Massachusetts MS Sues Group Insurance Commission
The Massachusetts Medical Society on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the state’s Group Insurance Commission, which purchases health insurance for most state employees and retirees, over its physician ranking system, the AP/Boston Herald reports (AP/Boston Herald, 5/21). Read more
Florida Bill Allows Health Insurers To Sell Bare-Bones Health Plans
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) on Wednesday signed into law a bill that will allow the sale of low-cost, bare-bones health insurance policies, the New York Times reports (Sack, New York Times, 5/22). Read more
FDA Will Monitor Medical Records Of Medicare Beneficiaries
HHS on Thursday announced the creation of a new program that will allow FDA, state agencies and academic researchers to use medical record data to ensure drugs and medical devices are safe for consumers after they enter the market, the Washington Post reports (Stein, Washington Post, 5/23). Read more
Uninsured Legal Immigrants Forcibly Sent Home For Treatment
In Arizona if a patient does not have a health insurance coverage, but may be legal or illegal immigrant, there is a good chance the patient will be sent back to his or her home country to receive treatment. Read more
Illinois Medicaid Program Saves Health Costs With Efficiency
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) achieved $34 million in net savings during fiscal year 2007 through more efficient management of its medical programs. Read more
Employees Confused About Health Coverage
According to a recent Guardian survey, women (58%) were more likely than men (47%) to find paying for healthcare premiums and out of pocket costs a challenge. But women (51%) are more likely than men (42%) to have done some retirement healthcare planning. Read more