The Zagat Health Survey has officially launched for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members to grade their doctors online. Although other websites allow patients to rate their physicians and view evaluations of doctors, Anthem parent WellPoint Inc. is believed to be the first U.S. health insurer to offer such an online program.
The Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care has called for a $20 million expansion in health coverage for children of the working poor as a first step toward covering all Iowa children. Iowa Sen. Jack Hatch said the group's study would nudge Iowa toward universal health coverage, but he added the proposal offered no specifics on how to pay for it.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is backing a proposed constitutional amendment that would require the state to enact some form of universal healthcare for Michigan citizens. Sponsored by an array of labor unions, the AARP, and other civic and religious activists, the proposed amendment would require the state Legislature to provide "comprehensive and affordable" healthcare.
Bethesda, MD-based Coventry Health Care Inc. has been selected by the Pennsylvania Employee Benefit Trust Fund to provide health insurance to about 50,000 of its retirees beginning April 1. Patients using the plan will have access to a 24-hour nurse line, enhanced clinical programs and wellness programs.
Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, who has presided over a steady decline in the number of children on taxpayer-funded health care in the state, is leading a drive to turn the trend around. The governor stars in a public service announcement boosting the state program, has sent 106,000 letters to families that lost coverage and is making it easier for them to sign up for benefits. His opponents, however, call the moves political ploy.
Blaming increases in payments from Medicare and Medicaid, Florida Hospital Waterman has furloughed 25 employees. The hospital, which employs about 1,500 people, also made the reductions because of "increases in the number of people who are having difficulty paying for our services," said a hospital spokeswoman.