News From Around the Web
> The proposed Prince George's Regional Medical Center in Largo, Md., will cost $655 million and contain 231 beds--$10 million more and 28 fewer beds than previous projections, the Washington Business Journal reports. Article
> In the midst of the government shutdown, the public questions whether members of Congress and their staffs should retain their federal employer health contributions, the Boston Globe reports. Article
> Health leaders from North, South and Central America this week pledged their support for equitable healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients at the 52nd Directing Council Meeting of the Pan-American Health Organization. Announcement
Health Payer News
> Two Pennsylvania House members want to require hospitals and hospital-owned doctor practices must contract with any willing insurer in newly introduced legislation--a direct result of the ongoing battle between Highmark and UPMC. Article
> Insurers selling policies on California's health insurance exchange were likely pleased to hear the news that several million people visited the online marketplace on the first day of open enrollment. Unfortunately, the estimates were greatly overstated. Article
And Finally... A beer that's out of this world. Article