News From Around the Web
> Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) said he may try to expand the state's Medicaid program, reported Alabama.com. When discussing a pilot program that paid for the state to provide mental health services to adult Medicaid beneficiaries, Bentley said that Medicaid would expand eligibility and give Alabama more flexibility in how it uses federal funding. Article
> UnitedHealthcare will start selling subsidized plans to Iowans this upcoming enrollment period on Healthcare.gov, reported the Des Moines Register. Currently, Coventry Health Care is the only insurer selling subsidized coverage to state residents. Wellmark will continue to not sell coverage. Article
> Tower Watson, a global professional services company, announced its recent acquisition of Acclaris, a provider of software-as-a-service-based technology and services for consumer-driven healthcare and reimbursement accounts, including health savings accounts. Announcement
Mobile Healthcare News
> Fitbit, a leader in the wearable fitness tracker market, has filed for an initial public offering, tagged at about $100 million. Article
> Smartphone apps, text messaging and other digital technologies can decrease recurrence of cardiovascular illness and help those with cardiovascular disease have a healthier life, reveals an in-depth analysis of research studies. Article
And finally … We can't get enough of panda cub Bao Bao in the District of Columbia. Video