Update: Hospital Compare

The American Hospital Association is now indicating that the CMS' update to its Hospital Compare Web site will now occur on Thursday, July 9, rather than tomorrow July 8th.

$155 billion deal?

According to an article in today's edition of The Washington Post, hospitals have reached a deal with Congress and the White House to contribute $155 billion throughout 10 years to help provide coverage for the nation's uninsured. The deal was struck last night. The American Hospital Association has yet to release a public comment.

Uninsured by choice

A new survey from the Employment Policies Institute finds that many of the nation's uninsured have chosen to decline coverage. Young, single and higher income individuals are disproportionately represented among those declining insurance. Others spurn coverage due to the lack of inclusion of alternative or religion-based therapies in traditional health plans.

Hospital Compare update

The American Hospital Association is indicating that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be updating data on their Hospital Compare Web site on Wednesday, July 8. According to AHA, the USA TODAY has received an advance copy of the data and other Gannett newspapers may have access as well. The USA Today has contacted hospitals outside of Missouri about their data, however there are currently no reports from Missouri hospitals of media contact.

Talking points on prior Hospital Compare updates are available on MHAnet.

AHA has issued a Quality Advisory related to the data.

More information will follow as the date approaches.

Reporter roundup

David Lieb of the Associated Press is working on a story about health care information technology. His deadline was unclear and he appears to be seeking more information and may contact hospitals.

Mike Sherry of the Kansas City Business Journal has requested information about changes to the 2009 IRS form 990 schedule H.

Alyson Raletz of the St. Joseph News-Press called to identify MHA's position on the 34th Senate District race (St. Joseph area). Specifically she was interested in MHA's support or opposition to Rep. Rob Schaaf's candidacy.