Baptist Health Battles UnitedHealthcare Over Reimbursement Rates
Baptist, the state’s largest health care provider, says it and other hospital groups have faced “unprecedented” costs to cover wages, supplies and pharmaceuticals since the pandemic, but has seen stingy reimbursement deals from insurers. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
New Weight Loss Drugs are Out of Reach for Millions of Older Americans Because Medicare Won’t Pay
The cost of the drugs, beloved by celebrities, has largely limited them to the wealthy. A monthly supply of Wegovy rings up at $1,300 and Zepbound will put you out $1,000. Shortages for the drugs have also limited the supplies. read more >
by Associated Press -
New Hospital Designation Offers Hope in Pocahontas
On Sept. 1, the Pocahontas hospital was the first in the state to receive the newly created Rural Emergency Hospital designation. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Sage Health Invests $25M In Arkansas
Sage Health hopes to improve health care for seniors by opening three health centers in central Arkansas. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Raising Awareness About Hospice Care (Kimberlee Shaffer Kirkman Commentary)
How we view hospice care has changed as Jimmy Carter embraces this season of life. read more >
New Provider in Arkansas Focuses on No-Rush Health Care
Last month, Oak Street Health opened its first primary care center in Little Rock and another location is planned to open in North Little Rock on Oct. 13. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Biden Administration Targets 10 Drugs for Medicare Price-Lowering Talks
The move is expected to cut costs for many patients, but it faces litigation from drugmakers and heavy criticism from Republican lawmakers. read more >
Hospitals Question UnitedHealthcare’s Rates
Tough negotiations over reimbursement rates prompt another hospital to consider dropping UnitedHealthcare. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi Gets Full FDA Approval
Japanese drugmaker Eisai received conditional approval from the FDA in January based on early results suggesting Leqembi worked by clearing a sticky brain plaque linked to the disease. read more >
by Associated Press -
Lab Owner Gets 15-Year Prison Sentence for $134M Medicare Scheme
Authorities say Billy Joe Taylor of Lavaca used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, purchasing luxury automobiles including a Rolls Royce. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Merck Sues Federal Government, Calling Plan to Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices ‘Extortion’
The drugmaker is seeking to halt the program, which was laid out in the Inflation Reduction Act and is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars in the coming years. read more >
by Associated Press -
Arkansas Hospice Takes Over LifeTouch Hospice
The two organizations said the relationship will "strengthen the ability of both provider to carry on their nonprofit missions in light of the evolving healthcare market and massice changes anticipated in how Medicare covers and pays for hospoce care over the next few years." read more >
Oak Street Health Plans Expansion to Arkansas
In a news release, the company said it will open a center in Little Rock as part of a broader expansion that gives it a presence in 25 states. read more >
Poll: Most Oppose Social Security, Medicare Cuts
Instead, a majority — 58% — support the idea of increasing taxes on households making over $400,000 yearly to pay for Medicare. read more >
by Associated Press -
Baptist Health Reports $12.9M Operating Loss
Patient revenue increased in 2022, even though patient volume hasn't quite returned to pre-pandemic levels. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Senators Press Moderna CEO on COVID-19 Vaccine Price Hike
The drug maker plans to charge a list price of around $130 per dose for the vaccine in the U.S. read more >
by Associated Press -
When Will Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
One in five Medicare recipients currently uses medical marijuana. read more >
by Associated Press -
Joe Biden Plans New Taxes on the Rich to Help Save Medicare
Biden wants to increase the Medicare tax rate from 3.8% to 5% on income exceeding $400,000 per year, including salaries and capital gains. read more >
by Associated Press -
Biden Warns of GOP Plans for Medicare, Social Security Cuts
As budget negotiations move ahead, expect the long history of GOP efforts to slash the popular entitlement programs for seniors to remain a politically powerful weapon the White House intends to wield. read more >
by Associated Press -
Feds Expect to Collect $4.7B in Insurance Fraud Penalties
Newer and tougher penalties are meant to reduce improper charges on the taxpayers' tab for Medicare Advantage care. read more >
by Associated Press -
Sign up for Daily E-news
Sign Up
THIS WEEK’S EDITION
This Week’s Stories
View Digital Edition
