024
“The U.S. is an outlier among rich countries in not having national paid sick leave policies.”
Sick Days Ushered Into Confusing New Era
Axios | April Rubin | February 12, 2024
“…it’s the first time a court has outright dismissed a challenge to Medicare’s new price negotiation powers.”
Federal Judge Tosses PhRMA Lawsuit Challenging Medicare Drug Negotiations
The Hill | Nathaniel Weixel | February 12, 2024
“The judgment against Simple hits at the heart of criticism against association and short-term health plans, which Republicans argue is a valuable alternative to pricier coverage that complies with the Affordable Care Act’s consumer protections.”
FTC Obtains $195M Judgment Against Simple Health for Selling ‘Sham’ Insurance
Healthcare Dive | Rebecca Pifer | February 12, 2024
“‘…some of these big data systems are riddled with bias that discriminate against patients based on race, gender, sexual orientation and disability. It is very clear not enough is being done to protect patients from bias in AI,’ [said] Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.”
As AI Adoption in Healthcare Grows, Senate Lawmakers Weigh Regulation, Payment Approaches
Fierce Healthcare | Heather Landi | February 12, 2024
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