Health Headlines for Tuesday, May 3
Deal for PRI falls apart as malpractice insurer pulls offer
Capital New York
The deal to sell Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers — the medical malpractice insurance company at the center of the Dean Skelos corruption trial — has fallen apart, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
States Can Contain Health Care Costs. Here’s How.
New York Times/Opinion
THE architects of the Affordable Care Act counted on competition in the health insurance market to keep costs down and quality high. While the law has accomplished many of its coverage and cost-containment goals, its vision of a more competitive insurance market seems to be fading.
South Dakota Wrongly Puts Thousands in Nursing Homes, Government Says
New York Times
When patients in South Dakota seek help for serious but manageable disabilities such as severe diabetes, blindness or mental illness, the answer is often the same: With few alternatives available, they end up in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, whether they need such care or not.
South Korea Unveils Olympic Uniforms With Zika in Mind
New York Times
South Korea’s Olympic committee last week unveiled uniforms infused with mosquito repellent that officials say will help protect athletes from the Zika virus at this year’s games in Rio de Janeiro.
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $55 million in talc-powder trial
Reuters
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) was ordered by a U.S. jury on Monday to pay $55 million to a woman who said that using the company’s talc-powder products for feminine hygiene caused her to develop ovarian cancer.
More affordable health insurance option urged for Washington
Albany Times Union/AP
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell wants Washington state to bring back the Basic Health Plan, which provided an inexpensive health insurance option for the working poor.