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Notes from the field: Nov. 20

By Richard Pizzi

Tired of the 10,000-foot view? How about some interesting healthcare finance news from the state and local level:

Health insurance costs more in Wisconsin than in the rest of the U.S., and costs are continuing to rise.

The state of Illinois is finally publishing its online Hospital Report Card and Consumer Guide.

Delaware prison officials are breaking their healthcare contract into 10 small agreements focused on specific services. The state is ending a 3-year $130 million contract with Correction Medical Services.

Fitch upgraded their rating on $46.5 million in revenue bonds issued by Maria Parham Healthcare Association in Henderson, N.C. The rating rose from 'BB-' from 'BB+'.

The state of California is launching a fraud investigation into in-home care services.

Maryland has made draconian budget cuts that will slash Medicaid payments to hospitals by $55 million.

One million residents of Washington state will be uninsured in the next 14 months.

UniCare has announced plans to exit Illinois' commercial health insurance market.

Fitch affirmed their A rating on Harris County (Texas) Hospital District’s series 2007A and 2007B bonds.

Washington's insurance commissioner says unpaid medical bills in the state will cost about $1 billion a year by 2011.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'A' rating on $70.4 million Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority revenue bonds issued on behalf of Union Hospital of Cecil County, Maryland.