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Viewpoints: IPAB debate; Medicare flap continues; WSJ on VT single payer

While I applaud Ryan for getting the conversation started, I cannot support his specific plan — and therefore will vote "no" on his budget. Why can't I go along with the Ryan Medicare plan?

23 May 2011

Without medical liability reform, health care costs will continue to rise

Nearly half (44 percent) of almost 1,800 emergency physicians responding to a poll report that the biggest challenge to cutting costs in the emergency department is the fear of lawsuits. Even more respondents (53 percent) said the main reason they conduct the number of tests they do is the fear of being sued.

23 May 2011

Vermont Gov. to sign single-payer bill Thursday

Vermont is about to accomplish something the federal government couldn't. Once Gov. Peter Shumlin signs a bill on May 26, the state will be on track to having a single-payer health care system.

23 May 2011

Study links early complementary feeding with infant malnutrition in Kenya

A study of infants under 36 months old in a low-income area of Nairobi, Kenya, found that a "lack of information on exclusive breast feeding and low level of education for the mothers is the main cause of the frequent illness and malnutrition among infants," the East African reports.

23 May 2011

Kansas, Iowa pursue health law waivers

Meanwhile, The Hill reports that most of the denials resuting from early waiver requests went to unions. And, in other health reform implementation news, Politico Pro reports on what it describes as an "ACO dilemma."

23 May 2011

Baby boomers becoming the replacement generation

The Associated Press reports that knee and hip replacement surgeries are on the rise for the baby boomer generation, not because of obesity, but because of their efforts to stay fit.

23 May 2011

EDITORIAL: Study results show need for more data on HIV prevention economics

A recent study showing a "near-perfect way to halt sexual transmission of the AIDS virus has the potential to change the way international agencies and nations cope with the epidemic. But that can only happen if troubling issues of cost and practicality can be surmounted," a New York Times editorial says.

23 May 2011

AP-GfK Poll: Most Americans don't believe Medicare has to be cut

They're not buying it. Most Americans say they don't believe Medicare has to be cut to balance the federal budget, and ditto for Social Security, a new poll shows.

23 May 2011

State Roundup: States' economic success often beyond their control

State leaders love to make promises about healing a sick economy. Often, though, economic success depends on factors far beyond their influence. ... When It comes to Medicaid, the restrictions largely emanate from the federal budget.

23 May 2011

Healthways, BCBSNC to offer SilverSneakers to Blue Medicare HMO and PPO members

In a continuing effort to promote well-being and prevention to its older-adult members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Healthways, the leading well-being improvement company, have agreed to offer the award-winning SilverSneakers Fitness Program to BCBSNC's eligible Blue Medicare Supplement members beginning June 1, 2011.

23 May 2011

First Edition: May 23, 2011

Today's headlines include reports about a new poll that shows Americans don't believe Medicare has to be cut in order to balance the budget.

23 May 2011

Boston Healthcare announces acquisition of Alpha Care

Boston Healthcare announced today that it has acquired Alpha Care GmbH, a consulting firm based in Germany that provides health economics and policy solutions for pharmaceutical, medical device, payer and provider organizations.

23 May 2011

METI, Elsevier partner to release turn-key health care education product

Elsevier, the leading global publisher of scientific, technical, and medical information products and services, announced today a partnership agreement with Medical Education Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of medical simulation and health care learning technologies.

23 May 2011

Protesters favoring health reform disrupt Aetna meeting

Protesters briefly interrupted Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini Friday morning during his remarks at the health insurer's annual meeting. The Hartford, Conn., company was holding the meeting at Le Meridien, a Philadelphia hotel, when several people entered the room and started chanting about the health care overhaul, spokesman Fred Laberge said. The meeting resumed a few minutes later. Aetna Inc. said in an email that the disruption was "inappropriate, uncivil and unsafe," but that people are entitled to their opinions.

23 May 2011

Patients with chronic heart failure can benefit from telemonitoring

Two trials presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2011, organized by the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, will help to define the precise populations of patients with chronic heart failure in whom telemedical management delivers benefits.

23 May 2011

Huntsman's stance on Utah health mandate questioned

During a campaign stop Friday, former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. presented Utah's health reform as a model for what other states could do. And, Huntsman pointed out, Utah did not mandate that people buy health insurance, unlike the Massachusetts model now a thorn for Mitt Romney. His assertion, however, was called into question by a story in the Huffington Post, under the headline "Huntsman vs. Huntsman," which quoted Utah health policy players who said Huntsman had wanted a mandate but didn't get it.

23 May 2011

Medicare worries may tip balance to Democrat in NY congressional race

Republicans are growing increasingly pessimistic over their prospects in a race for a western New York congressional seat the party was once thought a lock to hold. With the contest entering its final weekend, party officials acknowledge what a Siena College poll released Saturday confirmed: Republican Jane Corwin narrowly trails Democrat Kathy Hochul. The Republican has so far failed to capture a portion of GOP votes that instead might be cast toward Jack Davis.

23 May 2011

Ryan defends Medicare, Medicaid plan; Gingrich explains attack on GOP budget

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan on Sunday called Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's characterization of his Medicare plan "right-wing social engineering" as "deeply inaccurate, a gross mischaracterization of the House Republican budget plan." Asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" if the former House Speaker undercut Republican efforts to pass the reforms, Ryan said, "Leaders are elected to lead. ... And we are leading in the House".

23 May 2011

Swimmer’s ear costs millions in healthcare each year: CDC report

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a common infection that accounts for almost $500 million in U.S. health-care costs each year, according to a new government report. The report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in the agency's May 20 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, says this condition results in 2.4 million doctor visits annually in the United States, each visit costing an average of $200.

22 May 2011

From September insurers will need to justify annual premium increases of 10% plus

According to the new Obama administration rule taking effect in September, state regulators cannot reject rate increases deemed unreasonable, but it requires insurers to explain the reasons for such hikes to the public.

22 May 2011