News From Around the Web
> Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's (R) recently signed budget for this year has caused the state's Medicaid program to cut 5 percent of provider payments, a projected $37 million in savings, reported the Azdailysun.com. Article
> In 2012, Medicare's prescription drug program did not dish out any funding for tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan. However, that all changed a year later when the program spent more than $377 million for the drugs, or nearly 40 million prescriptions, reported ProPublica. Article
> After Assurant announced in April its decision to leave the marketplace by the end of 2016, the insurer stated its plan to focus on the housing and lifestyle markets, two areas where it sees potential for growth. Additionally, the insurer estimates costs from exiting the marketplace to amount to $175 million to $250 million. Announcement
Electronic Health Record News
> Electronic health record vendor commitment and understanding of the need for usable EHRs varies significantly, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA). Article
> The number of New York physicians who joined the Meaningful Use program grew significantly in its first two years, but was "dynamic" and may contribute to a "digital divide," according to a new study published in the June issue of Health Affairs. Article
And finally … A new item has reached the shelves of Ikea; or rather, the store's bathroom. Article