A federal experiment of accountable care organizations produced lackluster results, adding to withering criticism of federal rules proposed for ACOs. But local hospital systems like Indiana University Health aren’t backing away from the idea.
The willingness of Indiana to challenge the federal government and risk a huge financial penalty could take the issue into uncharted legal and political territory.
When customers are few, it’s time for a price cut. With only 177 Hoosiers signed up for the federal Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan created by the 2010 health reform law, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decided to drop premiums 26 percent. Now adults aged 45-54 can buy into the plan for $284 per month or $295 for a health savings account. The plan was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. health care reform) to provide coverage to Americans until 2014, when health insurers will no longer be allowed to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Nationwide, only 18,000 people have signed up for the plan—far below expectations. The department cut prices 40 percent or more in 17 states. In addition, the government will begin paying insurance agents and brokers this fall for connecting eligible participants to the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
Roche Diagnostics Corp. landed an $11.4 million contract to provide laboratory testing services at military hospitals in the Washington, D.C., area. Switzerland-based Roche operates its North American diagnostic headquarters out of Indianapolis, where it employs 2,900 people. The new contract with the Medcom Contracting Center North Atlantic was awarded May 19 and will run until Sept. 30, but has four one-year renewal options. Roche equipment will conduct tests of blood and other fluids at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., as well as the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. Roche Diagnostics sells mid- and high-volume laboratory analyzers, such as its new cobas 8000 machine, to hospitals and academic medical centers. It also sells diagnostict machines for use by physicians in their offices and for other small-scale situations. In all, Roche's professional diagnostics business accounts for one-third of its total North American sales, or about $880 million. Roche Diagnostics also makes tests for diabetes and genetic traits, as well as gene sequencers and other diagnostic equipment. Its North American sales totaled $2.6 billion last year.
International Medical Group Inc., an Indianapolis-based seller of international health insurance policies, had signed a marketing partnership with a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, the New York-based insurance and consulting firm. IMG’s products, which provide coverage for and coordination of medical care to individuals and groups while traveling abroad, will be marketed nationally under the Gateway brand name.
In a monthly feature that runs in the first issue of the month, through October, IBJ is identifying influential players in eight different industry categories. Formidable brainpower sums up the individuals included in our list of Who’s Who in Life Sciences.
Christamore House, a west-side community center that was in danger of closing its doors last year, recently hired an Eli Lilly and Co. retiree as executive director. Bill Scott, 57, took on the job to give back to the Haughville neighborhood where his grandmother and other relatives lived.
The cable giant now is pitching in Indianapolis suburbs its metro Ethernet product to businesses with 20 to 500 employees.
Jack Everly, a native of Richmond, has been principal pops conductor since 2002, but his work with the ISO began much earlier.
Marengo, Ill.-based Mecum Auctions Inc. recorded vehicle sales in Indianapolis of more than $47 million, versus $41.7 million in 2010.
Summer is no longer a time when an Indy A&E lover has to put aesthetics and adventurousness on hold.
Nordstrom occupies a staggering 210,000 square feet spread across three floors—60 percent more space than the Seattle-based chain occupies at the Fashion Mall at Keystone and likely more than any single retailer would be willing to lease.
The Monkees—at least, three of them—perform at the Murat Theatre June 26. Details here.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art screens the inconsistent but interesting 1978 film version of “The Wiz,” June 24, as part of its Summer Nights Film Series. Details here.
The tongue-in-cheek lounge music of The Leisure Kings fills The Jazz Kitchen, June 25. Details here.
The IUPUI Jazz Ensemble performs a Concert on the Canal, June 23. Details here.
Country star Clint Black plays the Palladium June 17. Details here.
Raymond Leppard leads an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Details here.
Orquesta Bravo brings music to Indiana History Center June 16 as part of the Concerts on the Canal series. Details here.
“Brenda Williams: This Is It,” June 17 at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club, features the local diva in a musical celebration of accepting one’s age. Details here.
Tiffinie Bridges offers a new one woman show, “Is That Your Reel Hair?” at IndyFringe Theatre, June 17-18. Details here.
Four new shows open at the Herron School of Art and Design on June 17, including “Selected Works” from the Dorit and Gerald Paul Collection, with works by Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Robert Longo. Details here.
June 18
Indianapolis Museum of Art
This signature day of summer includes a celebration of the first anniversary of the IMA’s 100 Acres park. Events include yoga at dawn in the Park of the Laments, a drum circle, and performances by the Aphasia Dance Company, a company based in Belgium that was formed by Indy native Ted Stoffer. Details on all the solstice events here.
The federal Health and Human Services Department is telling the state of Indiana that its Medicaid plan, which bans funding to Planned Parenthood, is illegal and must be changed.
Indianapolis has one of the highest concentrations of plug-in electric vehicle drivers in the nation, an industry official says.
While the IndyCar Series and Indy 500 are out of neutral, they are not in high gear.
With “Bridesmaids” a hit in movie theaters, Betty Rage Productions demonstrates great accidental timing by presenting “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” a comedy about, yes, bridesmaids. It runs June 4-12 at Theatre on the Square. Details here.
Glenn Campbell is joined by Jimmy Webb, the songwriter who penned many of his hits (including “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston”), for a June 4 concert at the Palladium. Details here.
Pianist Antti Sirala performs Brahm’s First Piano Concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra June 2-4 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Details here.
The Vogue hosts singer/songwriter Brett Dennen June 2. Details here.
Boney James performs at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre June 3. Details here.
Rookie JR Hildebrand made the ultimate mistake with his very last turn of the wheel, crashing into the wall and sliding across the finish line.
