> Privately run Medicare Advantage plans were overpaid by $1.2 billion to $3.1 billion in 2010, according to a new Government Accountability Office report. By classifying their customers as being sicker than if they were enrolled in traditional Medicare, insurers have been triggering higher reimbursement rates, reported The Hill's Healthwatch. Article
> Total premiums for family health insurance plans have increased 50 percent to $14,000 a year from 2003 to 2010, a Commonwealth Fund study found. Employees pay for most of those premiums, as their share has increased by 63 percent, from $2,300 to $3,700, during the same period, reported The New York Times. Article
> House Republicans are planning legislation that would completely overhaul healthcare reform in case the Supreme Court rules the law unconstitutional, the Washington Times reported. Although details are still being worked out, Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Penn.) said the bill likely would incentivize individuals to purchase health insurance through tax breaks, reform medical liability and allow inter-state insurance sales. Article
> The "Lincoln Art Exchange" allows uninsured New York City artists to exchange their art for medical services. Artists in the program earn "health credits" for every creative service they perform that they can use for doctor's visits, laboratory tests, hospitalization, emergency care, dental care and prescriptions at Lincoln Hospital, reported the Insurance Journal. Article
> And Finally... Eating fried food? Use the right oil for your health. Article