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Washington exchange CEO’s 13 percent raise exceeded what was planned
When the CEO of the Washington state health exchange received a 13 percent raise last month, that was more than double the 5 percent maximum performance increase that officials had previously said he...
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Marijuana entrepreneurs have an extra 24 hours to apply for licenses
Good news for wannabe marijuana entrepreneurs who are putting the finishing touches on their applications to grow, process or sell cannabis: The state is adding an extra 24 hours to the application...
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Washington health exchange hits new round of tech issues
Washington’s state health exchange has been down since Tuesday afternoon, and it’s unclear when it will be operational again. The Seattle Times reports that the site first noted some performance issues...
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Washington's health exchange site down for repairs
Washington’s state health exchange website is not operating as of Monday morning because the system that verifies eligibility for free or low-cost insurance isn’t working. The Washington...
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Swedish switching to pay-for-performance system for docs in 2015
Swedish Medical Group – the roughly 1,000 doctors employed by Swedish hospitals and clinics – is dramatically changing its payment structure to have 25 percent of physician pay directly determined by...
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Hospitals, doctors have more time to show better outcomes through electronic...
Hospitals have an extra year before they have to prove that they can use electronic health records to improve patient outcomes, part of the meaningful-use requirements for receiving incentive payments...
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Washington health exchange enrolls nearly 180,000 for coverage
Nearly 180,000 people have enrolled for Medicaid or health insurance through Washington’s health exchange, but only a small minority is purchasing full-price plans, according to data released Thursday....
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Health exchange's tech problems result in lost Medicaid coverage
The on-again, off-again technology problems at the Washington state health exchange may have serious repercussions for Medicaid enrollees, who could lose coverage if the problems keep them from...
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This week in health care: New doc payment models, exchange challenges and...
This is your weekly roundup of the most critical health news nationally and locally. Every Friday we bring you quick summaries of the news, along with links to full stories from around the globe. Check...
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Answers sought, not found, for marijuana business banking
Entrepreneurs who want to enter Washington’s legal recreational marijuana market are still waiting to find out if they’ll have a banking option when they open their doors for business next year. It’s...
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Inslee proposal would open mental health procurement to private sector...
Gov. Jay Inslee is proposing a solution to federal calls for Washington to open up the state’s procurement process for mental health to private-sector competition. It would be a radical change for a...
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Valley Medical CEO’s paycheck, contract up for vote
The Board of Trustees governing Valley Medical Center will decide Tuesday whether the health system’s CEO, Rich Roodman, will keep his hefty paycheck and extend his contract for the next two years. The...
View ArticleState to limit liens on estates of dead Medicaid enrollees
Washington will amend a policy that allows it to put a lien against Medicaid patients’ estates after they die, said officials from the state Health Care Authority (HCA). The state will still attempt to...
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Seattle City Council passes $27 fine for smoking marijuana in public
The Seattle City Council passed legislation that will fine people $27 for smoking marijuana in public – the same cost for those caught drinking alcohol on city streets. The Seattle Police Department...
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New name, broader reach for Washington Health Alliance
The Puget Sound Health Alliance has a new name to reflect its new, broader reach. Now called the Washington Health Alliance, the organization continues its work to track the quality of care at medical...
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Small businesses in Washington get an Obamacare tax credit loophole
The federal government announced it will offer a loophole to small businesses in Washington state that will allow them to receive tax credits of up to 50 percent for insuring their employees. “I was...
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Valley Medical Center CEO Roodman to stay another two years, with pay cut
The board of trustees governing Valley Medical Center voted unanimously Tuesday night to keep on its CEO, Rich Roodman, with a small cut to his compensation. The deal extends Roodman’s contract for two...
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Catholic hospitals aren't as generous as they claim, new report says
When critics raise concerns that Catholic hospitals limit access to reproductive and end of life services, the response is often that Catholic health systems provide communities with much-needed...
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This week in health care: Catholic hospitals, executive pay, and Microsoft...
This is your weekly roundup of the most critical health news nationally and locally. Every Friday, we bring you quick summaries of the news, along with links to full stories from around the globe....
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State to review hospital affiliations -- Catholic and otherwise
Washington state has changed its rules to require state review when hospitals consolidate and change control. The new rules, when they go into effect Jan. 23, could slow the expansion of Catholic-run...
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