Today's Health News
Today's Health News is a free, daily compilation of select health news in Colorado and nationally. Subscribe, unsubscribe or manage your RSS News Feeds and automatic email notifications.
Dear Patients: Vote to Repeal ObamaCare
The Wall Street Journal
Facing a nationwide backlash, Democratic congressional candidates have a new message for voters: We know you don't like ObamaCare, so we'll fix it. This was the line offered by Democrat Mark Critz, who won a special election in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district after expressing opposition to the law and promising to mend it-but not to repeal it. As a doctor I know something about unexpected recoveries, and this latest attempt to rescue ObamaCare from repeal needs to be taken seriously.
Debunking Medicare Myths
Washington Post
In his latest Kaiser Health News column, James Capretta writes: "Here's a puzzle: Critics say Medicare Advantage plans -- the private insurance options offered to beneficiaries -- are inefficient and costly. But those same critics oppose vouchers for Medicare -- even though that would set up a direct competition between the private plans and the traditional fee-for-service program. What are they afraid of?."
Growth Slows in Health Spending
USA Today
Health care spending this year has grown at its slowest rate in a half-century, a sign that people are forgoing medical care during the recession, a USA TODAY analysis of government data finds. Spending on doctors, hospitals, drugs and other medical care climbed at a 2.7% annual rate per person in the first half of 2010, the smallest increase since the Bureau of Economic Analysis began tracking medical care in 1959.
Health Care 'No' Hurts Minnesota
Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"All executive branch departments and agencies are directed that no application shall be submitted to the federal government in connection with requests for grant funding for programs and demonstration projects deriving from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ... unless otherwise required by law, or approved by the office of the governor."
Health Insurance Tax Credit Likely to Affect Small Part of Small-Business Workforce
Washington Post
About 16.6 million workers are employed by small businesses that are eligible for health insurance tax credits under the new health-care law, according to estimates that were to be released by a nonpartisan research foundation Thursday.
Health Reform Foes Request Federal Funds for Early Retirees
The Hill
About two dozen businesses associated with high-profile opposition to the healthcare reform law are taking advantage of a provision that helps pay for their retirees' medical bills, according to a review of federal records by The Hill. The Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday announced that almost 2,000 employers and unions have been accepted into the $5 billion Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, with more applications pending.
Hospital Profits Raise Eyebrows As Medical Costs Continue To Soar
The Hill
Forbes magazine this week released its first-ever survey of America's most profitable hospitals, revealing that 24 hospitals with more than 200 beds make 25 cents or more for every dollar of patient revenue they take in. The report is being widely disseminated by the health insurance industry, which is pushing back against claims that health insurance profits - rather than rising medical costs - are to blame for rising premiums.
Local Hospital Board Votes in Opposition of Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101
The Holyoke Enterprise
East Phillips County Hospital District (EPCHD) board members voted to adopt a resolution opposing Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101 at their Tuesday, Aug. 24 regular meeting. Hospital administrator John Ayoub presented board members with a resolution stating MMH opposes Amendment 60, Amendment 61 and Proposition 101 and urges voters residing within East Phillips County Hospital District to take similar action to actively oppose all three ballot measures.
Medicare Drug Premiums to Remain Stable in 2011
American Medical News
Average monthly premiums for seniors enrolled in the Medicare drug benefit will increase by only $1 in 2011, bringing the total average premium to $30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Aug. 18.
More Workers At Small Businesses Will Get Medical Insurance Thanks to Healthcare Reform, Study Predicts
Los Angeles Times
It's been nearly six months since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was signed into law, and it's still pretty unpopular. The Kaiser Health Tracking Poll for August found that 45% of Americans surveyed said they have a "somewhat unfavorable" or "very unfavorable" view of the law, compared with 43% who like it. A consensus of recent polls compiled by Pollster.com shows even more negativity - 48% of Americans oppose the law, compared with only 42% who favor it.
Neighborhood Clinics Program Working to Fill Gap in Mental Health Care
Noozhawk
At a time when mental health care is becoming more exclusive for people without insurance, one group has stepped up to expand care.
The Ugly Truth Behind America's Objection To Health Care Reform
Forbes' The Policy Page Blog
As we head into the November elections, much is being made of the failing support for health care reform.