Cottage-Sansum merger proposal tests virtues of integration
State and federal regulators are grappling with a deal that could reshape the region’s health care landscape. The proposed merger of Cottage Health, operator of the only hospitals in South Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley, with Sansum Clinic, the largest physician practice in the area, raises questions about cost, quality and Read More →
Cottage/Sansum merger could drive up cost of care
It was around 3 a.m. when Emily awoke in a cold sweat. She was short of breath as her fever reached 103 degrees in the midst of an asthma attack. Emily, whose real name has been changed to protect her identity, drove to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where she underwent a series of tests. Read More →
Supreme Court clears way for religious organization workers to get free birth control
The U.S. Supreme Court announced May 16 that it would not rule on a case regarding religious organization workers’ access to free birth control. It is looking to lower courts to explore a compromise. The Zubik v. Burwell case discusses whether freedom is infringed by an Obama administration rule regarding contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Read More →
ACA challenging for small employers
By Jim Wisdom The fourth quarter of 2015 promises to be one of the busiest and most challenging quarters in the history of the group health insurance industry. The reason for the change is the next phase of implementation for the Affordable Care Act. Employers who want to stay ahead of this enormous shift will Read More →
As access to health care spreads, costs need reining in
Leaders in Santa Barbara’s health care community gathered for Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s second-annual PHorum at the Fess Parker last Thursday evening to discuss the state of health services in the region.
