Worry rises over future of HIP 2.0 insurance program
Indiana hospitals are bracing for congressional action that could mean deep cuts in Medicaid, which funds the state’s popular health insurance program for low-income adults.
John Russell
Articles
Medical real estate keeping developers, investors busy
Medical office buildings, traditionally a low-key sector of the real-estate market, are getting plenty of attention these days, with recent big-dollar deals from Indianapolis players Duke Realty and Cornerstone Cos.
Eleven questions for head of Big Pharma’s trade group
An embattled industry is pushing back against complaints of high drug prices, constant drug advertising and companies that don’t invest enough in research. Here’s a Q&A with Stephen Ubl, CEO of the industry’s trade group.
Anthem vows failed deal won’t derail growth plans
Just weeks after abandoning its proposed $48 billion merger with rival Cigna Corp., the Indianapolis-based health insurer is looking for its next deal. But this time, it is likely to be much smaller.
IU Health, competitors turn focus to improving experience for patients, families
Around Indiana, hospitals are doubling down on the lofty goal of patient satisfaction. Some, like IU Health, are hiring managers to oversee various aspects of the patient experience, from registration to discharge.
Endocyte’s surprise move stuns Wall Street, raises questions about company’s future
The West Lafayette-based biotech firm once was seen as a rising star with a pipeline that could save cancer patients. Now, 20 years after its founding, without a single launch, it is laying off 40 percent of its workforce.
Bellwether Cook blood-clot-filter case heads to trial
The first case against Bloomington-based Cook Group from patients who say the company’s blood-clot filters malfunctioned is headed for trial this fall in Indianapolis.
St. Vincent system to cut 111 jobs in outsourcing move
Most of the cuts this summer will come from the hospital system’s billing operations in Indianapolis.
Lilly CFO Derica Rice to leave company in December
Rice, 52, who had been the company's top finance officer since 2006, is one of the most powerful black executives in corporate America. He had been widely considered a leading candidate to succeed CEO John Lechleiter, but that position went to fellow Lilly executive Dave Ricks.
Indiana restocking supplies of pricey drug to combat opioid overdoses
The state is asking vendors to submit bid packages by June 12 for a drug whose price has spiked in recent years.
State using big data to attack opioid epidemic
Indiana’s Management Performance Hub is organizing and analyzing data to help state agencies make better decisions about fighting the opioid scourge and other systemic problems.
Roche hoping to gain edge with new diabetes-testing product
Roche Group is rolling out a new blood-glucose meter and a savings program for test strips, which it says it will make diabetes care more affordable.
Lilly hires ‘powerhouse’ D.C. lobbyist
Leigh Ann Pusey will join Eli Lilly and Co. next month as senior vice president for corporate affairs and communications.
OurHealth raises $37M, plans to hire 480 workers
The privately held company operates 32 clinics for employers in Indianapolis, Chicago, Nashville and other cities. The new funds will allow it to expand and invest in data, marketing and business development.
Analysts struggled to predict Anthem-Cigna outcome (but don’t tell them that)
The proposed $48 billion merger of Anthem and Cigna kept Wall Street experts guessing for months.
Doctor suspended over sex with patient unhappy with licensing board’s minutes
Dr. John Steenbergen admitted he had a sexual relationship with a patient for five years and performed an abortion on her, but said the licensing board unfairly characterized the matter.
IU to add 16 faculty members for $55M climate change initiative
The centerpiece of the initiative will be a new Environmental Resilience Institute, based in Bloomington.
Franklin College builds on life sciences legacy with new $18M science center
The small Johnson County college has turned out its share of science graduates over the decades, and says the expansion will continue to attract students.
Carmel biotech firm lands $8M in venture capital, grant funds
Founded in 2006, Fast BioMedical Inc. plans to use the money to help advance clinical trials and hire additional workers. It develops technologies to measure blood volume and kidney function.
Coalition prepares for another tobacco tax push in next year’s legislative session
Supporters of a cigarette tax hike are reviewing their strategy to see whether this year’s loss was a case of bad timing, faulty messaging, poor execution or just plain bad luck.