The Medicare wars heat up: “The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has come out swinging since Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) said he’s not backing down from a premium-support model for Medicare.” [The Hill]
How Obamacare changes Romneycare: “Observers of the Massachusetts law say while technological support and the political will is there, there are still some big pieces that might have to change — from the state-run program for low-income people to the different (and bigger) fines Massachusetts charges for people who don’t get health insurance.” [Kate Nocera]
Abortion providers on Texas’ new sonogram law: For “many abortion and women’s health providers statewide, performing these sonogram-related actions is an affront — to patients who have thought long and hard about their decisions, and to doctors who believe they are not medically necessary.” [Texas Tribune]
Idaho governor needs more time for exchanges: “Idaho Gov. Butch Otter told the Idaho Press Club last week that he’s all but given up on establishing a state-run health insurance exchange, unless the federal government gives Idaho more time.” [Spokesman Review]
Pennsylvania seeks health law funding: “Gov. Tom Corbett believes the Obama administration’s health reform law is unconstitutional, but that’s not stopping the state from asking the federal government for money to implement it.” [Politics PA]
The end of insurance companies: “Here’s a bold prediction for the new year. By 2020, the American health insurance industry will be extinct. Insurance companies will be replaced by accountable care organizations — groups of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers who come together to provide the full range of medical care for patients.” [Ezekiel Emanuel]
Are doctors leaving Medicare?: “Anecdotally, it is believed within the healthcare community that doctors are leaving Medicare in greater and greater numbers. A new report by the Office of Inspector General has found that there is not enough data available to make any determinations about this trend.” [Healthcare Finance News]