Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Hospitals Take New Look At Becoming Insurers
As U.S. health insurers chart an unprecedented consolidation of the industry, hospitals are taking a fresh look at becoming insurers themselves to keep more of their patients' healthcare dollars in house. Among the country's largest insurers, Aetna Inc struck a deal to buy Humana Inc, while Anthem Inc agreed to acquire Cigna Corp. Both transactions are expected to draw months of scrutiny by U.S. antitrust regulators and Congress. (Kelly, 10/13)
Retail health clinics found inside pharmacies and other stores should be used as backups to people鈥檚 regular doctors, says a large group of U.S. physicians. The recommendation is one of six included in a position paper from the American College of Physicians (ACP) that aims to build a framework for retail health clinics underscoring patient safety, communication and collaboration. (Seaman, 10/12)
