Recent Insurer Mergers Trigger Capitol Hill Concerns About Reduced Competition
The House Judiciary Committee is planning two hearings in September to discuss these worries. Meanwhile, another House panel contemplates an overhaul of how Medicare pays hospitals for short-term stays. And a Kansas congressman throws his support behind the so-called "health care compact."
Reuters:
U.S. House Panel To Hold Hearings On Competition In Health Care
The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee is planning two hearings for September to discuss concerns about reduced competition in the healthcare industry, lawmakers from both parties said. In July, insurer Aetna said it would buy rival Humana for $33 billion, while Anthem said it would buy Cigna for $54.2 billion. The dual deals would effectively lower the number of major U.S. health insurers from five to three. (Bartz, 7/27)
Politico Pro:
Ways And Means Plans Hospital Payment Overhaul
Republican lawmakers on a powerful House committee are planning a comprehensive overhaul clearing up how Medicare pays hospitals for short-term patient stays, but hospitals opposing the effort say a recent proposal from the Obama administration offers a much better solution. (Mershon, 7/27)
The Kansas Health Institute News Service:
Pompeo Agrees To Co-Sponsor Health Care Compact Resolution
Kansas 4th District Congressman Mike Pompeo has agreed to co-sponsor a joint resolution that would allow states to form a health care compact and, potentially, circumvent parts of the Affordable Care Act. “Mike has agreed to be a part of the health care compact because he views it as one of the last remaining opportunities to protect Kansans from the disaster that is the Affordable Care Act,” Heather Denker, a spokesperson for Pompeo’s office, said in an email. Pompeo, she said, believes the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, will “drive up costs for the poorest people in Kansas and diminish access, especially in the rural areas of Kansas.” (Ranney, 7/27)