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Missouri Court Issues Ruling in Medical Malpractice Case
Two days ago, the Missouri Supreme Court made a ruling that narrowed the scope of a 2005 state law that limits the amount of money that may be awarded in medical malpractice cases has slightly narrowed the scope of a 2005 state law limiting how much money can be awarded to people in medical malpractice […]
Read moreHealthcare Bill Passes
Late Sunday night, the United States House of Representatives passed the much-debated healthcare reform bill in a 219-212 vote, with all the Republicans, and thirty-four Democrats, voting against its passage. The bill, which instigates the most dramatic changes to our healthcare system in four decades, now goes to President Obama for his signature, which will […]
Read moreStates Attempt to Counter HealthCare Reform via Bills and Constitutional Amendments
Reuters is reporting that at least 36 state legislatures have introduced bills or resolutions designed to either limit or oppose various aspects of the healhcare reform plan that Congress is still trying to pass. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, momentum is growing in many states to block the changes either by laws […]
Read moreCompany Wellness Programs: They’re Not Just for the Big Guys Anymore
It’s no secret that large corporations have been cutting costs by encouraging employees to use on-site, in-house wellness programs, some replete with healthy dining facilities and gymnasiums. However, wellness programs aren’t just for big companies any more. In fact, two Illinois-based medium-sized businesses, Mechanical Devices, Co. (Bloomington) and the Town of Normal have implemented wellness […]
Read moreSenate Approves COBRA Extension Bill
It was reported on Wednesday that the United States Senate voted 62-36 to approve a $138 billion bill that temporarily halts cuts in Medicare payments to doctors, and also extends COBRA premium subsidies and Medicaid assistance. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D – NV) said in a statement to the press, “This week’s bill helps […]
Read morePreliminary Loss Estimates Announced for Chilean Quake
Bermuda-based Everest Re Group has announced its preliminary loss estimate for exposures relating to the earthquake in Chile and the recent European windstorm known as Xynthia. The total? Earthquake: $225 million, Xynthia: $25 million. Representatives of the company told the press that the “…currrent estimates for these events are based on underwriters’ preliminary analyses and […]
Read moreSupreme Court Agrees to Hear Childhood Vaccine Case
Reuters is reporting that the United States Supreme Court stated on Monday that it had agreed to hear a Pennsylvania case involving a lawsuit filed by parents of s child who suffered seizures after her third round of the standard childhood DPT (diptheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine. The suit was filed against vaccine manufacturer Wyeth, which was purchased […]
Read moreFlood Insurance and Other Programs Temporarily Restored
Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that included an extension for the federal flood insurance program until the 28th of March. The extension means that the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) can once again issue new policies, something it hasn’t been able to do since its authorization expired at midnight last Friday. The […]
Read moreEl Nino Dissipating, but Effects Not Gone
Reuters is reporting today that the currently active El Nino weather anomaly, which causes abnormal warming of the water in the equatorial parts of the Pacific Ocean, is dissipating, and – in the Northern Hemisphere – it should be gone by early summer, though there is a chance it may merely weaken substantially, and linger […]
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