Tennessee’s biggest Obamacare critics are trying to squelch any excitement for cheaper-than-expected insurance rates – 16 percent lower than original estimates. And the White House announced this week that the state will have some of the least expensive plans in the country.
Haslam Sees Medicaid Expansion As Component Of Healthier Tennessee
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has been hounded for spending a week promoting a $6 million health and wellness initiative, even while rejecting more than a billion dollars to expand the state’s health insurance program for the poor.
TN Congressman Blackburn Says Its Worth Debating A Government Shutdown To Stop Obamacare
Tennessee Congressman Marsha Blackburn says she welcomes the idea to shutdown the federal government if the Affordable Care Act is not repealed. But she stopped short of saying she supports such a move.
How The Lack Of TennCare Expansion Hits Rural Hospitals, Working Poor
An expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act is supposed to cover more of the working poor and balance out cuts that were made to already-struggling hospitals. But Republican-led states like Tennessee have been opting out or at least holding out, and outlying areas may be the hardest hit.
HCA: Expect Slow Start to Health Insurance Exchanges
Nashville-based HCA says its doubtful one of the pivotal parts of the Affordable Care Act will start by a federal deadline. The nation’s largest for profit hospital company has been reluctant to talk about healthcare reform, but brought up state health exchanges at an investors conference in Orlando today.
HCA Holding Its Cards on Healthcare Reform
Wall Street investors want to know how Nashville’s HCA is preparing for some of the biggest changes brought about the Affordable Care Act, which come into effect next year. Company officials refused to offer specifics during an earnings call today.
State of the State: No Medicaid Expansion
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam says now is not the time to expand the state’s Medicaid program. But in his State of the State address Monday night, Haslam did not close the door to opening up Tenncare in the future.
Haslam Fence-Sitting on Exchanges Until Final Hours
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam says he’ll be taking all the time he can to make a decision on setting up a state-based health insurance exchange. Republican governors around the country are split ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Obama Reelection Drives Up Hospital Stocks
The U.S. stock market has been on a steady slide since President Obama’s reelection. But shares in Nashville-based hospital chains spiked after Election Day. The head of the industry’s lobbying organization says that’s because the Affordable Care Act is good for business.
Medicare Requirement Drives Increase in HealthStream Earnings
Hospitals that get Medicare funding are now required to ask patients about the quality of their care. High performers get more money. Low-scoring hospitals can see a cut in their Medicare dollars.
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