A new Illinois law strengthens protections against discrimination based on the results of genetic tests that can pinpoint someone's risk of disease. Advocates hope the law will offer peace of mind to people who might otherwise be dissuaded from undergoing such tests because they fear repercussions from their employer or health insurer. Genetic testing can show a person's risk for cancer, heart disease and other ailments, as well as lead to lifesaving treatment. But some people won't get the tests because they fear the information will be used against them, the advocates say.
Health insurer WellPoint Inc. spent $890,000 in the second quarter to lobby the federal government on several healthcare-related issues, according to a report filed with the House clerk's office. WellPoint lobbied on Medicare funding, reauthorization of a children's health insurance program, health information technology, health savings accounts, issues related to the uninsured, insurance market reform, generic drugs, and other matters.
Leaders of Akron General Medical Center are coming out publicly against plans for a for-profit, physician-owned hospital in northern Summit County, OH. A group of Akron General department chairs recently launched a campaign against a 100-bed, for-profit hospital that physician investors want to build in partnership with General's cross-town rival, Summa Health System. The Akron General doctors argue that the physician-owned hospital will attract affluent, well-insured patients with less-complicated cases, leaving Akron's nonprofit hospitals stuck caring for uninsured patients and those with costly, complex problems.
The West Penn Allegheny Health System is cooperating with a Securities and Exchange Commission probe of the hospital network's $73 million revenue write-down, said system officials. In a prepared statement, West Penn spokesman Tom Chakurda confirmed the SEC was conducting an "informal inquiry with regard to West Penn Allegheny Health System and the $73 million balance sheet adjustment." West Penn Allegheny refinanced $758 million in bonds last year, but questions arose last month when the president and CEO announced that the health system may have overstated revenue by $73 million, including $67 million in patient receivables.
Cost increases incurred by hospitals in the United States slowed in 2006 as health insurers pressed for discounts and directed more people to outpatient care, according to a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Expenses for providing care rose 0.9% in 2006, the latest year reviewed, compared with the average annual increase of 4.8% for 1997 through 2006, the report found.
An Illinois state appeals court has reversed a lower court's decision that had allowed Urbana-based Provena Covenant Medical Center to keep its tax-exempt status in accordance with state laws. The case is part of the ongoing saga over whether Provena Covenant is a non-profit charitable institution. It has also been a case followed nationally, with state and federal lawmakers attacking non-profit hospital tax exemptions and questioning whether such health facilities are providing enough charity care.