COVID-19 linked to increase in U.S. pregnancy-related deaths
The percentage of preterm and low birthweight babies also went up last year, after holding steady for years. And more pregnant or postpartum women are reporting symptoms of depression.
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Enrollment gains help Elevance Health top quarterly forecasts
The Indianapolis-based Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer said Wednesday that enrollment in Medicaid, a state and federally funded program for people with low incomes, climbed nearly 9% in the quarter, to 11.3 million.
IU School of Medicine to break ground on new, $230M home
Indiana University School of Medicine’s planned medical education and research building marks the largest construction project in the history of the school.
Lilly to acquire Boston-based gene therapy firm for $487M
The Indianapolis-based drugmaker said it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Akouos Inc., a seven-year-old biotech firm, which is running early clinical trials for its lead therapy for hearing loss.
Coronavirus variant swarm could fuel winter surge
Any variant that winds up dominating in coming months will probably challenge a key line of treatment and protection for people with compromised immune systems—the drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
Suit accuses Lilly of illegally deducting funds from paychecks for vehicle use, extra time off
The lawsuit was filed this month by a senior sales representative who worked for Eli Lilly for 11 years before resigning in June. The complaint seeks class-action status on behalf of thousand of employees and former employees of Lilly.
Activists, mayor, councillors push HHC to drop Medicaid suit
The Health and Hospital Corp. of Marion County is a defendant in a lawsuit that some worry would impact any Medicaid beneficiary receiving care in a government-owned facility.
Indiana hospitals warn of increasing costs ahead of 2023
Some critics see the released data as nothing more than a marketing ploy attempting to divert monopoly-busting tactics.
Indiana case at U.S. Supreme Court could affect millions of Americans
Advocates for the elderly, poor and people with disabilities say the legal challenge could severely threaten federal benefit programs, like Medicaid.
U.S. clears updated COVID boosters for children as young as 5
The FDA cleared the COVID-19 booster tweaks without requiring human test results—just like it approves yearly changes to flu vaccines.
Large study provides powerful evidence of long COVID’s lasting impact
Between 7 million and 23 million Americans—including 1 million who can no longer work—are suffering from the long-term effects of infection with the virus, according to government estimates.
Screening procedure fails to prevent colon cancer deaths, large study finds
A 10-year study by researchers from Poland, Norway and Sweden published in the New England Journal of Medicine questions the benefits of colonoscopy screening exams.
Growth of Catholic hospitals has implications for U.S. reproductive care
Catholic health care systems now control about 1 in 7 U.S. hospital beds, requiring religious doctrine to guide treatment, often to the surprise of patients.
Telemedicine got easier during pandemic, but limits are returning
Over the past year, nearly 40 states have ended emergency declarations that made it easier for doctors to use video visits to see patients in another state, according to the Alliance for Connected Care, which advocates for telemedicine use.
Pregnancy complications spiked during pandemic. No one knows exactly why.
While the vast majority of people who are infected with COVID do not experience complications, the risk of preeclampsia and other severe issues has been documented to be much higher with infection.
Lilly lands Fast Track designation for potential blockbuster drug
Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. announced Thursday that it has received a Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate its diabetes drug tirzepatide for the treatment of adults with obesity.
Joint replacement center to be second tenant at Noblesville’s Innovation Mile
The Indiana Joint Replacement Institute is planning a $28 million, 35,000-square-foot facility at Innovation Mile, which is along 141st Street, between Olio and Prairie Baptist roads.
Ivy Tech to launch Hamilton County nursing school in 2023
The Hamilton County campus will admit 20 nursing students for the spring semester and 20 more students for the fall semester. Enrollment increases are expected in future years.
Elevance Health must face federal suit alleging Medicare Advantage fraud
In a ruling announced this week, Judge Andrew Carter of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York said Elevance failed to show the lawsuit should be dismissed for lack of materiality.
Federal employee health care premiums to rise 8.7% on average
That change in Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums is significantly larger than last year’s rise and marks the biggest increase in more than a decade, the government announced Friday.