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Policy and Legislation

By Roger Collier | 10:09 am | October 12, 2011
Having cost the Republican Party a Congressional seat earlier this year with his plan to turn Medicare into a voucher program, House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan is back with an even more sweeping health care proposal.
By Mary Mosquera | 10:48 am | October 11, 2011
Alternative benefit models rely on cost-sharing approaches for seniors, while some MedPAC members urged benefits that encourage changing unhealthy behaviors.
By David Williams | 10:20 am | October 11, 2011
I smiled when I read that some physicians were taking the case for medical malpractice reform to the congressional super committee that is charged with cutting the federal deficit.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 11:14 am | October 10, 2011
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have launched a parallel review pilot program that allows medical devices to be reviewed for approval by the FDA and CMS at the same time.
By Rene Letourneau | 10:36 am | October 10, 2011
In light of the record drug shortages currently plaguing U.S. healthcare, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is calling for a Federal Trade Commission investigation into gray market drug resellers' exorbitant price mark-ups as possible price gouging.
By Chris Anderson | 12:03 pm | October 07, 2011
The Institute of Medicine has released its recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, urging HHS to create an essential health benefits package that provides needed healthcare coverage, but keeps an eye on affordability.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 10:26 am | October 07, 2011
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) voted Thursday to approve the sustainable growth rate (SGR) proposal it issued last month. Medical groups are already expressing their displeasure.
By Rene Letourneau | 05:36 pm | October 06, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported Thursday that nearly 20.5 million people with Medicare have had a free Annual Wellness Visit or received other preventive services with no deductible or cost sharing this year, thanks to funding through the Affordable Care Act.
By Molly Merrill | 12:14 pm | October 06, 2011
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) and the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC) have called on Congress to reject a proposal that is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's plan to save the healthcare system $319 billion, because it would require Medicare to use prior authorization for advanced imaging services.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 01:14 pm | October 05, 2011
Pre-retirees do not fully anticipate the challenges of retirement suggests a new poll, and that disconnect has particular implications for the long-term care industry.