News From Around the Web
> Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois recently laid off 60 employees, a move that comes amid an overall increase in workers at the company, reports the State-Journal Register. Article
> A new website, OkCopay, allows consumers to compare prices of treatments such as dental and eye exams at local clinics while simultaneously helping providers attract new patients and cut down the paperwork process of getting paid, reports Puget Sound Business Journal. Article
> Two Democratic Senators in Wisconsin are hoping Republican Gov. Scott Walker challenges large rate hikes--which stem from 10 percent to 33 percent--from six insurance companies in the state, reports Madison.com. Article
Provider News
> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced the second phase of its initiative to reduce preventable hospital admissions among nursing home residents. Article
> Although the Veterans Health Administration has a backlog of nearly 867,000 healthcare applications in pending status, 35 percent of the backlog contain applications for deceased veterans, according to a new report from the VHA's Office of Inspector General. Article
And finally… Is Bigfoot real? Let the courts decide. Article