Friday Five: Top 5 healthcare business news items from the MCOL Weekend edition

Every business day, MCOL posts feature stories making news on the business of health care. Here are five we think are particularly important for this week:

As states race to expand Medicaid, AHIP study reaffirms the program's value

The effectiveness of Medicaid, as compared to private insurance, has long been a matter of debate, but in recent years conservative critics have not-so-quietly suggested that the program provides no improvement to beneficiaries' health whatsoever.

Fierce Healthcare

Thursday, November 15, 2018

More leeway for states to expand inpatient mental health

The Trump administration Tuesday allowed states to provide more inpatient treatment for people with serious mental illness by tapping Medicaid, a potentially far-reaching move to address issues from homelessness to violence.

AP News

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

With Hospitalization Losing Favor, Judges Order Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

When mental illness hijacks Margaret Rodgers’ mind, she acts out. Rodgers, 35, lives with depression and bipolar disorder. When left unchecked, the conditions drive the Alabama woman to excessive spending, crying and mania.

Kaiser Health News

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Cigna app targets reduction of risks for expecting moms

Health insurer Cigna is launching a mobile app to connect members to its Healthy Pregnancies and Healthy Babies prenatal program.

Health Data Management

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Veritas Capital, Elliott to buy Athenahealth for $5.7 billion

Private equity firm Veritas Capital and hedge fund Elliott Management are buying Athenahealth Inc (ATHN.O) for about $5.7 billion, the U.S. healthcare software maker said on Monday.

Reuters

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

These and more weekly news items on the business of healthcare are featured in the MCOL Weekend edition, along with the MCOL Tidbits, and more, for MCOL Premium level members.