Friday Five: Top 5 healthcare business news items from the MCOL Weekend edition

By Claire Thayer, September 29, 2017

Friday Five: Top 5 healthcare business news items from the MCOL Weekend edition

Every business day, MCOL posts feature stories making news on the business of health care. Here are five we think are particularly important for this week:

CMS adds open enrollment period, offers regulatory relief for payers and members in wake of hurricanes

CMS has announced special open enrollment periods for all Medicare enrollees and some federal health insurance exchange consumers in the wake of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, along with other disaster-related policies to help insurance companies in affected areas.

FierceHealthcare. Friday, September 29, 2017

Senators close to bipartisan deal on health exchanges: Schumer

Two U.S. senators from both parties are close to finalizing a bipartisan deal to shore up the health insurance exchanges created under Obamacare, the chamber’s top Democrat said on Thursday.

Reuters. Thursday, September 28, 2017

Price took military jets to Europe, Asia for over $500K

The White House approved the use of military aircraft for multi-national trips by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price to Africa and Europe this spring, and to Asia in the summer, at a cost of more than $500,000 to taxpayers.

Politico. Thursday, September 28, 2017

Health crisis in Puerto Rico: Few hospitals have power or fuel, but public health officials fear the worst is yet to come

Only 11 of Puerto Rico’s 69 hospitals have power or fuel, leaving the few hospitals that are open to handle a surge of injured patients and those who need care for chronic conditions.

Fierce Healthcare. Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Anthem Says No To Many Scans Done By Hospital-Owned Clinics

Tightening the screws on pricey imaging exams, health insurer Anthem will no longer allow many patients to get MRI or CT scans at hospital-owned outpatient facilities, requiring them to use independent imaging centers instead. NPR Wednesday, September 27, 2017

These and more weekly news items on the business of healthcare are featured in the MCOL Weekend edition, along with the MCOL Tidbits, and more, for MCOL Premium level members.