News

Surveyed readers indicate that Medicare and Medicaid will be 2013's big winners

Standard identifiers might help plans reduce the number of duplicate claims.

A look at the PPACA Medicaid expansion shows how politics are going to shape it.

Plans can help reduce prescription drug abuse by advocating appropriate use.

A look at the highly controversial individual mandate portion of PPACA indicates that many people won't purchase insurance unless the penalty/tax is more expensive.

Clarity is needed from HHS on exchanges and penalties under reform requirements.

Review the five core antitrust principles of health insurance mergers.

A look at the effect that PPACA will have on part-time employees.

As the 2012 President Election nears, the candidates focus on Medicare and PPACA.

A look at ACOs indicates that success will depend on managing risks and choosing the best possible partners.

Dual eligibles are a key population in healthcare and can be an area of important growth, but success is not guaranteed.

The decision of whether or not to expand Medicaid might seem like a cut-and-dried issue, but a closer look indicates that the issue isn't s simple.

As the market has reduced its emphasis on employer benefits, insurers need to focus on why consumers choose specific plans.

A balance between security and functionality is needed to drive mHealth.

Medical organizations take DNA patent claims to the Supreme Court to determine eligibility.

Payers see a balance of power when it comes to rate negotiations.

MA plans can use multiple data tools to improve predictive-modeling expertise.

FDA approved regorafenib (Stivarga, Bayer HealthCare) tablets for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with currently available therapies (including fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF therapy, and if KRAS wild type, an anti-EGFR therapy).

FDA has given priority review to an additional indication for lubiprostone (Amitiza, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in patients with chronic, non-cancer pain.

The National Committee on Quality Assurance has released a new ranking of nearly 500 private health insurance plans.

Watson Laboratories issued a voluntary nationwide recall for 2 lots of hydrocodone bitartrate and APAP Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg. Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen 10 mg/500 mg tablets are indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

FDA has approved aflibercept (Eylea, Regeneron) injection for the treatment of macular edema following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The recommended dose for Eylea is 2 mg every 4 weeks (monthly).

FDA approved a new indication for denosumab (Prolia, Amgen) as a treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.

FDA notified healthcare professional about a possible increased failure of heart risk with pramipexole (Mirapex).

FDA has granted fast-track designation for the development of AVI-7288 and AVI-7537 (Sarepta Therapeutics), for the treatment of Marburg virus and Ebola virus, respectively.

FDA is warning consumers not to use Intestinomicina (Laboratorios Lopez), a drug product manufactured in El Salvador and marketed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea and acute gastrointestinal infections. Consumers who have purchased this product should immediately stop taking it and consult with a healthcare provider.

FDA has approved poly-ureaurethane 16% (Nuvail, Innocutis) nail solution to help manage fragile, damaged or brittle nails with cracking or splitting, a condition medically referred to as "nail dystrophy."

Consumers say that choosing healthcare benefits is the most difficult major life decision behind saving for retirement.