A Small Claims Court judge ruled that healthcare giant Anthem Blue Cross of California overcharged a Culver City man more than $5,700 for safety-net medical insurance, and he ordered the company to pay him back with interest. Anthem said afterward that it disagreed with the decision. "The company feels that the reimbursement made to the member was appropriate," spokeswoman Peggy Hinz said.
Resurrection Health Care employees seeking to unionize plan a 36-hour vigil in Chicago to protest the hospital group's stand. The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees says workers at Resurrection hospitals have been trying to form a union for years. AFSCME has accused Resurrection of harsh anti-union tactics, including firings.
Hospital operator NorthShore University HealthSystem signed a deal to become the official healthcare partner of the Chicago Blackhawks, the team and medical system said. The five-year partnership will give NorthShore a marketing presence at the United Center, on television and radio broadcasts, and on the team's Web site.
Beverly, MA-based Northeast Health System, the parent organization of Beverly, Addison Gilbert, and BayRidge hospitals, has confirmed that its trustees have appointed Ken Hanover as president and chief executive. In his new job, Hanover will oversee the operations of Northeast's network of acute care, senior health, and behavioral health services.
A Rhode Island judge has allowed Landmark Medical Center, a 214-bed community hospital in Woonsocket, RI, that has been in court receivership since last year, to enter into exclusive merger negotiations with Caritas Christi Health Care of Boston. The board of Caritas Christi, a chain of six Catholic hospitals, authorized management last spring to pursue negotiations with Landmark.
Business is parting from its traditional allies in the Republican Party on healthcare as companies and big corporate lobbyists lend tentative support to a congressional overhaul. Republican lawmakers oppose the overhaul effort and call it a big-spending government intrusion. Many companies, on the other hand, cite soaring costs to explain why they continue to back the congressional work to revamp the healthcare system, despite misgivings over some provisions.