Restrictions on abortion coverage approved in the House version of the healthcare bill likely will affect the affordability of the procedure for only a small minority of women. Although the bill has stirred passions on both sides of the abortion-rights debate—which are likely to be echoed when the Senate takes up its version—the practical effect of the restrictions will be limited, statistics suggest and some experts in family-planning issues say. The restrictions aim to ensure that no taxpayer dollars fund abortion. To that end, the government-run public insurance plan set up by the House bill wouldn't cover abortion, except in the rare cases of rape or incest, or when the pregnancy endangers the woman's life. Individuals getting federal subsidies to buy insurance on a new healthcare exchange also would be barred from buying policies that cover abortion, unless they do so with their own money.
Business foes of healthcare overhaul legislation are outspending supporters at a rate of 2-to-1 for TV ads as they grow increasingly nervous about a final bill. Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, opponents of the Democratic healthcare drive have spent $24 million on TV commercials over the past month to $12 million spent by labor unions and other backers. More than half the opposition spending has been by the chamber. With the House narrowly approving its health overhaul on Nov. 7 and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid drafting his measure behind closed doors, the outpouring of cash underscores how crunch time has arrived for business and other groups trying to shape or scuttle the legislation.
Friends Hospital, the 200-year-old psychiatric hospital in Northeast Philadelphia, has appointed Joseph Garbely, MD, as CMO. In his new role, Dr. Garbely is responsible for the leadership of the medical staff and overall clinical operations of the hospital.
Kevin B. Sneed has been appointed the founding dean of the USF School of Pharmacy. Sneed, associate professor of family medicine and assistant dean and clinical director of the College of Medicine's Division of Clinical Pharmacy, was selected for the high-profile position following a nationwide search.
Ellie Henry has joined Passport Health Communications, Inc. as a revenue cycle analyst. She was previously senior director of access at Geisinger Health System in Danville, PA.
Blue Shield of California announced two executive appointments. The not-for-profit health plan named John Hedberg as CFO/vice president of finance and underwriting for the company's Individual, Small Group, and Government Business Unit. Mike Sears was named vice president of customer service. Hedberg most recently served as business finance officer at Cigna HealthCare. Sears most recently served as senior vice president for customer care at Vonage.