Archive for September 2010
The Blog Line
Included are recent blog postings related to the medical loss ratio, drug development and Medicare Advantage overpayments.
You Gotta Keep ‘Em Regulated: Reform Law Changes ‘Culture’ of State-Level Insurance Oversight
CongressDaily reports on a state-level seachange brought about by health reform that might be impossible to reverse, regardless of what happens to the law.
Split Country for Old Men: Parties Direct Negative Health Ads at Seniors
The Wall Street Journal covers the uptick in negative midterm election ads on health reform that are designed by both parties and tailored to older U.S. residents.
GRANDFATHERED: Senate Rejects GOP Measure To Overturn Rules
The Senate on Wednesday voted 40-59 to reject a Republican-sponsored measure that would have overturned the so-called “grandfathering” rules for some health insurance plans under the federal health reform law, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” reports (Pecquet, “Healthwatch,” The Hill, 9/29). The rules, which the Obama administration issued in June, exempt plans that were being offered before the law was enacted from certain consumer protections (Lubell, Modern Healthcare, 9/29). Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), who sponsored the resolution, and other supporters said the rules were too restrictive and would force many businesses to drop their existing plans (Lesniewski, CQ Today, 9/29).
Die Another Day: Drug Shortage Delays Executions
The AP/USA Today reports on a shortage of drugs that are used for lethal injections in 35 states, which already has delayed some executions.
The Blog Line
Included are recent blog postings related to lawmakers’ ideological entrenchment over health reform, recently implemented overhaul provisions and juicy tidbits about current reform efforts from Tom Daschle’s forthcoming book.
Benefits of Touching Reveal Extent of Body’s Healing Abilities, Study Finds
Time considers a new study examining the natural healing power granted by touching one’s self.
ANTIREFORM LAWSUIT: Physician-Owned Hospital, Advocacy Group Sue Federal Government Over Medicare Provision
In a lawsuit set to begin Wednesday, Physician Hospitals of America and the doctor-owned Texas Spine and Joint Hospital are suing HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius over a provision in the federal health reform law that prevents physician-owned hospitals from expanding or participating in Medicare, the Austin American-Statesman reports (Eaton, Austin American-Statesman, 9/28). The provision prohibits the expansion of existing hospitals or the creation of new ones that are not Medicare certified by Dec. 31 (Haberkorn/Kliff, “Pulse,” Politico, 9/29). The plaintiffs argue that the overhaul is exclusionary and unconstitutional and that it unfairly eliminates competition for hospitals not owned by physicians. They also argue that it will limit patient choice and increase costs (Austin American-Statesman, 9/28).
Cursing for Care: Harsh Language Sometimes Helps Treatment
Fox News examines a recent study finding that patients who curse sometimes receive better care.
The Blog Line
Included are recent blog postings related to child-only health insurance policies, electronic health records and the benefits of health reform for the middle class.
