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VA executives received high ratings before scandal

Data released at a congressional hearing shows that all of the 470 senior executives at the VA received annual ratings of "fully successful" over the past four years, even though the health system was having delays in processing compensation claims and veterans were having trouble getting access to care.

23 Jun 2014

More twists in Capitol Hill insider-trading probe

The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating whether nonpublic information related to a 2013 announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding 2014 reimbursement rates was leaked improperly.

23 Jun 2014

First Edition: June 23, 2014

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news stories about healthcare.gov management changes.

23 Jun 2014

Viewpoints: The cost of a VA fix; Virginia GOP 'must be so proud'; health law critics' argument backfires

The Veterans Affairs scandal has exposed a failing bureaucracy, so naturally Congress's solution is to give the same bureaucracy more money.

20 Jun 2014

Administration opened marketplaces despite technology concerns, GOP senators say

In new report, Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, allege the White House's delayed decisions kept health officials from meeting development deadlines for the online exchanges, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, a GAO official tells a Senate panel that the government has a flawed strategy on tech projects.

20 Jun 2014

Bioengineer wins NIH grant to advance brain-computer interface technology

Less than two years ago, a brain-computer interface designed at the University of Pittsburgh allowed Jan Scheuermann to control a robotic arm solely with her thoughts. Using the arm to bring a chocolate bar to her mouth and taking a bite was a sweet victory for Scheuermann, who has quadriplegia.

19 Jun 2014

Fireworks, public transportation, construction sites can induce hearing loss

Summer sounds include much more than crickets chirping. Outdoor concerts, parades, 4th of July fireworks, public transportation and construction sites all have one thing in common.

19 Jun 2014

Abortion becomes issue in Maine governor race

Elsewhere, Planned Parenthood fights to keep an Iowa law allowing telemedicine abortion in rural areas on the books.

18 Jun 2014

State highlights: State retiree benefit shortfalls; health data claims and cost

A selection of health policy stories from California, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, Virginia, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Washington state, Connecticut, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee.

18 Jun 2014

State highlights: New La. abortion restrictions; new Mass. hospital deal; Medicare and ambulances in N.J.

A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Georgia, Missouri, Maryland, New York, Kansas and Washington state.

16 Jun 2014

Poll: Fixing vets' health care high priority

Elsewhere, a senator defends his vote against legislation to try to improve the VA's health care, and The Associated Press looks at doctor's appointment wait times for all Americans.

16 Jun 2014

First Edition: June 13, 2014

Today's headlines include various updates on what Virginia lawmakers did in an attempt to resolve the state's budget impasse and Medicaid expansion debate.

13 Jun 2014

Survey examines experiences of racism in health settings and impact on mental health

The VicHealth-funded survey, published in the latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia, could go some way to explaining the reduced quality of healthcare often reported by Indigenous communities.

13 Jun 2014

House Republicans take aim at health law subsidy overpayments

Lawmakers at a joint hearing of the Ways and Means health and oversight subcommittees heard testimony from conservative groups noting that the total of these overpayments to people newly enrolled in health plans could reach hundreds of billions of dollars and, even though those consumers could face a tax hit, the actual funds could be difficult to recoup.

12 Jun 2014

Leading experts from key sectors discuss challenges in 340B Drug Discount Program

Leading health care policy experts from community health centers, patient and clinician specialty groups, industry organizations and academic institutions convened yesterday to discuss challenges in the federal 340B Drug Discount Program, and the importance of preserving aspects that truly serve vulnerable, uninsured and underinsured patients.

12 Jun 2014