States are ramping up scrutiny of health transactions, as more provider groups look for buyers


The Ensign Group continues buying binge


SB 348

AN ACT relating to health care; requiring written approval to close or convert a hospital into a different type of health facility; requiring written approval to establish an independent center for emergency medical care in a certain location; requiring an independent center for
emergency medical care to be licensed separately from certain other facilities; establishing certain civil penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto


AB 85

AN ACT relating to health care; creating the Independent Commission on Rates for Health Care Services; establishing procedures for fixing the rates charged by hospitals, independent centers for emergency medical care and surgical centers for ambulatory patients for certain goods and services provided to certain patients; authorizing the imposition of a civil penalty and initiation of disciplinary action against such a facility that fails to comply with provisions concerning rate fixing; creating certain causes of action to enforce those provisions; and providing other matters properly relating thereto. Relating to State employee health plans.


AB 6

AN ACT relating to health care; providing for the establishment of a health care cost growth benchmark for each year as a target for the maximum growth of total health care spending during that year; requiring certain state agencies to collaborate to develop and engage relevant persons and entities to implement strategies for meeting the health care cost growth benchmark; requiring certain insurers to report information relating to health care spending in this State; requiring the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services to publish an annual report concerning health care spending in this State; requiring the Patient Protection Commission within the Office of the Director to make certain recommendations concerning the health care cost growth benchmark and hold an annual informational public hearing concerning health care spending in this State; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.


State Public Option Plans Are Making Progress on Reducing Consumer Costs


Average annual healthcare cost in all 50 states


State public option plans keep hitting obstacles


States Move Forward with Public Option Programs, but Differ in How They Select Insurance Carriers


How States Are Holding Payers And Providers Accountable For Health Cost Growth