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Roundup: SEC pursuing managed care execs in Fla.; Minn. emergency medical assistance program ends; Ore. lawmakers consider reforming medical liability laws

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is going after some former WellCare Health Plans executives in federal civil court regarding their alleged actions concerning WellCare's managed-care contracts for behavioral health in the state of Florida. In 2010, WellCare agreed to pay about $334 million to settle legal actions with various entities related to an alleged $40 million, five-year pattern of fraud in those contracts without admitting or denying any wrongdoing.

12 Jan 2012

As the nation's elderly population grows, so does concern for their care

They're weak, physically or mentally disabled or both, and often at the mercy of people they depend on the most: relatives and caretakers. They're the nation's fast-growing elderly population, and many are prime targets for abuse - physical, financial, sexual or emotional. Concern among the elderly and their advocates is mounting as the number of seniors soars and more of them live longer.

12 Jan 2012

Raising Medicare's eligibility age would save money, but also shift costs

A new Congressional Budget Office estimate found the federal government could save $148 billion over 10 years by gradually increasing the Medicare age to 67.

12 Jan 2012

Viewpoints: Slowing health care growth; Competing views of Romney

The headline is that health care spending grew at only 3.9 percent in 2010 - just .1 percent more than the rate of growth in 2009. Combine the numbers from 2009 and 2010 and we're looking at the slowest two-year rate of growth since the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began keeping tabs on these numbers 51 years ago.

12 Jan 2012

First Edition: January 11, 2012

In today's headlines, the 26 states opposed to the health law have filed their Supreme Court arguments against the measure's Medicaid expansion.

11 Jan 2012

Viewpoints: Renewing the call for a public option; Keep all justices on health law case

In Washington, the three major health insurers - Premera Blue Cross, Regence BlueShield and Group Health Cooperative - are sitting on a total of more than $2.4 billion above and beyond what they expect to ever pay out in claims.

11 Jan 2012

Nicotine patch may help those with mild dementia

The nicotine patch designed to help people quit smoking can also improve memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, a small clinical trial found.

10 Jan 2012

Health law implementation: What's ahead in 2012?

Fox Business reports on what it sees as the five major health law elements in the pipeline this year. Meanwhile, other coverage focuses on the final round of health plan waivers issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, more about accountable care organizations, explanations of why private exchanges might catch on and details of the health law's contraception policies.

10 Jan 2012

The sharpness of the brain dulls beyond 45: Study

Researchers from the Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in France and University College London in the UK studied more than 7,000 people over a 10-year period and show the brain's capacity for memory, reasoning and comprehension starts waning in middle age rather than in the 60s.

9 Jan 2012

State governments trying new ways to cope with Medicaid costs

Despite the improving budget news, states still have tough choices to make as they continue struggling to keep up with increased demand for services - particularly for Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor.

9 Jan 2012

Allsup and PRIUM partner to address pharmacy regimens and costs for MSAs

PRIUM and Allsup Medicare Secondary Payer Compliance Services have joined forces to address pharmacy regimens and costs before submitting Medicare Set-Asides to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

7 Jan 2012

RetireSafe calls upon Express Scripts PBM to come to an agreement with Walgreens

RetireSafe, a 400,000-supporter strong grassroots organization that advocates and educates on behalf of America's seniors on issues regarding Social Security, Medicare, health and financial well-being, today urged Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) to return to the negotiating table, and come to an agreement with Walgreens.

7 Jan 2012

Consumer Electronic Show's Silvers Summit to take place on Jan. 10

The 2012 Consumer Electronic Show's Silvers Summit takes place on January 10, 2012. Nancy Shonka Padberg, CEO Navigate Boomer Media, will be on a billion dollar industry panel discussing digital media, health and wealth of baby boomer women.

7 Jan 2012

Pro Football Hall of Fame, U.S. Army partner and launch Award for Excellence program

The U.S. Army and the Pro Football Hall of Fame today announced their partnership and launch of the U.S. Army – Pro Football Hall of Fame – Award for Excellence Program.

7 Jan 2012

Humana to lead community well-being initiatives in La Quinta, Calif

Humana Inc., one of the nation's leading health care companies, will lead numerous community well-being initiatives in La Quinta, Calif. surrounding the inaugural Humana Challenge golf tournament.

7 Jan 2012

Candidates jockey for position, messages in post-Iowa landscape

News outlets report on how GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is being targeted by Republican rivals and the Obama campaign. Meanwhile, Michele Bachmann exits the primary race, and Rick Santorum, fresh from his Iowa caucus finish, draws headlines.

6 Jan 2012

MedLion announces expansion into Fresno region

Nearly one in four Fresno residents is without any kind of health care coverage. MedLion, Inc., a pioneering Direct Primary Care practice, today announced the company's expansion into the Fresno region by including William Work, M.D., in its fast-growing network of affiliated physicians.

6 Jan 2012

Industry report finds nursing homes losing money as states cut Medicaid

Also, California officials prepare to appeal federal court decision striking down cuts to some providers, and Wisconsin announces that its shortfall is less than expected.

5 Jan 2012

First Edition: January 4, 2012

In today's headlines, Romney wins a historically close contest in Iowa caucuses and Wall Street Journal readers favor televising the Supreme Court arguments regarding the health law.

4 Jan 2012

Big picture: ACO progress report; Evaluating new laws based on job creation

Modern Healthcare takes a look at the 32 medical groups that were named late last year to be the accountable care organization "pioneers" and how their planning is taking shape. Meanwhile, The New York Times examines how job creation has become the buzz word for lobbyists.

4 Jan 2012