What we're reading, October 21, 2015: influential Republican's on health committees oppose the Affordable Care Act's reinsurance program for insurers; shareholder's of Aetna say yes to the company's merger with Humana; and the genetic testing company will once again start sharing health information with consumers.
Republicans Reignite Insurance Bailout Debate
Influential Republicans who serve on health committees, including Fred Upton (R-MI) who chairs the d House Energy and Commerce Committee, have submitted a letter to acting administrator, Andy Slavitt, urging CMS to reduce reimbursement or deny participation for certain plans under the controversial “reinsurance” program of the Affordable Care Act. “We urge you to consider adopting lower reimbursement rates for years 2015 and 2016 and to end the regulatory requirement that self-insured companies and multi-employer health plans contribute to the reinsurance program,” the letter states.
Read the letter here.
Shareholders Approve Aetna-Humana Merger
Shareholders of insurance giants Aetna and Humana have approved the proposed merger of the 2 companies in separate meetings. About 99% of Aetna’s shareholders agreed to allow the issuance of common shares to Humana stockholders associated with the acquisition.
Read more here.
23andMe Will Start Sharing Genetic Data With Customers
Following a setback in 2013 wherein the FDA stopped the molecular testing company 23andMe from sharing health information that lacked regulatory approval, the company now has the FDA’s go-ahead. 23andMe will begin providing information on the “carrier status” of people who have genetic mutations that could lead to a disease in their offspring. According to Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and chief executive of 23andMe, the company is now “working from within the system so the consumer will have a sense of ownership and a voice in that system.”
Read more here.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
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Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
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