IBM is expanding its Health Analytics Solution Center. The center will be adding new technology and doubling the number of technologists focused on health analytics. The group works on IBM solutions for electronic medical records and remote patient monitoring through devices like smart phones.
Maine has passed significant health insurance reform allowing for more interstate purchasing and insurance subsidies for some citizens. Amendments to the bill include measures to keep rates from rising in rural areas and will ensure that people do not have to travel long distances for health care. The measure passed the state Senate 24-10 and [...]
Washington passed a package of legislation designed to implement health care reform in the state. Under the terms of the package, state health care payments will be based on patient outcomes, a new collaborative will be implement to cut waste, fraud and abuse and the state will begin requiring increased transparency of insurance providers. Washington [...]
The Vermont legislature has passed a bill that will move the state to a universal, publicly funded health care system. The measure is strongly supported by the Governor and he is expected to sign it. Last week the House approved the bill 94-49. Under the terms of the bill, every resident will be covered under [...]
Montana, North Dakota and Colorado are all moving forward on health care exchanges in their states but not with out a struggle. In Montana, Republicans in the state legislature oppose the implementation of the exchange through federal money leading the state insurance commissioner to apply for authority to move forward on her own. In North [...]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded Washington a $1 million grant to integrate the state’s Medicare and Medicaid delivery services. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services will use the grant to focus on improving service delivery of medical care, behavioral health and long-term care.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton struck a unique agreement with health care providers in his state today. Under the terms of this agreement BlueCross BlueShield, HealthPartners, Medica, and UCare will place a voluntary 1% cap on profits for 2011 managed care contracts. The one-time cap will keep earnings at 1% of revenue and return any amount [...]
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has instituted competitive bidding for providers of state health care according to a a new Executive Order issued yesterday. The Order further requires that providers fully disclose their profits, reserves and administrative expenses. According to the Governor, Minnesota’s history of uncompetitive contracts has resulted in high-cost managed care plans that aren’t [...]
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has finalized a partnership between the University of Massachusetts Human Stem Cell Bank and the United Kingdom Stem Cell bank. The partnership is designed to help both entities share best practices and collaborate on standards for stem cell line characterization, production and distribution throughout the US and UK.
Golden Living is moving its corporate headquarters to Plano, Texas to become a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) company. The state will be investing $2.1 million in the company which provides post-acute health and recovery care services. The investment is expected to create 100 high-paying jobs and lead to $8.4 million in capital investment for the [...]
