HHS Tweaks Women’s Preventive Care Guidelines For Private Insurers

Modern Healthcare: HHS: Private Insurers Get Clarity On Preventative Care Coverage
The Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday clarified what private insurers must cover under preventative care guidelines for women, including screenings and counseling without co-pays or deductibles for 2023 plans. The Health Resources and Services Administration guidance is meant to help clinicians decide which preventive services to offer patients. The Affordable Care Act also requires insurers to cover the recommended services without cost-sharing. (Goldman, 1/11)

In corporate news —

The CT Mirror: Saint Francis Sues Hartford HealthCare, Claims Anti-Competitive Practices
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center has sued Hartford HealthCare and its subsidiaries, including Hartford Hospital, claiming that it is trying to create a monopoly on hospital services by acquiring physician networks, particularly cardiologists, and demanding that they refer their patients only to Hartford HealthCare. The 75-page lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in New Haven alleges “a campaign of exclusion, acquisition and intimidation” and claims that Hartford HealthCare executives have stated in meetings that their plan was to “crush” or “bury” Saint Francis. (Altimari, 1/11)

Georgia Health News: Anthem Seeks To Halt Court Order Continuing Northside Contract 
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has filed a legal motion to end a court’s temporary restraining order that, at least temporarily, has kept Northside Hospital facilities in the giant insurer’s network. Northside Hospital was granted an injunction by Fulton County Superior Court just before its Anthem contract was scheduled to be severed Jan. 1. That injunction – which preserved Anthem members’ in-network status with Northside — lasts till Jan. 31. For months, the two sides have been unable to reach agreement on reimbursement rates for medical services. (Miller, 1/11)

Bloomberg: Aesthetics Firm Suneva Said In Talks For Viveon Health SPAC Deal
Suneva Medical Inc., which sells beauty and anti-aging products to doctors’ offices, is in advanced talks to go public through a merger with blank-check company Viveon Health Acquisition Corp., according to people with knowledge of the matter. The deal is expected to value San Diego-based Suneva at about $511 million including debt, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. (Davis, 1/12)

Also —

Bangor Daily News: Ellsworth Doctor Faces License Suspension Over COVID Misinformation Allegations
A state medical board moved Tuesday to temporarily suspend the license of a doctor accused of spreading misinformation related to COVID-19. The doctor, who recently participated in a briefing with state lawmakers on COVID, will also have to undergo a psychological examination at the request of the licensing board. During a virtual meeting, Maine’s Board of Licensure in Medicine voted unanimously to conduct a further investigation into Dr. Meryl Nass of Ellsworth in response to at least two complaints that she was spreading misinformation about COVID-19. The board also voted to subpoena additional records from Nass and approved suspending her license for 30 days during the investigation, although it also gave the doctor another option. (Miller, 1/11)

North Carolina Health News: NC Doulas Guide New Parents Through Birth And Beyond 
When Kira Kimble goes to the hospital to assist a client giving birth, she is charged with everything from keeping her pregnant client informed about the choices they have — whether they want to get an epidural, have a natural birth — to making sure her clients are simply being addressed by their names. Kimble said her clients report microaggressions as common for pregnant people of color throughout their nine months. This makes something as small as being addressed by your name a big deal. (Thompson, 1/12)

Modern Healthcare: Healthcare Boards Lag Behind On Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Goals
Although health systems are reviving strategic initiatives amid the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, most are struggling to operationalize those plans, the survey found. Only 3% have appointed health equity experts to their top boards, for example. Governing body membership remain predominantly white, male and over 50. Racial and ethnic minorities make up nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population but only 21% of board members at the companies surveyed. Women make up more than half of the population but hold just 27% of board seats. (Hartnett, 1/11)