Governor ends insurer, hospital standoff
A standoff between a hospital and an insurance company in Georgia was put to rest before a governor's hard deadline.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced earlier this week that Piedmont Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia came to a handshake agreement in the governor's office regarding coverage for 650,000 patients.
A handshake agreement between @AnthemInc & @PiedmontHealth was made in the governor’s office late this afternoon. Announcement of an agreement in the form of a contract will be made by the contracting parties as soon as possible. (1/2)
— Governor Nathan Deal (@GovernorDeal) April 17, 2018
The dispute his a boiling point on April 1 when the organizations failed to meet a deadline on new terms following months of discussions, with both sides pointing the finger at each other.
Deal threatened to "initiate executive action" if both companies did not come to an agreement by close-of-business April 17.
The new contract, starting June 1, will retroactively cover patients who have been told they were out-of-network.
Americans concerned for future of healthcare, disappointed in Congress
Americans continue to worry about the country's healthcare system and are disappointed in Congress' handling of the issue.
In a survey, conducted by Communicating for America, respondents rated Congress at only a 1.7 out of 5 regarding health insurance policy direction, with the president not faring much better at 1.9.
RELATED: Providers aren't safe from Medicare, Medicaid reform despite Paul Ryan's exit
The survey did not reveal respondents' opinions on recent legislative actions like the GOP tax bill that removed the individual mandate or the Trump administration's expansion of ACA-exempt short-term health plans.
However, 69% said the country is going in the wrong direction when it comes to health insurance accessibility, and 79% are fearful about accessibility of insurance for those with pre-existing conditions. (Communicating for America)
Michigan senate panel moves forward with Medicaid work requirements
The Great Lakes state could be the next to adopt Medicaid work requirements, following recent moves by Kentucky, Arkansas and Indiana.
RELATED: Why the courts may overturn Medicaid work requirements
Under a bill cleared this week by a Michigan legislative committee, able-bodied Medicaid recipients would have to perform 29 hours of work or job training a week, according to the Detroit Free Press. There would, however, be an exemption for caretakers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
Michigan currently has a Republican state-trifecta, as the party controls all levels of the state government, possibly making passage and signing of the requirements easier. (Detroit Free Press)