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:

Trump health chief supports CDC research on gun violence

Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said Thursday that he would allow his department to conduct research into the causes of gun violence, a major Democratic priority.

The Hill

Friday, February 16, 2018

HHS May Nix Reporting Requirements for Value-Based Care Program, Azar Says

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told the Senate Finance Committee Thursday that he wants to reduce or possibly eliminate reporting requirements for physicians to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, also known as MIPS.

Morning Consult

Thursday, February 15, 2018

US spending on health care estimated to reach $5.7 trillion in 2026

Spending on health care in the U.S. will grow faster than the overall economy for the foreseeable future, according to a government report released Wednesday.

The Hill

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Idaho Blue Cross Jumps Into Controversial Market For Plans That Bypass ACA Rules

It’s barely been two weeks since Idaho regulators said they would allow the sale of health insurance that does not meet all of the Affordable Care Act’s requirements — a controversial step some experts said would likely draw legal scrutiny and, potentially, federal fines for any insurer that jumped in.

Kaiser Health News

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Cost Of U.S. Opioid Epidemic Since 2001 Is $1 Trillion And Climbing

The opioid epidemic has cost the U.S. more than a trillion dollars since 2001, according to a new study, and may exceed another $500 billion over the next three years.

NPR

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

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.