Here’s a look at some recent headlines in the world of healthcare finance.
Fee-for-service foreverDespite the momentum towards value-based reimbursement systems, the majority of hospitals in Washington, D.C. are clinging to fee-for-service, according to a report from Mathematica Policy Research for the Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy.
Those hospitals are instead building urgent care and emergency services outposts in high-income, well-insured areas. The report says the affluence of the area, and the number of high-wage jobs and offices in the nation’s capital means there are more employers to absorb premium increases by insurers. As a result, there is less pressure for cost containment.
Layoffs at Marion GeneralThe Marion, Indiana-based Marion General Hospital said it will lay off 69 workers in February 2015 as part of a move to outsource some of its surgical services operations to a third party, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notice posted in the state. It did not name the specific positions that are being eliminated.
The hospital said the transition will occur between Feb. 1 and Feb. 14, 2015.
Rural Richland affiliatesOlney, Illinois-based Richland Community Hospital last week said it forged a clinical affiliation with the neighboring Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. In the deal, Carle will provide services such as physician recruiting, access to specialists, telemedicine and clinical support.
The move comes as many smaller, rural hospitals are creating affiliations with other smaller providers.
Senior housing community boughtHealthcare real estate investment trust CNL Healthcare Properties said it has purchased the Fairfield Village of Layton in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Orlando-based REIT did not disclosed financial terms of the deal.
Fairfield Village is comprised of 108 independent living units, 74 assisted living units, 24 memory care units and 40 skilled nursing and rehabilitation units.
Humana forms ACO with HealthCare PartnersLas Vegas-based Humana Inc. has formed an Accountable Care Organization with nearby HealthCare Partners Nevada. As part of the arrangement, HealthCare Partners opened three new health clinics in Las Vegas.
HDHPs gain groundMore than 40 percent of Americans prefer a high-deductible health plan to traditional insurance plans, according to a new study by Bankrate, though many said the process of shopping for insurance is just as bad as “facing the dentist’s drill.”
According to Bankrate survey, respondents with family incomes between $30,000 and $50,000 are more likely to choose HDHP coverage.
"While a low health insurance premium can be very attractive, you don't want to make the mistake of focusing too much on your monthly payment," said Doug Whiteman, Bankrate.com insurance analyst, in the report. "Especially for older Americans who may require more doctor visits than their younger counterparts, a low premium/high-deductible plan could actually cost more in the long run."
Health app scores fundingBoston-based mobile healthcare app developer MaxwellHealth said it secured $26.4 million in funding from a host of backers to support the development of its platform. The app manages the employee benefits process, allowing patients to check information about their benefits and healthcare options on the go, as well as manage other financial aspects of their healthcare.