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CAPG lauds passage of federal health care reform legislation

“This is the most sweeping health reform legislation since the enactment of Medicare. It will provide an extraordinary opportunity to make a very real difference in the lives of millions of people. This comprehensive bill package addresses major areas in need of change, including expanding coverage to nearly all Americans, eliminating various unfair insurance practices, and beginning to transform our dysfunctional delivery system.”

28 Dec 2009

DNC Chairman's statement on health care reform legislation

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, landmark health care reform legislation. Democrats passed the bill on Christmas Eve, after overcoming a series of procedural hurdles and delay tactics by Republicans that were designed to stop the bill from ever reaching the Senate floor for a vote on final passage.

28 Dec 2009

AARP supports passage of healthcare reform

Before the sun was up in Idaho this morning, families across the state buckling under soaring health care costs received a glimmer of hope from Washington, D.C. With the Senate passage of critical health care reform legislation, AARP says the Idaho congressional delegation can play a key role in making the bill stronger.

28 Dec 2009

APA commends the U.S. Senate for its historic passage of legislation

The American Psychological Association commends the U.S. Senate for its historic passage of legislation that holds the promise of more comprehensive coverage for Americans with health insurance and provides new options for those without.

28 Dec 2009

USCM felicitates U.S. Senate on passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Today, The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) congratulates the U.S. Senate on taking an important step forward to provide health care for millions of the uninsured. In a historic Christmas Eve session, by a vote of 60-39, the Senate passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

27 Dec 2009

PhRMA applauds Senate for passing health care reform

"We applaud the Senate for taking an important and historic step toward expanding high-quality, affordable health care coverage and services to tens of millions of Americans, many of whom are struggling today financially. While considerable work remains to be done in reconciling differences between the Senate and House bills, we remain convinced that comprehensive health care reform, if done in a smart way, will benefit patients, our economy and the future of our nation.

27 Dec 2009

AMA supports passage of Senate health care reform bill

"Today, the Senate took an historic vote to improve our nation's health care system by expanding coverage to millions of Americans and strengthening the private insurance market to better serve the patients who rely on it.

27 Dec 2009

Medicare reimbursement for DXA tests restored

Passage of health care reform legislation today in the U.S. Senate will help provide older Americans with easier access to quality osteoporosis diagnosis, prevention and treatment services. Included in the Senate health reform bill is a provision restoring Medicare reimbursement for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the leading diagnostic tool for the early detection and management of osteoporosis.

27 Dec 2009

AARP commends passing of health care reform; looks forward to improve legislation in conference committee

AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement after this morning's passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote allows members of the House of Representatives and Senate to begin merging their respective bills and enact health reform legislation early in the New Year.

27 Dec 2009

Obama says liberal critics are overlooking gains in health bill

In an interview with NPR, "President Obama hit back at critics within his own party over the landmark health care overhaul packages moving through Congress."

24 Dec 2009

Senate approves health care bill

The New York Times: "The Senate voted Thursday to reinvent the nation's health care system, passing a bill to guarantee access to health insurance for tens of millions of Americans and to rein in health costs as proposed by President Obama" (Pear, 12/24).

24 Dec 2009

NMFF's Illinois Health Facility Authority revenue bonds upgraded to 'A+'

Fitch Ratings takes the following rating action on Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, IL as part of its continuous surveillance effort: --Approximately $75 million Illinois Health Facility Authority revenue bonds, series 1998, upgraded to 'A+' from 'A'.

24 Dec 2009

Walgreens offers H1N1 vaccinations throughout Indiana

Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain and industry leader with more than 17,000 certified or licensed immunizers, is now offering H1N1 vaccinations at all of its pharmacies throughout Indiana.

24 Dec 2009

ACS awarded 2009 'Best in KLAS' ranking in national healthcare survey

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., today announced that its healthcare provider consulting business has been awarded a 2009 “Best in KLAS” ranking in a prestigious national healthcare survey.

24 Dec 2009

Eclipsys acute care EMR retains its No. 2 ranking in KLAS awards

Eclipsys Corporation®, The Outcomes Company®, today announced that the company’s focus on delivering an enterprise portfolio of high-quality health information software solutions is reflected in the findings of the 2009 “Top 20 Best in KLAS Award: Software and Professional Services” report (2009 Top 20 Best in KLAS Awards report).

24 Dec 2009

Bristol-Myers Squibb updates its 2009 guidance for GAAP and non-GAAP earnings

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company today updated its 2009 guidance for GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share from continuing operations.

24 Dec 2009

Oklahoma's largest health insurer redesigns web site

Because Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma recognizes that health insurance is becoming more and more complicated, the state's largest health insurer has redesigned its public Web site to better assist and educate customers as well as the general public. Now live, the new site provides an education that enables wise health care decisions, communicates a commitment to partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma customers and emphasizes the insurer's trustworthiness.

24 Dec 2009

Terri McCormick's statement on Senate healthcare reform bill

In the rush to pass the so-called "healthcare reform bill," U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) stomped his feet and held his breath until he extracted his presents from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. One such gift exempts Nebraska from paying the $45 million increase in Medicaid imbursement costs. Nelson was the 60th Democrat to get his stocking stuffed.

24 Dec 2009

Drug companies winners of the American prescription drug debate

On Dec. 15, the Obama Administration rejected a plan to allow the wholesale reimportation of cheaper prescriptions drugs from abroad, despite projected intentions to take on the drug industry and secure cheaper prescription for Americans.

24 Dec 2009

FRC Action launches campaign to protest Senate health care bill

As the Senate prepares for a Christmas Eve vote on Senator Reid's health care bill, Family Research Council Action (FRC Action) announced that it will immediately begin a last minute phone call campaign in six states -- Nebraska, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The phone calls will ask voters to contact their Senators and tell them "don't trade the lives of children for political power."

24 Dec 2009