RAND Technical Expert Panel Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Contract Star Ratings, July 22, 2020 Meeting

December 23, 2020 News

On July 22, 2020, the RAND Corporation convened a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) web meeting to gather input on analyses that could be conducted to further enhance the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Contract Star Ratings program.

A Medical and Scientific New Year’s Wish List

December 23, 2020 News

The last 4 years have been difficult for science and medicine. The relentless attack by members of the executive and legislative branches of government on science and federal agencies that conduct science has shaken the fundamental pillars of great US institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and in some regards the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although the 2020 NIH budget increased to almost $42...

Obamacare sign ups increase for first time under Trump

December 19, 2020 News

More people signed up for Obamacare coverage on the federal exchange during open enrollment this year -- the only increase under the Trump administration, which has long sought to eradicate the landmark health reform law.
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Building a Better Clinician Value-Based Payment Program in Medicare

December 18, 2020 News

This Viewpoint reviews problems and successes to date in Medicare’s value-based payment programs, and argues for global payment structures across populations, settings, and episodes of care to improve quality, patient-centered outcomes, and efficiency while not disadvantaging safety-net clinicians.

Trump administration says it will withhold $200 million in California Medicaid funding over abortion insurance requirement

December 17, 2020December 17, 2020 News

The Trump administration announced two measures on Wednesday seeking to restrict abortion access, including withholding hundreds of millions in federal funding from California, one in a series of parting shots from an outgoing administration that has repeatedly sought to limit the procedure on religious protection grounds.

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Trump administration to withhold Medicaid funding from California

December 16, 2020December 17, 2020 News

HHS Secretary Alex Azar said the administration will withhold $200 million from California in the first quarter of 2021.

Huge jump in Australians seeking mental health help during pandemic

December 16, 2020 health, News

In just one month three helplines were contacted 140,000 times, and 7.2m Medicare-subsidised services were delivered over six months
In just four weeks during the pandemic, Australians contacted three mental health helplines more than 140,000 times, and 7.2m Medicare-subsidised mental health services were delivered in just over six months.
On Thursday the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare published a series of reports examining the effect of Covid-19 on the health system, with data showing a substantial increase in mental health-related services since 20 March when pandemic restrictions were first introduced.
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Crush of Obamacare signups expected before deadline

December 15, 2020December 15, 2020 News

Over 915,000 people signed up for Obamacare between November 29 and December 5.

Tuesday deadline looms for Obamacare signups

December 14, 2020 News

Americans are flocking to sign up for 2021 health coverage on the Obamacare exchanges, but the window is closing fast. Open enrollment in the 36 states that use the federal exchange, healthcare.gov, ends on Tuesday.
CNN

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[World Report] Bolivia’s new health minister promises universal health care

December 12, 2020December 12, 2020 News

Once implemented, the system will guarantee free health care to Bolivians, but critics say more funding is needed. Amy Booth reports.