News From Around the Web
>The Department of Veterans Affairs and Walgreens will partner to provide veterans with better access to vaccinations through an eHealth Exchange, according to an announcement from the VA. The initiative will allow pharmacists to use Walgreens' electronic health records platform to securely share immunization records,with the VA to ensure complete medical records. Announcement
> The IT department at Eastern Main Healthcare System in Brewer is about to become smaller; the hospital will eliminate 43 IT positions. The budget cuts are part of an effort to avoid a budget shortfall at the facility, according to an article at Becker's Health IT and CIO Review. The hospital states the restructured IT department will increase efficiency. Article
Payer News
> Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the Arkansas-based discount retailer and world's largest private employer, will launch an in-store program to help customers navigate the health insurance maze, the company announced today. Wal-Mart is partnering with DirectHealth.com to set up counters in 2,700 stores where customers can speak to licensed insurance agents about product choices. Article
> Indiana will expand its Medicaid program to an additional 350,000 consumers--if the federal government approves Gov. Mike Pence's (R.) proposal that certain beneficiaries must pay premiums or lose coverage, the Wall Street Journal reported. Article
Health Provider News
> State legislatures aim to reduce a prevalent problems in the healthcare sector: violence against workers. A resolution in the Georgia legislature this year created a panel to study assaults on hospital staff and make recommendations for future action, according to the Gainesville Times. Article
And Finally... "Snakes on a Plane" just found its sequel, Article