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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

New legislation will increase access to health care, says DDI

Will the newly signed health care legislation create a major shift in how pharmaceutical brand decisions are made? The bill will increase access to health insurance, but many believe the practice of medicine is already in transition, and the bill signed by President Obama will simply accelerate changes already being implemented.

31 Mar 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

Pelosi releases statement on signing of Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act into law

Health insurance reform represents remarkable progress for the American people. Today, with President Obama's signature, health care becomes more affordable for the middle class, we begin closing the prescription drug donut hole, and we demand accountability from the insurance industry.

31 Mar 2010

Does your insurance policy covers emergency expenses abroad?

You're on the sunny shores of Aruba enjoying your dream vacation. Suddenly, you have excruciating pain in your abdomen. You're rushed to the local hospital where they run tests and diagnose you with appendicitis.

31 Mar 2010

Patients who take decisions about their health care more likely to get better faster

Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their own health care are more likely to get better faster. As a patient, you can make your hospital stay a better experience by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team.

31 Mar 2010

AARP Idaho unveils list of winners and losers of 2010 legislative session

With the 2010 Idaho legislative session drawing to a close, the dust has settled on several key pieces of legislation that deliver good news and bad news for people across the state. Today, AARP Idaho unveiled its list of "2010 Legislative Session Winners and Losers," highlighting bills that either help or hurt Idahoans.

31 Mar 2010

HCCMIS nominated for 2010 Techpoint Mira Awards

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC received a nomination for the 2010 Techpoint Mira Awards. In its 11th year, the Mira Awards acknowledge advancements made by organizations and individuals in technology-related industries.

31 Mar 2010

Plan to convert 6 Mass. charity hospitals to for-profit - a model for other areas?

The New York private equity firm that last week struck a deal to buy Caritas Christi Health Care could build the chain of six Catholic community hospitals into a competitive lower-cost provider of medical services in Massachusetts, touting it as a profitable national business model in the age of health care reform, analysts say.

31 Mar 2010

Obama signs final health changes into law

President Barack Obama signed Congress's health reconciliation bill today, making final changes to the health overhaul law. 'This day affirms our ability to overcome the challenges of our politics and meet the challenges of our time,' Obama told a college audience outside Washington, as he signed into law final changes to the sweeping plan approved by lawmakers last week, along with reforms in college student loan programs."

31 Mar 2010

Insurers agree to administration view on kids' coverage

Uncertainty over whether the health overhaul would deliver promised insurance protections to children came to a quick end Monday when insurers told the administration they would not seek to block regulations clarifying the matter, The Associated Press reports. At issue is whether insurers would be required to offer plans to children with preexisting conditions right away.

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

First Edition: March 30, 2010

Today's news pages are full of stories detailing more particulars of the new health care bill to be signed into law today by President Obama. Meanwhile, the headlines also indicate that for Democrats, politically capitalizing on the new measure will be no easy task.

30 Mar 2010

US consumers torn between health insurance coverage and rising health care costs

DSS Research, the leader in market research for the health insurance industry, developed a proprietary set of metrics that gauge the level of engagement in health care on the part of the consumer. This quarter we also added questions based on the current health care crisis.

30 Mar 2010

United Concordia Dental's enrollment reaches 8 million membership mark

United Concordia Dental, one of the nation's largest dental insurers, today eclipsed 8 million members.

30 Mar 2010

WPS Health Insurance secures spot on 2010 World's Most Ethical Companies list

WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer, has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for 2010. Out of a record number of nominations for the award, WPS Health Insurance (Wisconsin Physicians Service) secured a hard-earned spot on the list by going the extra mile, implementing upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the company's success, benefit the community, and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.

30 Mar 2010

Few pregnant women meet physical activity guidelines set by health officials: Study

Fewer than 1 in 4 pregnant women meet physical activity guidelines set by doctors and health officials, according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study.

30 Mar 2010

Royal Philips Electronics introduces InnerCool RTx Endovascular System

Royal Philips Electronics announced today its launch of the Philips InnerCool RTx Endovascular System for cooling and warming, which provides advanced whole body temperature modulation therapy in a closed-loop system from the inside out. The InnerCool RTx is a high-performance system that can rapidly raise and lower the body temperature of certain non-paralyzed, awake patients of all sizes in the intensive care setting.

From Philips Healthcare 30 Mar 2010

Massachusetts governor's race focuses on national health question: Cost control

The Massachusetts governor's race "is focused on the question that now confronts the nation: how to keep spiraling costs from bankrupting the experiment," The New York Times reports.

30 Mar 2010

How the health legislation will affect consumers

The Los Angeles Times explores some key questions: Will insurers continue to raise premiums; when will the Medicare "doughnut hole" close; and, "how do I sign up for my new insurance?" In answer to the last one, the Times writes, "Although there are some provisions that take effect this year, such as bans on lifetime limits and the denial of coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, the part of the bill that provides new insurance options does not take effect until 2014" (Geiger, 3/28).

30 Mar 2010