News From Around the Web
> Missouri's Department of Insurance has reached a settlement with Time Insurance Co., Union Security Insurance Co. and John Alden Life Insurance Co. in which the insurers agreed to pay $1 million for violating state laws on handling claims, the Associated Press reported. The state said the companies, which issued policies for Assurant Health, improperly denied claims for childhood immunizations, Pap smears, mammograms, colon cancer and prostate screenings. Article
> Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told an Austin audience she is willing to discuss ways the state could expand Medicaid coverage in a way that is "uniquely Texan," but said no such conversations are underway, according to the Texas Tribune. Article
> The Cover Oregon health insurance exchange won't be fully accessible until at least mid-October because the state needs more time to debug the website, the Portland Oregonian reported. The marketplace will launch Oct. 1 as required, but consumers will have to work through certified insurance agents and "community partners." Article
> Fewer Americans are willing to support higher health insurance premiums for smokers than in the past, a Gallup poll found-- 58 percent now compared with 65 percent a decade ago. Only 41 percent said obese people should pay higher premium, compared with 43 percent in 2003, LifeHealth Pro reported. Article
Healthcare News
> The former Maryland General Hospital in downtown Baltimore has agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit in connection with overbilling for cardiac testing. Article
> Prehabilitation offers a "window of opportunity" to improve cancer patient outcomes, prevent readmissions and reduce direct and indirect healthcare costs, according to a study in this month's American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Article
And Finally... Fake cop's big mistake. Article