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Blue Cross NC, UNC Health team on study to improve food security, chronic health
There are numerous issues that can cause food insecurity, ranging from high medical costs to social isolation, and one major insurer has set aside funding for a large-scale clinical study it hopes will help to address food insecurity among its at-risk …
Linking U.S. prescription drug prices to those paid in other nations could cut costs in half
High prescription drug prices have important implications for the American healthcare system, driving up overall costs.
Premier, others urge HHS to move forward on alternative payment models to achieve equity
The organizations recommended HHS build in flexibilities and payment for APM participants to strengthen their focus on addressing inequities.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra releases proposal to lower prescription drug costs
The underlying principles behind the plan, according to HHS, are competition, innovation and transparency.
Shifting common outpatient procedures to ASCs shows cost savings
Hospital outpatient departments perform routine procedures and surgeries such as colonoscopies and cataract removals for commercially insured individuals at substantially higher prices than Ambulatory Surgery Centers, according to new findings publishe…
CMS releases evaluation of Vermont all-payer model, with promising early results
The APM achieved statistically significant Medicare gross spending reductions at both the ACO and state levels.
75% of U.S. adults have now received at least one COVID-19 shot, says CDC
More than 73% of those ages 12 to 18 have received one shot, while 92.4% of those older than 65 have received at least one dose.
CMS provides additional ARP funding to states to promote insurance affordability
States with 1332 reinsurance waivers will have more pass-through funding to implement the waivers.
Centene consolidating Medicare Advantage plan branding under WellCare
Major insurer Centene said Thursday it will consolidate all of its Medicare Advantage brands under its wholly-owned subsidiary, WellCare. Centene acquired WellCare Health Plans in January 2020 for about $17 billion.
Centene said the move will better al…
Arizona investing additional $60 million to support hospital staffing amidst COVID-19 surge
The funding is expected to decrease stress on hospital staff, increase hiring opportunities and decrease the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
