News From Around the Web
> Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia (BCBSWV), Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and several other payers are reimbursing costs for a new program, Ornish Reversal Program, that focuses on treating and reversing heart disease and other chronic conditions. Additionally, Highmark BCBSWV expanded its coverage to include diabetes and other risk factors for qualified individuals. Announcement
> Florida Senate leaders decided to move forward on SB 7044, which would expand health insurance to nearly 1 million poor Floridians as an alternative to Medicaid expansion, by sending the bill to the Senate floor for a vote, according to the Miami Herald. Article
> Financial incentives for employee wellness programs roses to an average of $693 per employee this year, up from $594 in 2014 and $430 five years ago, reported Reuters. Despite these increases, the programs continue to fall under scrutiny and allegations that the programs violate federal anti-discrimination laws. Article
Practice Management News
> Despite the promise of lower costs and better care that value-based payment systems bring, medical providers need more help transitioning to these alternative payment models. Article
> Giving patients bad news is difficult. And when that bad news happens to be an Alzheimer's diagnosis, it's so challenging that most doctors avoid doing it, according to report released Tuesday by the Alzheimer's Association. Article
And finally … Oh, this isn't the Cubs game? Article