Here are seven things to know for March 20, 2017.
ACA enrollment falls 1.6M below Obama administration's projections
For 2017, an estimated 12.2 million Americans bought ACA coverage, missing the Obama administration's projections by 1.6 million people. In the fall 2016, the Obama administration predicted ACA 2017 enrollment would total 13.8 million Americans.
Trump's budget proposal slashes HHS spending by 17.9 percent
Under President Donald Trump's budget proposal, healthcare industry funding will take a significant hit in overall spending. HHS will receive $69 billion under the president's plan, which is 17.9 percent less than what it currently receives.
Texas bracing for Medicaid cuts
If the American Health Care Act becomes law, it could largely affect Texas' Medicaid beneficiaries. The AHCA would leave some state funding streams' status undecided. Anne Dunkelberg, a spokesperson with the liberal-facing Center for Public Policy Priorities in Austin, Texas, said the future of the uninsured resident reimbursement fund is particularly concerning. Texas has the most uninsured residents throughout the United States.
65% of US patients see physicians receiving industry payments
Berlin, Germany-based Springer published a survey assessing how many Americans see physicians who accept industry payments and how many patients are aware of this fact. Sixty-five percent of Americans see a physician who receives some form of industry payment.
Healthcare management master's programs on the rise
Healthcare management master's degree programs are rising in popularity.. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17 percent growth from 2017 to 2024, which is approximately 56,300 more jobs.
IBS drug Viberzi increases fatal pancreatitis risk for gallbladder-less patients
The FDA issued a communication claiming Viberzi — a medicine used for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea — could increase pancreatitis risk in patients without gallbladders. Viberzi has increased pancreatitis risk resulting in hospitalization or death.
New Hampshire Medical Society Council adds Dr. Kenton Allen
The New Hampshire Medical Society elected Kenton Allen, MD, into its organizations. Dr. Allen is one of its young physician members. He will provide counsel on anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine throughout New Hampshire, while also engaging with state and federal policymakers.