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Mandates likely work to increase vaccine uptake, report finds
Though almost 190 million people in the U.S. are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, that’s less than 60% of the country’s population. To increase that number, the federal government set in motion requirements that businesses with 100-plus employees man…
Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 this year could pay thousands in bills
Americans who get seriously ill from COVID-19 in 2021 might have to pay thousands of dollars in bills from their hospitals, doctors and ambulance companies, a new study suggests.
More Medicare Advantage plans will offer non-medical benefits in 2022, finds Avalere
In 2022, more Medicare Advantage plans will offer non-medical supplemental benefits that address various social determinants of health such as meals, nutrition, transportation and in-home support services, finds a new analysis from Avalere.
COVID-19 vaccination strongly protected 12- to 18-year-olds during Delta
Two new studies report that COVID-19 vaccination strongly protects against both infection and serious illness among adolescents ages 12 to 18. Both covered periods when the highly contagious Delta variant was the predominant circulating strain.
Washington State healthcare workers call on hospitals to mitigate the staffing crisis
Nurses and other front-line healthcare workers have gone on strike in droves during an ongoing staffing crisis, and this is especially apparent in the Evergreen State, as the Washington State Nurses Association has laid out several recommended actions …
AHA urges CMS to address prior authorization issues affecting Medicare Advantage payments
The American Hospital Association has sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requesting that the latter revise proposed regulations regarding prior authorizations, citing “issues” that may be affecting Medicare Advantage patien…
UnitedHealthcare and Optum launch virtual-first health plan design
Major insurer UnitedHealthcare has unveiled a new virtual-first health plan dubbed NavigateNOW, developed in conjunction with sister company Optum, which promises a more integrated approach to both virtual and in-person care.
The new health plan opens …
Doctor on Demand, Grand Rounds Health rebrand as Included Health
Several months ago, Doctor on Demand and Grand Rounds Health announced plans to merge, and this week heralded the announcement that the two companies, which have been operating independently, will now operate under the banner Included Health.
Hospitals pay high turnover costs due to RNs leaving the profession
Due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, registered nurses are leaving healthcare, with many retiring early or simply leaving the profession for other pursuits, burdening hospitals with exorbitant turnover costs, a new report finds.
Most Medicare beneficiaries don’t compare coverage options during open enrollment
With the Medicare open enrollment period set to begin October 15, a
