Keeping an eye on the prize: 8 healthcare topics to watch in 2016

From the 2016 presidential election to behavioral healthcare, the industry has its work cut out for it this year.

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 4, 2016

Three big insurers gain most Medicare Advantage members

If the Aetna acquisition of Humana goes forward, the combined organization would be the largest Medicare Advantage company in the U.S.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 22, 2015

Hallmark Health, Partners HealthCare end potential partnership talks

Hallmark Health System broke off exclusive talks to be acquired by Partners HealthCare, whose expansion plans have been under scrutiny from regulators and have been criticized by competitors. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 22, 2015

Healthcare C-suite compensation trending upward

Higher demand and increased responsibilities may be fueling the increase, AMGA says.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 18, 2015

Report: 2015 venture capital digital health deals topped $4.3B

While the number of venture capital deals is down, the average value of a deal increased from $14.7 million in 2014 to $15.6 million in 2015. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 17, 2015

How Connecticut hospital execs are responding to Gov. Malloy's hospital funding cuts

While cuts were made to help close a $350 million state budget gap, the hospitals argue they are not being reimbursed for a 2012 hospital tax as promised. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 15, 2015

Back in the saddle? Oregon exploring insurance exchange options again

In the face of a forthcoming federal health insurance exchange fee, the state is considering using exchange software with a "demonstrated track record." 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 15, 2015

MD Revolution completes $23M financing round

The latest financing round brings the total to more than $30 million. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 10, 2015

Ascension invests $200M in Accretive Health to expand services agreement

Ascension attempted to acquire Accretive this past July, but the offer was rejected for being too low.  

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 10, 2015

Americans are getting better at paying medical bills

The majority of improvement happened in the past two years, coinciding with Medicaid expansion. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 10, 2015

UnitedHealth Group to pay $350M for Brazil hospital

Brazil has been drawing interest from numerous U.S. companies because the country has the next-largest private health insurance market by population in the world.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 9, 2015

Google scales down seed funding, develops wearable for blood testing

While Google Ventures is cutting back on seed funding, CEO Bill Maris said he wouldn't be surprised "if we invest $200 million to $250 million over the next 12 to 24 months [into healthcare and life sciences]." 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 8, 2015

Survey: Healthcare IT jobs in demand but employees say salaries low

A survey of 700 health IT employees found that 50% of respondents planned to change jobs in order to get a higher salary. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 8, 2015

Coverage expansion, drug prices took 2014 U.S. health spending to $3T

Will the impacts of coverage expansion fade out in the coming years?

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 4, 2015

Nonprofit hospitals sector outlook bleak, Fitch says

The sector can expect ongoing challenges from impacts of the ACA, analysts say.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 4, 2015

Dignity Health takes financial stand on climate change

The health system is pulling coal from its investment portfolio.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 4, 2015

Global digital health market worth $55.3B in 2014, expected to grow

Increasing demand for mobile health technologies, telehealth, and advanced information systems is causing the digital health market to grow. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

Healthcare cyber security market to hit $10.85B worldwide by 2022, study says

Growth of the market is being driven by the increasing number of cyber attacks for abuse of EHRs, social security records, IP theft, and more. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

WellStar announces $661M deal to buy five Tenet hospitals

The deal will add two trauma centers and 26 physician clinics to WellStar's operations. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

Medicare Advantage 3.1% FFS rate increase in 2017 good news for insurers

While the increase is great for Medicare Advantage plans, several insurers are closing Medicare Advantage plans serving those dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

Virginia hospitals rebound from 2013 financial struggles

The deficit reduction from the state's hospitals begs the question whether Medicaid expansion is a good idea.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 1, 2015

Mississippi to cover bariatric surgery costs

Topping the nation's list of obesity rates for years, Mississippi now will reverse its stance on refusing to cover bariatric surgery costs for Medicaid beneficiaries. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 30, 2015

Democratic presidential hopeful O'Malley releases health policy plan

Using Maryland's successes as a template, Martin O'Malley brings his health budget plan to the national stage.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 29, 2015

NYC announces $850M mental health services program

To reduce the stigma of mental health and educate residents, the city plans to hire 400 physicians and clinicians to serve as the foundation of a New York City mental health corps.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 25, 2015

Physicians group says providers should prescribe more generic drugs

Despite their lower costs, generic drugs are not being prescribed by healthcare providers as much as they should be, according to the American College of Physicians.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 25, 2015