Watchdog: HHS Improperly Favoring Insurers Over Treasury In Distributing Health Law Funds
The Government Accountability Office says money that was paid to insurers should have gone to the Treasury. The administration defended its interpretation of the law, while Republican seized on it as vindication that the Affordable Care Act is hurting taxpayers.
The New York Times:
U.S. Paid Insurers Funds Meant For Treasury, Auditors Say
Federal auditors ruled on Thursday that the Obama administration had violated the law by paying health insurance companies more than allowed under the Affordable Care Act in an effort to hold down insurance premiums. Some of the money was supposed to be deposited in the Treasury, said auditors from the Government Accountability Office. (Pear, 9/29)
In other national health care news —
The Washington Post:
Obama Administration May Use Obscure Fund To Pay Billions To ACA Insurers
The Obama administration is maneuvering to pay health insurers billions of dollars the government owes under the Affordable Care Act, through a move that could circumvent Congress and help shore up the president’s signature legislative achievement before he leaves office. Justice Department officials have privately told several health plans suing over the unpaid money that they are eager to negotiate a broad settlement, which could end up offering payments to about 175 health plans selling coverage on ACA marketplaces, according to insurance executives and lawyers familiar with the talks. (Goldstein, 9/29)
The Associated Press:
Medicare Sets New Patient Safety Goals For Hospitals
Medicare is setting new goals for keeping hospitalized patients safe and reducing readmissions after patients are discharged. Hospitalization can be hazardous to your health, with risks like medication errors, falls and infections. And a lack of follow-through after patients are discharged can sometimes land them right back in the hospital. (9/29)
The Washington Post:
CDC Officials Worry That New Flu Vaccine Recommendations Could Reduce Use
Flu season is about to start, and public health officials are worried that their recommendation earlier this year to avoid using the nasal spray version of the annual vaccine will result in fewer people getting protection. The CDC has recommended annual flu shots for everyone ages 6 months and older for the past six years. During the 2014-2015 season, federal health officials had recommended the nasal spray vaccine for young children. But an expert panel on vaccines said in June that the nasal spray, FluMist, used by millions, failed to protect children last year for the third year in a row and should not be used this coming flu season. (Sun, 9/29)