Humana lays out exit from employer-sponsored coverage
Enrollment growth in employer-sponsored insurance has stagnated for many years for insurers, including market leaders like UnitedHealthcare and Indianapolis-based Elevance Health Inc.
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Study: Smoking costs Hoosier businesses $3.1B annually in ‘hidden tax’
The Indianapolis-based foundation said the study, announced Thursday, shows that if the state cigarette tax increased by $2 per pack, from the current 99 cents per pack, an estimated 45,000 Hoosier adults would stop smoking.
Indiana lawmakers advance ban on gender-transition procedures for minors
The bill, which moves to the full state Senate, would ban all gender-transition care for Indiana minors. That care could range from taking puberty blockers and hormone therapy to social transition at schools.
Amazon closes $3.9B buyout of health company One Medical
Anti-monopoly groups have been calling on the Federal Trade Commission to block Amazon’s purchase of the company, arguing it would endanger patient privacy and give the online retailer more dominance in the marketplace.
Elanco shares fall 12% on disappointing revenue outlook
The Greenfield-based maker of animal medicines said fourth-quarter revenue fell due to “environmental and competitive pressure” and could continue to slip this year.
After 3 years and 500 court filings, Community Health and feds still wrangling over false-claims allegations
In January 2020, the federal government filed a lawsuit against Community Health Network, alleging the system engaged in a years-long scheme to recruit physicians and pay them huge salaries and bonuses in return for referrals. The two sides are still battling in court.
State needs more emergency responders, takes aim at training
Indiana’s emergency responders, especially volunteer firefighters, might be getting more funding for training and gear in the next state budget.
FDA’s own reputation could be restraining its misinformation fight
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking aim at a new health hazard: online misinformation. It’s an unlikely role for the 100-year old bureaucratic agency, which has never been known for its communication skills.
House Republican plan would speed up Indiana tax cuts, boost vouchers
The spending plan also falls short of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s recommendations for public health funding,
Prescription savings under PBMs, manufacturer rebates cause confusion
Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, were the target of state senators Wednesday as they attempt to find solutions to decrease Indiana’s elevated health care costs.
Indiana lawmakers hear, but don’t vote on, bill decriminalizing marijuana
Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, chairs the House courts committee and said the dialogue needed to be heard but didn’t call a vote on the bill—which would have possibly advanced it to the full House Chamber.
Panel backs moving opioid antidote Narcan over the counter
The potential move represents the latest government effort to increase use of a medication that has been a key tool in the battle against the U.S. overdose epidemic that kills more than 100,000 people annually.
CDC: Pandemic youth mental health toll unprecedented
The pandemic took a harsh toll on U.S. teen girls’ mental health, with almost 60% reporting feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness, according to a government survey released Monday.
Rural hospitals worry as lawmakers move to lower costs for patients
Indiana lawmakers have seized on high health care costs as a priority problem to tackle this legislative session, but rural hospitals with thin profit margins are worried—and want more help from the state.
Rokita under investigation by disciplinary commission for statements about Indiana doctor
The proceedings stem from an ongoing legal saga between Rokita and Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an Indianapolis OBGYN.
Senators advance ‘site of service’ bill with reservations
A bill dictating payments for certain health services based on location—or site of service—cleared an Indiana Senate health committee Wednesday, though nearly every senator voiced concerns with the bill.
Indiana Senate approves doctor noncompete ban
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is against the bill, arguing that the government should have no role in private contractual matters.
Primary care remains hot deal target as CVS makes $10.6B bid
CVS Health is seeking to buy Oak Street Health, which runs clinics that specialize in treating Medicare Advantage patients.
Indiana lawmakers look to broaden birth control access
While Indiana’s abortion ban is on hold pending a decision from the state Supreme Court, lawmakers are looking to bolster services that would prevent those pregnancies in the first place.
Regenstrief Institute hires epidemiology, research expert as CEO
Dr. Rachel Patzer, director of the Health Services Research Center at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, will join Regenstrief Institute on May 1.