The top boosters for the merger of the state's two hospital groups, Lifespan and Care New England, have promised many things, including better recruitment of doctors and researchers and improved care--but not lower patient costs.
A majority of Wisconsin residents favor a state-run health insurance system, and even more like the idea of expanding existing programs or investing in health savings accounts, according to a poll.
A 61-page report from the state auditor calls for the California Legislature to give nonprofit hospitals more specific instructions on reporting costs for uncompensated care and evaluating community benefits. According to the auditor, uniform guidelines are needed in reporting the dollar valuations of community care.
Officials of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have filed a certificate of need with the state to construct a $43 million building downtown. The costs will be covered by private donations, and Children's Healthcare has already raised $34 million toward the project.
A state panel has approved a range of changes for next year for the rapidly growing subsidized health insurance program in Massachusetts. The changes will probably cut payments to doctors and hospitals, reduce choices for patients, and possibly increase how much patients have to pay.
The American Hospital Association says that a letter recently sent to presidential candidates about specialty hospitals is "all fiction, no facts." In response, the AHA and the Iowa Hospital Association sent their own letter to the candidates that says limited-service facilities drive up the nation's healthcare costs and threaten to dismantle vital community resources for patients.