News From Around the Web:
> Connecticut plans on licensing or franchising technology for its state-run health insurance exchange to help other states set up and operate online marketplaces. Connecticut's "exchange in a box" would include a package of basic services, with an option to buy more, reported the New York Times. Article
> A new bill in California would apply medical-loss ratios to dental insurance, requiring dental health insurers to spend at least 80 percent of their premiums on care, reported California Healthline. Article
> Of the 169,000 consumers who bought a health plan through eHealth's private health insurance exchange, 40 percent were young adults, the company said in a fourth-quarter earnings statement, Kaiser Health News reported. Article
Health Provider News:
> Some doctors are seeking simpler, lower-risk diagnostic techniques than high-tech imaging to help lower costs and improve patient safety. Article
> Two Pennsylvania hospitals now provide social and emotional care to patients to foster a more complete healing process, especially for pediatric patients. Article
Health IT News:
> Nearly 50 of the nation's most influential provider organizations want a front-end extension to Meaningful Use Stage 2. Article
> Health information technology executives will likely be focusing on how to manage the exponential propagation of data in the next two years. Article
And Finally... Are raw waffles a health emergency? Article