Healthcare Digest: Sebelius May/May Not Have Solicited Obamacare Donations

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius did or didn’t talk or not talk to (or not to) healthcare companies. Specifically, the question is: did she ask (or not ask) them for donations?

Back around 14 May, it looked like maybe she was? A Washington Post blog wrote, “Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has gone, hat in hand, to health industry officials, asking them to make large financial donations to help with the effort to implement President Obama’s landmark health-care law, two people familiar with the outreach said.”

But now? “Sebelius said on Tuesday that she talked to three healthcare companies about a private nonprofit group helping to implement healthcare reform, but she denied asking for donations.”

Not that she couldn’t: “I could legally solicit funds from anybody regulated by our office. I chose not to do that. But promoting a public-private partnership? You bet,” Sebelius said.

But she didn’t. Probably. The point is: someone needs to help fund Obamacare. And Kathleen Sebelius may or may not be the woman (or, sorry, person) to do or not do it. I think. Uy.

Wednesday’s Headlines

Making Up Words!: “‘Consumerization’ is happening in the healthcare market – an ongoing trend of turning patients into consumers.” [Huffington Post]

Obamacare’s Not the Only Care: “Employers are concerned about the well-being of their employees. Rightfully so, as it affects both the morale and financials of the business. Medical insurance, obviously, is a primary issue for companies, and ObamaCare has raised both awareness and the stakes for employers. Keep in mind though; there are other employee health care considerations outside the purview of the PPACA. Now is a great time for businesses to take a holistic review of what they can do to economically and effectively promote health care for their employees.” [Forbes]

When Big Companies Owe Money to Little Companies: “Blue Shield of California owes $24.5 million in rebates to thousands of small-business customers, and rival Anthem Blue Cross will return $12 million to small firms under requirements of the federal healthcare law.” [Hispanic Business]

The Boomer Generation Might Be the Worst Generation: “As baby boomers approach retirement age, they are expected to completely change the face of the U.S. healthcare system, mainly due to their additional medical needs, compared to previous generations.” [Huffington Post]