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What We're Reading: Drug Deaths a Presidential Election Issue
What we're reading, November 4, 2015: drug deaths become the next big 2016 presidential campaign issue; and Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross receive large fines for misleading information about Affordable Care Act Plans.
Drug Abuse Next Big Presidential Issue
Jobs and the economy are becoming less of a priority for voters—drug deaths could be the new 2016 presidential election issue, according to Wall Street Journal. In New Hampshire, overdoses are on track to break last year’s record and voters ranked drug abuse as the most important issue in the 2016 presidential campaign. Across the US, drug overdoses account for more deaths than car accidents.
California Fines Plans for Misleading ACA Plan Information
Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross are being fined $350,000 and $250,000, respectively, for overstating their California physician networks in Affordable Care Act plans. In addition to needing to improve the accuracy of their directories, the plans must reimburse enrollees who may have been negatively affected by the misleading information, state regulators say.
Wellness Programs Incorporating Financial Help
Approximately half of all US employers are offering financial wellness programs because personal finances can affect employees’ health, reports NPR. Money problems cause stress that lead to bigger health insurance bills, and when a company begins a financial wellness program, it can reduce health costs and absenteeism.
AI in Health Care: Balancing Governance, Innovation, and Trust
September 2nd 2025In this conversation with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at UPMC Health Plan, we dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of scaling AI effectively, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact.
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Infertility Coverage Boosts ART Use and Pregnancy Success: Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA
August 26th 2025In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.
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