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Lawmakers in Conn., Calif. ready public option, single-payer bills

Lawmakers in Connecticut are considering re-introducing a bill for a public option for health insurance that died last year in the legislature. Similarly in California, state lawmakers are pushing a single-payer bill that died in the legislature last year.

1 Feb 2012

Nursing homes hope to 'fend off' deep Medicare cuts with new approach

The nursing home industry is attempting to fend off deep Medicare cuts by proposing its own ideas on ways to reduce out-of-control Medicare spending. The proposal comes as lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to the healthcare industry to pay for a temporary postponement of physician payment cuts scheduled for March 1.

1 Feb 2012

New Dartmouth Atlas projects to focus on Medicaid, commercial insurance

The Dartmouth Atlas Project announced two projects to analyze geographic differences in healthcare for patients insured by Medicaid and commercial insurance.

1 Feb 2012

State roundup: Iowa reconsiders lawmakers' benefits

Two bills introduced in the Iowa House last week would curtail benefits for lawmakers. ... House File 2118 also removes per diem and daily allowances from inclusion in lawmakers' pension calculations, but also requires members and employees of the General Assembly to pay a portion of their health-insurance premiums. That premium payment would have to be at least $100 a month.

1 Feb 2012

Surgical breast biopsies may not be as overused as previously thought

Contrary to earlier findings, surgical breast biopsies may not be as overused as previously thought, according to a study in the February issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Surgical breast biopsies are more invasive than needle biopsies, requiring an incision and the use of general anesthesia.

1 Feb 2012

Democrats anxiously await new GOP budget plan

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has indicated the soon-to-be-unveiled proposal will include a plan to privatize Medicare at least "in part."

1 Feb 2012

Study finds sharp increase in BMP use for spinal fusion surgery

The use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) for spinal fusion surgery has risen sharply over the past decade, increasing costs with no evidence of improved outcomes, reports study in the February 1 issue of Spine.

1 Feb 2012

Viewpoints: Contraceptive controversy; Revising mental health definitions

It was good news that the Obama administration withstood pressure from Roman Catholic bishops and social conservatives to deny contraceptive coverage for millions of American women who work for religiously affiliated employers. Kathleen Sebelius, the Health and Human Services secretary, rejected broad exemptions from a new rule requiring all health plans to cover birth control, without a deductible or co-payment.

31 Jan 2012

OMB examining final rule on coordination of Medicaid, CHIP and exchanges

Also in the news, Roll Call takes a look at what action to expect, and who on Capitol Hill will be in the hot seat, as the Supreme Court works its way through the health law's constitutionality.

31 Jan 2012

GOP leaders predict quick action on payroll tax break extension, Medicare 'doc fix'

Top GOP lawmakers took to the airwaves Sunday and said they expect to reach a deal with Democrats before the current payroll tax break and temporary Medicare physician payment fix expire at the end of February.

31 Jan 2012

Aetna to begin national PCMH program in New Jersey and Connecticut

Aetna announced today a national Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program that will begin in Connecticut and New Jersey. The program recognizes primary care physicians (PCPs) who more actively coordinate and manage their patients' care across the health care system.

31 Jan 2012

States roundup: 'Cost-conscious' coverage in Mass.; Health exchange planning to Gov. in Minn.; Kansas judges gave to anti-abortion PAC

In just three years, a new way of paying for medical care has spread rapidly across Massachusetts, and now more than 1.2 million people are covered by plans that put providers on a budget in an effort to restrain health spending.

30 Jan 2012

In Florida, GOP presidential hopefuls wrestle with health policy issues

The candidates appear to be proceeding with caution regarding politically risky plans to overhaul Medicare while painting opponents in a harsh light.

30 Jan 2012

Medicaid drug payment rule change could lead to savings

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that the federal government could save as much as $17.7 billion over the course of five years as a result of a rule change that shifts more costs to drug makers and pharmacies.

30 Jan 2012

OIG: Data inconclusive about why docs leave Medicare

A report released last week by the Health and Human Services' Office of the Inspector General found that limited data made it difficult to gauge if issues surrounding the uncertainty of physician pay is driving doctors to opt out of Medicare.

30 Jan 2012

First Edition: January 30, 2012

Today's health policy headlines include a report that GOP leaders are pledging quick action on legislation to extend the payroll tax break and to prevent a scheduled cut in Medicare physician payment.

30 Jan 2012

Gingrich: Romney couldn't 'defend himself' on health care in debate against Obama

News organizations are covering the increasingly bitter Florida presidential primary race, which includes attacks on Mitt Romney's health care record by Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

30 Jan 2012

FTC terms Omnicare's proposed acquisition of PharMerica illegal

The Federal Trade Commission issued a complaint to block Omnicare, Inc.'s hostile acquisition of rival long-term care pharmacy provider PharMerica Corporation, alleging that the combination of the two largest U.S. long-term care pharmacies would harm competition and enable Omnicare to raise the price of drugs for Medicare Part D consumers and others.

30 Jan 2012

Single-payer bill fails in California Senate

A single-payer health plan failed by two votes in the California State Senate Thursday.

30 Jan 2012

Viewpoints: Health law's consumer safeguards; Shredding Medicare's safety net; Georgia's trauma crisis

Requiring the makers of drugs and medical devices to disclose most payments and gifts to physicians will protect patients and reduce medical costs. ... [the federal health law] requires the makers of drugs and medical devices to disclose most payments and gifts to physicians (1/27).

30 Jan 2012