Looking Back at Healthcare Headline news this week 20, 10 and 5 years ago

By Claire Thayer, June 14, 2019

The MCOL Weekend newsletter is a treasure trove of historical healthcare news, dating back over twenty years.  Here’s a look back on some of the top news items this week 20, 10 and 5 years ago: 

1999

Health Care: Boehner proposes expanded coverage, June 10, 1999

U.S. Rep. John Boehner announced a proposal Wednesday to reform managed health care programs for most Americans through bills simultaneously introduced by several Republicans. Boehner said his plan seeks to make health plans more accountable to patients while expanding health insurance to most of the 43 million Americans now without coverage. After months of `bipartisan hearings,' on health care reform, no Democrats endorsed the Boehner program. 

Healthcare Industry Earnings Up 15.3% in 1st Quarter 1999, June 8, 1999

HealthCare Markets Group released today its first quarter 1999 analysis of the financial performance of publicly traded healthcare companies. First quarter 1998 Healthcare Industry adjusted earnings increased 15.3 percent, on 14 percent revenue growth. By way of comparison, fourth quarter 1998 Healthcare Industry adjusted earnings increased 21 percent, on 16.3 percent revenue growth, and third quarter 1998 Healthcare Industry adjusted earnings increased 14 percent over third quarter 1997, on a 14.3 percent increase in revenue.

2009

Pfizer exec reinforces company's generic drug plan, June 10, 2009

The Associated Press reports that an executive at Pfizer Inc. said Wednesday the drug developer will focus on expanding its portfolio of generic drugs in order boost sales and build its position in that market.

Cigna's drug unit could fetch $1.3 billion-analyst, June 10, 2009

Reuters reports that Cigna Corp's pharmacy benefit unit could fetch $1.3 billion in a sale, an industry analyst said on Wednesday, as the health insurer's top executive reiterated the company is evaluating the business 

2014

Mixed Bag for Health Co-Ops, June 12, 2014

The Wall Street Journal reports: Many of the nonprofit health-insurance cooperatives created by the Affordable Care Act have enrolled far fewer people than they had hoped, according to figures obtained by a Republican-led House committee, calling into question their viability. 

Hospitals Push Bundled Care as the Billing Plan of the Future, June 8, 2014

The Wall Street Journal reports: Hospital bills may soon get a lot simpler. Traditionally, hospitals have charged patients separately for every service and supply they use-as anybody who has waded through pages of charges knows.