American Cancer Society reports biggest one-year drop in U.S. death rate
Researchers on Wednesday reported the largest-ever one-year decline in the U.S. cancer death rate, a drop they credited to advances in lung-tumor treatments.
Health Care & Insurance
Articles
Renowned research leader Shekhar leaving IU School of Medicine for Pitt dean’s job
Dr. Anantha Shekhar, a nationally recognized health sciences researcher and entrepreneur, has played a major role in boosting research funding at IU, where he has worked since 1989 in numerous leadership roles.
Feds accuse Community Health of submitting false claims to Medicare
The Justice Department said the financial arrangements were outlined in a whistleblower suit brought by Thomas Fischer, who served as Community Health’s CFO from 2005 until his sudden exit in 2013. In a separate suit, Fischer claimed he was fired in retaliation for questioning possibly illegal practices.
IBJ Podcast: The top Indianapolis-area stories of 2019
Podcast host Mason King talks with IBJ Managing Editor Lesley Weidenbener and reporter Anthony Schoettle about Penske Corp.’s acquisition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Eli Lilly and Co.’s biggest acquisition ever, trucking giant Celadon’s demise, Ambrose’s decision to pull back from the GM stamping plant site and more.
Buttigieg health plan hinges on ‘supercharged’ version of Obamacare mandate, critic says
Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg sells his health-care plan as a moderate alternative to “Medicare-for-all”—offering a government-sponsored plan to those who want it while letting others keep their private and employer-sponsored insurance.
Medical device tax is history, ending years of frustration for Indiana companies
The repeal ends a 2.3% tax on thousands of medical devices, from stents and catheters to pacemakers and MRI machines. Indiana is home to 155 device-makers, ranging from small metal shops to multibillion-dollar manufacturers.
Indiana lands $5.2M grant to address maternal opioid misuse
The grant from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be used to improve the coordination of clinical care and the integration of other services that are critical for maternal and child health and recovery, officials said.
North America trade pact contains rare setback for Big Pharma
To satisfy House Democrats, the Trump administration removed a provision that would have given the makers of ultra-expensive biologic drugs 10 years of protection from less expensive knockoffs.
Court: Part of Obamacare invalid, more review needed
A federal appeals court on Wednesday struck down Obamacare’s now-toothless requirement that Americans carry health insurance, but sidestepped a ruling on the law’s overall constitutionality. The decision means the law remains in effect for now.
Bill to raise tobacco age has unlikely allies: Altria, Juul
Congress is moving to pass the biggest new sales restrictions on tobacco products in more than a decade, with support from two unlikely backers: Marlboro-cigarette maker Altria and vaping giant Juul Labs.
Fifth generation takes helm at Gregory & Appel
When Andrew Appel becomes CEO at Indianapolis-based Gregory & Appel Inc. Jan. 1, he’ll be carrying on a long-standing family tradition.
More Americans dying at home rather than in hospitals
Deaths in nursing homes also have declined, according to Wednesday’s report in the New England Journal of Medicine.
New $40M VA clinic set to open in summer 2021
The facility to be built off State Road 46 on Terre Haute’s east side will combine currently separate primary care and mental health clinics. It will be equipped to serve 10,000 veterans.
Buttigieg discloses ex-clients as fundraising swing begins
Facing intense pressure to answer questions about his work in the private sector, Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg on Tuesday disclosed a roster of former consulting clients that include a major health insurance provider.
IMS tabs medical transportation company as title sponsor for Grand Prix
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Tuesday that it has struck a multi-year naming rights deal for the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.
Supreme Court leaves Kentucky’s ultrasound law in place
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky Inc. is among the organizations that have petitioned the courts in opposition to the ultrasound law.
Indiana lawmakers looking at state’s high health care costs
Indiana currently ranks highest in prices paid to hospitals by private health insurance plans, according to The Journal Gazette, but the problem is not the actual cost or charge of a procedure—it’s what individuals ultimately pay after insurance.
U.S. report: Prescription drug prices down slightly last year
Though modest, it was the first such price drop in 45 years, according to nonpartisan economic experts at the federal Department of Health and Human Services, who deliver an annual report on the nation’s health care spending.
Pharmaceutical developer to purchase Zionsville Road property, create 55 jobs
Nukemed Inc., doing business as SpectronRX, plans to acquire a vacant 68,000 square-foot building at 9550 Zionsville Road, where it will produce lifesaving medicine for children through a partnership with New York-based Y-mAbs Therapeutics.
Indiana hopes to extend health insurance program to 2030
Indiana plans to seek federal approval to continue a health insurance program that covers about 418,000 low-income residents amid a pending lawsuit that could eliminate nearly all of the program’s funding.