Reform Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Healthcare Reform: South Africa’s President Signs Major Bill Ahead of Election

Pretoria, South Africa – The President of South Africa has recently signed a significant health bill just before the upcoming election, signaling a step towards improving healthcare in the country. The new legislation aims to enhance the provision of healthcare services and improve access to medical treatment for all citizens. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the health bill comes at a crucial time for South Africa, where there is a growing need for accessible and …

Connecticut Leader Calls for Fair Hospital Billing Reform to Address Soaring Health Care Costs

Hartford, Connecticut – Access to affordable healthcare continues to be a major concern for many Americans, especially those in historically marginalized communities and people of color. Ayesha Clarke, a Hartford native and the executive director of Health Equity Solutions, is dedicated to advocating for better health care policies and addressing the exorbitant costs that hinder many individuals from receiving the medical care they need. One of the primary issues contributing to the high cost of …

Health Care Reform Bill Proposes Shifting Commercial Prices to Lowest-Paid Hospitals

Boston, Massachusetts – A proposed health care reform bill in the House has sparked discussions due to its mix of positive and concerning elements. The bill aims to enhance state oversight and access to data in the healthcare sector, empowering regulatory bodies like the Health Policy Commission and the Center for Health Information and Analysis. By granting more review power to these entities, the House hopes to address financial issues within provider networks before they …

Maine Health Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew to Transition to Health Care Reform Role

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will soon see a change in leadership as Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew prepares to step down from her position at the end of May. Governor Janet Mills announced on Tuesday that Lambrew will be transitioning to a new role as the Director of Health Care Reform at the Century Foundation, a prominent Washington-based think tank focused on research and policy change. Additionally, Lambrew has been …

Governor Bobby Jindal Slams Obamacare as “Political Corruption” and Calls for Reform

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – A prominent former Republican governor from Louisiana recently criticized Obamacare, denouncing it as a form of political corruption. Bobby Jindal, a one-time GOP congressman and presidential candidate, expressed his strong opposition to the Affordable Care Act, claiming it was designed to foster reliance on the federal government, a trend he believes extends beyond healthcare. In a video for the American First Policy Institute’s Center for a Healthy America, Jindal highlighted what …

Certificate of Need Law Reform Urged by Local Lawmakers in Tennessee

Jonesborough, Tennessee – Three lawmakers from Northeast Tennessee are advocating for the repeal of the state’s certificate of need law following recent legislative reforms. State Representatives David Hawk, Timothy Hill, and Bud Hulsey made their stance clear during a healthcare policy discussion hosted by Americans for Prosperity. During the panel, the focus was primarily on the certificate of need (CON) process, a mandatory state review system for opening most healthcare facilities in Tennessee. Hawk, emphasizing …

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Lobbying Pays Off as Congressional Reform Stalls

Washington, DC – Lobbying efforts by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) saw success as Congress failed to impose any regulations on their operations this spring. The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the largest trade group representing PBMs, significantly increased its lobbying spending by 71% in the first quarter of the year, from $2.8 million to $4.8 million. Despite the initial push for transparency and reforms in the PBM industry, the House passed a bill advocating for more …

Insurance Reform Initiative Led by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker Passes House in Bipartisan Vote

Springfield, Illinois – Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois achieved a significant victory in the Legislature when the House approved his proposed Healthcare Protection Act. The act aims to address certain practices utilized by health insurance companies to regulate the quantity and cost of health care services received by individual patients. House Bill 5395, known as the Healthcare Protection Act, was passed by the House with bipartisan support in a vote of 81-25. The bill is …

Rate-Setting Prevails in New State Health Reform Trends, Departing from Market Strategies

Aspen, Colorado – Most state-run health reforms across the United States are trending towards rate-setting mechanisms rather than relying on free market principles. This shift in approach has significant implications for the healthcare industry and the millions of Americans who rely on it. In recent years, more and more states have been exploring the option of setting rates for medical services, prescription drugs, and insurance premiums in an effort to control costs and increase access …

Social Security Reform Crucial for Tackling National Debt Crisis

PROVO, Utah – As the national debt continues to grow, the reform of the Social Security system becomes increasingly crucial. Social Security benefits now surpass all non-defense discretionary program spending combined, reflecting the urgent need for bipartisan collaboration to address this issue. The current Social Security program, although reformed in 1983, is soon to run its course. The aging American society presents the biggest challenge, with a shrinking ratio of workers contributing to the program …