Health Reform News and Research

RSS

Law enforcement officials seek, find Medicare fraud

The Palm Beach Post: To pay for the health reform bill, Medicare fraud is "ripe for plucking, top South Florida prosecutors say."

1 Apr 2010

Democratic, Republican Attorneys General continue health reform lawsuit battle

Politico: Some of the Democratic attorneys general who have refused to join Republican counterparts in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new health law, now "have become reluctant combatants, dragged into the fray by GOP governors and legislators who insist that their reluctance to join the case is a clear attempt to protect their national party's interests."

1 Apr 2010

WellPoint to re-label administrative costs as "medical care": Consumer Watchdog calls for probe

Consumer Watchdog called on the Obama Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services today to probe insurance giant WellPoint Inc. in light of an electronic message to investors describing how it would simply re-label administrative costs as "medical care" in response to the new health reform law. The message follows revelations that WellPoint, parent company of Anthem Blue Cross, also intentionally padded already huge premium increases in California, just in case regulators demanded reductions.

1 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 1, 2010

According to today's headlines, President Obama will head to Maine to continue efforts to sell the new health reform law. Meanwhile, his administration is ramping up education plans and efforts to smooth the shift.

1 Apr 2010

Workers take active role in selecting health care benefits during open enrollment for 2010

With U.S. health care and large-scale health reform in the media spotlight, a new analysis by Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, shows a record percentage of workers took an active role in selecting their health care benefits during open enrollment for the 2010 plan year.

1 Apr 2010

Revive releases results of fourth annual National Payor Survey of hospital executives

Revive, a national public relations firm specializing in Health Care and Healthy Living, today released the results of its fourth annual National Payor Survey of hospital executives. The only one of its kind in the country, the survey targeted hospital leaders in the industry who negotiate managed care contracts with national health insurance companies - CEOs, CFOs, and directors of managed care. Participants represent 24% of hospitals in the U.S., up from 18% last year.

1 Apr 2010

Health Policy Experts to comment on topics related to health insurance reform

As the debate over healthcare insurance reform continues, faculty members of The George Washington University Medical Center are available to comment on topics regarding health insurance reform, including: general policy/political analysis, Medicare, Medicaid, compliance, community health centers, state health reform, affordability, finance and health technology information.

1 Apr 2010

Some states reject health reform lawsuits as others prepare to join fray

In Georgia, "the Democratic attorney general has rejected" the idea of lawsuits that challenge the constitutionality of the recently enacted federal health overhaul "as 'frivolous' and 'a waste of taxpayer money.' Now ... [31] Republicans in the state legislature signed a resolution Tuesday calling for the impeachment of the attorney general, Thurbert Baker." Mr. Baker is planning to run for governor, a race "expected to be closely fought, to succeed Gov. Sonny Perdue, a Republican, who is prevented by law from seeking a third term."

1 Apr 2010

Obama signs bill, continues hard sell of health reform law

Politico: "'Today, we mark an important milestone on the road to health insurance reform and higher education reform,' Obama said in a speech on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College. 'But more broadly, this day affirms our ability to overcome the challenges of our politics and meet the challenges of our time.' Obama's bill-signings came as he entered the hard-sell phase of his sweeping campaign for heath care reform.

1 Apr 2010

Webchat to discuss the benefits of new health reform law

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Small Business Administrator Karen Mills will host a webchat today to discuss the benefits of the new health reform law.

1 Apr 2010

States face health care budget cuts, seek health-related legislation

Parents, caregivers and advocates joined hospital executives and legislators Tuesday to complain about the potential impact of [Louisiana] Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed budget cuts and privatization initiatives on Louisiana's most vulnerable residents.

1 Apr 2010

Small businesses prepare for health reform changes

As business owners across the country consider the newly enacted health overhaul, "they're looking to Massachusetts for harbingers of things to come. Massachusetts' law, which mandates near-universal coverage and requires that businesses with 11 or more workers offer insurance, provided the blueprint for the health law signed by President Barack Obama.

1 Apr 2010

A roundup of health overhaul fack-checking

Will all Americans get health coverage as good as lawmakers' insurance under the overhaul, as Democrats pledged? Apparently so. Even though most federal workers will maintain their federally employee's benefits, lawmakers will have to sign up for insurance plans through the new, state-run exchanges offered through the health legislation (Barry, 3/31).

1 Apr 2010

First Edition: March 31, 2010

According to today's headlines, just as President Obama signed the last piece of the health overhaul into law, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched efforts to shape its regulatory language. Meanwhile, analysis of particular policies included in the sweeping measure continue.

31 Mar 2010

Mixed poll numbers for Obama, Dems as health reform is signed into law

A USA Today/Gallup Poll has found that almost two out of three of Americans say the health care reform law is too costly and expands the government's role in health care too much, USA Today reports. "Those surveyed are inclined to fear that the massive legislation will increase their costs and hurt the quality of health care their families receive, although they are more positive about its impact on the nation's health care system overall."

31 Mar 2010

DNC Chairman commends Obama for signing historic health care bill

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after President Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. The bill, which authorizes the largest investment in higher education in American history, was passed by the House and Senate last week as part of the health care reform process.

31 Mar 2010

Close-ups on how the health overhaul gives and takes away

"An association representing 300 large corporations urged President Obama and Congress on Monday to repeal a provision of the health care overhaul that prompted AT&T, Caterpillar and other companies to announce substantial charges for the current quarter."

31 Mar 2010

States mull joining health care reform lawsuits or keeping out of it

The Associated Press/New York Times: Indiana has joined the lawsuit brought by 13 states challenging the constitutionality of a mandate on Americans to carry health insurance in the new health reform law. "State Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Monday that Indiana would be added to an amended version of the lawsuit against the law that is expected to be filed soon" (3/29).

31 Mar 2010

Despite simmering GOP rage on health bill, some Republicans say they can still work with Democrats

NPR reports: "Though conservative anger with Washington over the newly signed bill has been particularly hot, some longtime political observers see a revival of previous populist movements from the right. ... Chip Berlet with Political Research Associates, a liberal group that tracks populist anti-government movements, says this is nothing new.

31 Mar 2010

AMGA praises members for including ACOs in health reform legislation

The American Medical Group Association announced significant accomplishments in its advocacy efforts to reward members for the high level of quality, cost-efficient, coordinated care they bring to their communities with the inclusion of language establishing Accountable Care Organizations in the recently passed health reform legislation.

30 Mar 2010