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Kansas Health Institute Study Explores Expansion of Holistic Care Coordination Across Health Programs in Kansas

Topeka, Kansas – Holistic care coordination (HCC) has emerged as a patient-centered approach that takes into account the physical, emotional, and social aspects of both the patient and their family in the creation of a comprehensive health care plan. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Program recently collaborated with the Kansas Health Institute on a study in 2023 to investigate the potential expansion of the HCC …

AI Implementation at Kaiser Permanente Sparks Debate Over Patient Safety and Trust in Health Care

San Francisco, California – Kaiser Permanente, a major employer in the Bay Area, has embraced the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its healthcare practices. The organization has emphasized the meticulous testing of AI tools to ensure safety, accuracy, and fairness. A spokesperson for Kaiser Permanente mentioned that AI is seen as a potential aid to physicians and staff, enhancing the overall patient experience. However, the organization remains committed to upholding human assessment in healthcare …

Cyberattack on Health Billing Clearinghouse Sparks Redundancy Plans for Arkansas Hospitals

Little Rock, Arkansas – A recent cyberattack on a major health care billing clearinghouse in the United States has caused significant disruptions for several Arkansas hospitals. The attack targeted Change Healthcare, which served as the sole billing claims processor for UAMS Medical Center, resulting in a cash flow crisis for the hospital while Change’s systems were offline. In response, other facilities like Washington Regional Medical System and CARTI had to find alternate routes for their …

Generative AI Transforming Health Insurance Clarity and Decision-Making

Detroit, Michigan – Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, bringing new opportunities and advancements. Bill Fandrich, the executive vice president of technology and operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, highlighted the significance of generative AI in transforming the way patients receive information and make decisions. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, utilizes language input to generate personalized content for individuals navigating the complex healthcare system. Fandrich emphasized the potential of this technology in …

OPM Enforces New Measures to Ensure Integrity of Federal Health Benefits Program

WASHINGTON, DC – The Office of Personnel Management has introduced new measures aimed at safeguarding the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for family members of federal employees and retirees. The initiative outlined by OPM Associate Director Lore Bodenheimer seeks to enhance the integrity of the FEHBP following reported gaps in determining eligibility and potential improper payments ranging from $500 million to $3 billion annually. In response to these findings, federal agencies will be required to …

Reimbursement Cuts Threaten Minnesota’s Mental Health Crisis Solving Efforts

Minneapolis, Minnesota – As mental health care providers in Minnesota face a looming crisis, the consequences of an ill-advised reimbursement cut passed last year are becoming increasingly clear. The reduction in funding, combined with a decrease in licensed beds in children’s residential treatment facilities, has resulted in significant challenges for both young patients and adult mental health providers in the state. According to AspireMN, a St. Paul-based advocacy organization, the number of licensed beds in …

Insurance Reforms Lower Health Costs Clear IL House status

Springfield, Illinois – The Illinois House has passed a series of health insurance reforms aimed at lowering healthcare costs. The bill, known as the “Healthcare Protection Act,” has now moved on to the Senate for further review. Proponents of the bill argue that it will help reduce the financial burden on taxpayers while ensuring access to quality healthcare for all residents. One of the key provisions of the bill is the requirement for dental insurance …

Latino Politicians Advocate for Health Care Policy at Latino Health Summit

ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA – Latino community advocates and political figures emphasized the importance of addressing healthcare policy concerns during the Latino Health Summit. Hosted by the Latino Connection at the Wind Creek Event Center, the summit featured various discussions and workshops centering on critical health issues affecting Latinos, including malnutrition, domestic violence, and palliative care. UnidosUS Action Fund, the advocacy and political branch of UnidosUS, presented the National Health Care Latino Agenda for 2024 during a …

Medicare Removes Stanislaus County Hospital Over Health and Safety Concerns

Modesto, California – A hospital in Stanislaus County has been removed from the Medicare program due to a series of health and safety issues. The hospital, which has not been named, failed to comply with the regulations set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), leading to its exclusion from the federal program. This decision has raised concerns about the quality of care provided at the hospital and its impact on the community. …

PBMs push back against rising drug costs in health care battle

New York, New York – Health care remains a hot topic in the United States, with Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) at the forefront of attention. PBMs are facing backlash for their role in pricing and accessibility of medications. The fight between stakeholders in the health care industry continues to escalate, with PBMs defending their practices amidst criticism. The complex world of PBMs involves negotiating drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, managing prescription drug benefits for insurers, …