DHHS dealing with $4.3 million ‘accidental’ cut to mental health, 8-14-12, WRAL
Reporter Mark Binker writes that lawmakers cut $4.3 million more than they intended from the state’s mental health safety net program this summer, which affects the money available to local mental health agencies to provide services, such as guardianship for those with developmental disabilities.
Lawmakers suspicious of dueling audits, 8-14-12, WRAL
Reporter Mark Binker writes that lawmakers say state health officials may be tampering with audits ordered as part of the state budget by calling for a separate review of the state’s Medicaid spending.
Exclusive interview: Rep. Paul Ryan discusses need for ‘market-based’ health reform, 8-14-12, Modern Healthcare
Writer Andis Robeznieks reports that Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan’s selection as the Republican vice presidential nominee has put Medicare reform back in the national spotlight, as Ryan’s plans for transforming Medicare into a “premium support” system gain renewed attention.
NC undecided on expanding Medicaid in health care law, 8-14-12, Asheville Citizen-Times/Associated Press
Writer Gary D. Robertson reports that North Carolina politicians want more information before deciding on insuring people for 2014. Governor Bev Perdue is still considering the best option for North Carolina families and taxpayers.
Not-for-profits face more government audits than for-profits, survey finds, 8-14-12, Modern Healthcare
Writer Ashok Selvam reports that according to a Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) survey, not-for-profits reported undergoing an average of six audits compared with four by for-profit healthcare providers in a 12-month period.
Behavioral health providers take a hit in funding, 8-14-12, Winston-Salem Journal
Writer Richard Craver reports that five local providers of behavioral-health services have taken a six-figure reduction in their revenue stream for 2012-13 as part of the overall loss of nearly $1.7 million in federal block-grant money.
NC faces weighty health problems, study says, 8-14-12, Charlotte Business Journal
The Charlotte Business Journal reports that nearly 30 percent of North Carolina’s residents are obese, and 17 percent of the state’s population lacked health insurance in 2010.
NC Confirms First West Nile Virus Death This Year, 8-15-12, WSPA-TV/Associated Press
The Associated Press reports that Wayne County officials say a resident has become North Carolina’s first death from West Nile virus this year.
