A new report released today by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence and the TIAA-CREF Institute finds that only 18 percent of full-time public-sector workers are very confident about their retirement income prospects, down from 21 percent in 2012. In particular, many public-sector workers also express concern about retiree healthcare costs, future benefits… Keep reading →
General Health
Massachusetts Governor Patrick Signs Bill Granting Patient Access to Interchangeable Biologic Medicines
By businesswireThe Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) commend Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick for signing legislation yesterday designed to create a pathway for the substitution of interchangeable biologic medicines. The policies outlined in House Bill 3734 align with all five of BIO’s principles on biologic substitution. BIO and MassBio commend Massachusetts’s Senate… Keep reading →
National health spending (NHS) in March 2014 grew 7.1% over March 2013, the highest 12-month rate since February 2005, well before the recession, which began in December 2007. The health spending share of GDP reached an all-time high of 17.9% in March, just above its February value of 17.8%. Health care prices in March 2014… Keep reading →
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki granted a request by his own VA Office of Inspector General, and has placed Phoenix VA Health Care System director Sharon Helman and two others on administrative leave, effective May 1. Helman faces allegations that she was aware, and defended the use of, a secret list of patients… Keep reading →
Survey: Cost of Healthcare Claims Continue to Rise; Interest in Private Exchanges Increases
By businesswireAs employers try to control rising healthcare premium costs, their employees will continue to pay more for healthcare plans and face higher deductibles and copays, according to a recent survey from Wells Fargo Insurance, part of Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE: WFC). The survey of more than 70 insurance companies nationwide found that overall claim… Keep reading →
Symposium on “Big Data for Government” – (Federal R&D, Plans, and Opportunties) Announced
By businesswireTechnology Training Corporation (http://www.ttcus.com), in association with the American Institute of Engineers, has announced the “4th Symposium on Federal Big Data R&D” to take place in Arlington, VA, June 17-18, 2014. This outstanding symposium brings together the key government and industry experts who are shaping the direction of big data research and development across the… Keep reading →
AHF: Advocates to Submit 103,093 Signatures for Ballot Measure to Create a Los Angeles City Health Commission
By businesswireAs part of its ongoing campaign to improve the delivery of health services throughout Los Angeles, health and public policy advocates affiliated with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will submit 103,093 petition signatures today for a ballot initiative to allow Los Angeles voters to weigh in on creating a Los Angeles City Health Commission. 67,635 valid… Keep reading →
The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to pass the bipartisan Save American Workers Act, which would change the Affordable Care Act’s definition of full-time employment from 30 hours per week to 40 hours. NRF sent a letter to the House saying all votes related to the bill, H.R. 2575, would be considered key votes… Keep reading →
April marks Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month and the 68th anniversary of the founding of the veterans service organization. Throughout the month of April, Paralyzed Veterans and its 34 chapters across the country will be highlighting the challenges facing veterans with spinal cord injury/dysfunction and educating the public about the programs, services and support… Keep reading →
Study: Uninsured Americans Largely Skipped Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups Because of Cost, But Were They Making Informed Decisions?
By businesswireUninsured Americans not planning to sign up by today’s deadline for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) say they are basing that decision, at least in part, on the cost of coverage. However, most made that decision without visiting an exchange to get a price quote or to see if they were eligible… Keep reading →