> South Shore Hospital will join Brigham and Women's Hospital to become members of Partners HealthCare System of Boston, The Boston Herald reported Friday. Despite the new affiliation, South Shore Hospital will maintain its nonprofit status and operate under its own independent license while benefiting from the coordinated care gained from the partnership. Article
> Nine hospital groups, including the American Hospital Association, urged Congress not to restrict states' use of Medicaid provider assessments for the student loan bill Friday, AHA New Now reported. Although interest rates for student subsidized loans will likely double starting in July, hospital organizations have requested that Medicaid cuts not be used to cover the student loan bill but rather used to benefit the 59 million people served by Medicaid. News brief
> The Mayo Clinic Network announced a formal agreement Friday to add the Lansing-based Sparrow Health System to its networks, reported The Detroit Free Press. Sparrow Health System is one of five other healthcare systems in Mayo's network, although more are expected to be added throughout the year. Article
> According to a WBUR poll, 78 percent of patient respondents in Massachusetts say the cost of care is a very serious or somewhat serious problem, and 63 percent say the problem has gotten worse over the past five years. An overwhelming majority of respondents attribute this problem to pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and hospitals overcharging for drugs and services. Article
> A special election is scheduled for Colorado voters in August to determine whether a proposal by the University of Colorado Health system to lease (.pdf) Memorial Health System for 30 years will be approved, reported The Colorado Springs Gazette. Article
And Finally... Women are more stressed out. Announcement