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GOP slams House health bill, Dems face hurdles before floor votes

The political parties lined up for a weekend of political rhetoric, with Republicans slamming the House health reform bill as Democrats get ready to move the bills to the floor in the House and the Senate.

1 Nov 2009

Many details still bedevil Democrats in health reform bills

It was the usual partisan squabbling on the Sunday talk shows today, while Democrats are braced for a significant week ahead, ironing out significant differences in various health reform bills.

1 Nov 2009

CNA/NNOC protests over removal of 'Kucinich amendment' from healthcare bill

WHAT: Registered Nurses from the California Nurses Association, activist doctors from the California Physicians Alliance, school employees from the California School Employees Association, and workers and healthcare advocates from the Labor Taskforce on Guaranteed Healthcare will lead a protest Friday at the offices of U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman.

31 Oct 2009

Miami resident pleads guilty on conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program

Miami resident Daisy Martinez pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Detroit to participating in a conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg of the Eastern District of Michigan; Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the FBI; and Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced.

31 Oct 2009

Texas McAllen Hospitals violates the False Claims Act, to pay $27.5M for settling allegations

A hospital group based in McAllen, Texas, has agreed to pay the United States $27.5 million to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Statute between 1999 and 2006, by paying illegal compensation to doctors in order to induce them to refer patients to hospitals within the group, the Justice Department announced today.

31 Oct 2009

AARP praises General Assembly for preserving critical health care program

Older adults increasingly feeling the pinch of the recession got a significant break from the Illinois General Assembly, as legislators overrode a partial veto from Gov. Quinn on Thursday, preserving a program aimed at helping Medicare beneficiaries afford prescription drugs.

31 Oct 2009

Aetna signs new expanded agreement with Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Aetna announced today that it has expanded its relationship with Sarasota Memorial Hospital by reaching agreement on a long-term contract that will provide access for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members. This agreement marks the first time Sarasota Memorial has agreed to participate in a Medicare Advantage network plan.

31 Oct 2009

As House bill continues to stir reaction, focus turns to costs, potential amendments

Lawmakers and various groups continue to react to the House health bill, which was released Thursday and may significantly increase federal spending on health care.

31 Oct 2009

Senate confirms Benjamin as surgeon general

The Senate confirmed Alabama doctor Regina Benjamin as surgeon general Thursday night. Her confirmation, which was approved with a voice vote, comes at a critical time as the nation deals with a swine flu emergency.

30 Oct 2009

Health industry stakeholders focus on pain, not gain

Businesses, including medical device makers, insurers and pharmaceutical companies are bracing for tax and fee provisions in the House health care reform bill.

30 Oct 2009

House Democrats hail, grumble about health reform bill

News outlets detailed the House health care reform bill and reaction from members. The Congressional Budget Office estimated its net cost to be $894 billion over 10 years.

30 Oct 2009

60 Plus Association calls upon Sen. Lieberman not to support any bill which cuts Medicare

Today, the 60 Plus Association released a new TV ad targeting Senator Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.). The ad features members of our Greatest Generation begging Sen. Lieberman not to cut Medicare to pay for health care reform. The :30 second TV ad will run in conjunction with a :60 second ad that began airing on Wednesday.

30 Oct 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

The legislation on the table isn't perfect, but it's as good as anyone could reasonably have expected. History is about to be made — and everyone has to decide which side they're on (Paul Krugman, 10/29).

30 Oct 2009

Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members to benefit from agreement with WellStar Health System

Aetna and WellStar Health System of Marietta, Ga. announced today that they have reached agreement on a three-year contract that provides access for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members to the hospital’s facilities and physicians.

30 Oct 2009

Explaining the new House bill

Several news outlets have explainers on the House bill, which was unveiled yesterday.

30 Oct 2009

Government to decide on payment for doctors who use medical-imaging

The government is weighing whether to cut Medicare payments to physicians who use medical-imaging machines to screen patients for diseases like cancer and heart problems. The decision could come as early as Friday. Lawmakers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services see the cuts as a way to prevent overuse of the technology, which drives up health care costs.

30 Oct 2009

BCBSA's statement on the new government-run health plan

The 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies strongly support passing bipartisan comprehensive healthcare reform this year that will expand access to affordable coverage and rein in costs for everyone. We agree with the goal of the legislation to cover all Americans.

30 Oct 2009

First Choice Health Services to be included in the top-performing home health agencies in the US

First Choice Health Services, Inc. today announced that it has been named to the 2009 HomeCare Elite , a compilation of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States.

30 Oct 2009

Third-quarter fiscal 2009 results announced by HMS Holdings

HMS Holdings Corp. today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2009.

30 Oct 2009

Pelosi's remarks at a rally to unveil the Affordable Health Care for America Act

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leaders, Committee Chairs, Members of Congress and Americans who are struggling under the current health care system held a rally on the West Front of the Capitol this morning to unveil H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Below are the Speaker's opening remarks.

30 Oct 2009