Susan Morse

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Medicare Advantage star ratings this year represent ‘final fallout’ from COVID-19

Fewer Medicare Advantage plans made the 5-star rating for 2024, and there were surprises among those that were on, and off, the MA and Part D list this year.
Gone from this year’s 5-star list were Kaiser Permanente’s Kaiser Foundation Health Plans. The…

Rite Aid files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Rite Aid Corporation has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has received a commitment for $3.45 billion in new financing to implement a financial restructuring plan. 
The plan would significantly reduce the company’s debt, Rite Aid said, including the…

Kaiser Permanente reaches deal with workers after strike

Kaiser Permanente labor unions representing 85,000 healthcare workers reached a tentative agreement with the health system Friday across seven states and the District of Columbia.
Both sides credited Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su in reaching an…

See the Medicare Advantage 2024 star ratings list: Fewer plans earn 5 stars

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the Medicare Advantage, Part C and Medicare Part D Star Ratings that rank MA plans by the quality of health and drug services received by consumers.
Thirty-one contracts for both Medicare Adva…

Twenty-three hospitals in North Dakota form integrated network

Twenty-three critical access hospitals have come together to form a rural clinically integrated network.

Amid losses, Walgreens announces $1 billion in cuts and closing unprofitable clinics

Walgreens Boots Alliance has plans to cut over $1 billion in 2024 and to shutter 60 healthcare clinics in unprofitable markets.
The company reported fourth quarter operating losses of $450 million, compared to $822 million operating losses during the f…

CMS releases 2024 Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the 2024 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B and the 2024 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
WHAT’S THE IMPACT: PART B Pre…

Hospital spending is projected to increase by 9.3% this year

Healthcare spending projections for 2030 are now 21% below what the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expected a decade ago, according to a study by Peterson Center on Healthcare and KFF.

Walgreens to launch direct virtual care to consumers

Walgreens will be offering direct to consumer virtual services starting later this month.
Insurance is not being accepted for these visits, Walgreens said. Most Walgreens Virtual Healthcare chat visits will be priced at $33 out-of-pocket, with pricing …

Upstate New York health systems seek approval to merge five hospitals 

Upstate New York health systems Cayuga Health System and Arnot Health are seeking state regulatory approval to affiliate as members of a parent company. 
Under the new structure, the new organization of five hospitals will oversee one billion dollars o…