Consumer Watchdog urges California regulators to scrutinize Anthem-Cigna merger; New Hampshire upgrades healthcare cost-comparison website

> In a letter to the California Department of Managed Health Care, advocacy group Consumer Watchdog urged regulators to require Anthem and Cigna to commit to a series of consumer protections or reject the merger plan if the companies refuse. Letter (.pdf)

> The New Hampshire Insurance Department has upgraded its healthcare cost-comparison website, which will will list prices for more procedures listed, and for the first time, prices on dental care and prescription drug costs, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader. Article

> Worries about an impending "death spiral" for the Affordable Care Act exchanges have largely been unfounded, Forbes contributor Peter Ubel writes, adding that if more healthy people are brought into the market, insurance companies will be able to offer reasonably priced plans without fear of losing money. Post

Healthcare News

> Hospitalists are at particular risk for malpractice allegations because of the high acuity levels of the patients they teat, according to a study from The Doctors Company. Article

Practice Management News

> One of the biggest challenges in the shift to value-base reimbursement is improving physician quality data reporting, says Deborah Gash, vice president and CIO at Kansas City, Missouri-based St. Luke's Health System. Article

And finally… Please put your seat-backs and tray tables in their upright and locked positions. Article