HHS hopes bundling payments to providers will save money: “Much like the current system Medicare uses to pay hospitals by the diagnosis. If providers can treat a patient for less than the specified payment, they can keep the extra money as profit. If it costs them more — for example, if the patient needs to be readmitted to the hospital — the providers will have to make up the difference.” [Julie Rovner]
At least Upton is holding a town hall: “One woman asked about universal health care, and whether he thinks health care was a right or privilege. He responded by saying he wants to see the Supreme Court act on the Democratic health care law so Congress could get on with fixing it if it stays in place.” [Politico]
CDHC cost hikes on par with other types: The rate of increase in the cost of Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHPs) was almost on par with the average of all types of group health plans last year, according to preliminary findings of the 2011 UBA Health Plan Survey. “The average cost increase for all CDHPs was 8.0% for 2011, slightly lower than the average of all plan types, which increased 8.2% this year, UBA found. The average increase across all plans was 8% in 2010 and 7.3% in 2009.” [Business Insurance]
US health system not good at reducing mortality: “The United States healthcare system is one of the least cost-effective in reducing mortality rates; while the United Kingdom is among the most cost-effective, according to a recent study published in the July issue of Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Short Reports.” [Modern Medicine]
Arkansas split on exchange: “Gov. Mike Beebe said today the 2012 fiscal session should be confined to budget issues, but his surgeon general wants lawmakers to authorize creation of a state health insurance exchange to prevent ceding control of the exchange to the federal government.” [Arkansas News]
Idaho writes exchange bill: A state work group has drafted a bill that would authorize a state-run health-insurance exchange under the federal health-care reform law. “Despite the state’s opposition to the law, there’s widespread support for the concept of an insurance exchange, and a legislative panel this week agreed with Gov. Butch Otter that Idaho should apply for a $40 million federal grant to help the state design and build it.” [Idaho Statesman]
States push HHS to adopt some exchange functions: “The National Conference of State Legislatures has adopted a policy position that urges HHS to work with states to figure out which exchange functions, at a state’s request, could be administered by the federal government, building on the idea HHS laid out in the proposed exchange rule to allow for a “partnership” between it and the states in developing the health reform law’s exchanges.” [Inside Health Policy]
COBRA critical for uninsured: “About 15 million working-age adults lost their jobs and health benefits between 2008 and 2010, and a majority of those—57%—became uninsured,” a new Commonwealth report finds. “Just 8% of lower-income workers continued their coverage through COBRA after being laid off, compared with about 21% of those with higher incomes who chose COBRA.” [Modern Healthcare]
Junk food ban working: According to the study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Boston teens consumed about 45 fewer calories a day in the years after a ba on sugary drinks in Boston public school took effect – “even taking into account soda consumed outside school. That may not seem like much, but over a year 45 calories a day adds up to a vast improvement.” [Boston Globe]
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