Centene CEO hints at Medicare acquisition, touts scalable clinic model
During an earnings call on Tuesday, CEO Michael Neidorff declined to comment on Centene’s future plans for inorganic growth in the Medicare market but offered a vague addendum regarding the possibility of adding new plans.
“I really can’t talk too much about that,” Neidorff said in response to an investor question about tucking in Medicare plans. “That's from a competitive standpoint and all of the reasons associated with it … Until a deal is done, it's not done. So, I want to be very cautious and conservative on that particular one.” (FierceHealthcare)
House repeals ACA medical device tax
The House passed a repeal of a controversial tax levied on some medical devices which originally passed as part of the Affordable Care Act.
The Washington Post reports the 2.3% tax was not set to take effect until 2020, but was cause for concern among both Republicans and Democrats who worried it would lead to higher consumer prices and fewer jobs. (Washington Post article | FierceBiotech article)
Members of Congress seek to block D.C.'s individual mandate
The nation's capital has joined multiple states in exploring laws that will keep elements of the Affordable Care Act on their books, including the individual mandate.
A group of Republican senators are looking to block D.C.'s effort by introducing an amendment to stop D.C. from using federal funds to implement it. It follows a similar amendment made in the House.
According to The Hill, it's not likely the amendment will remain in the final spending bill. (The Hill article)