As the Medicare Advantage landscape evolves, the success of health systems hinges on their ability to adapt and excel in key areas such as star ratings and appropriate coding. Health systems' greatest opportunity is to enter into full-risk arrangements with health plans, shifting the focus from managing illness to maintaining wellness. However, many systems have not made the necessary investments to thrive in this value-based care model, often missing out on its potential benefits and driving ambivalence toward the MA program, according to SCAN Group CEO Sachin Jain, MD.

Where health systems are going wrong with Medicare Advantage

Large health systems publicly reported billions in profits for the first half of 2024 and Kaufman Hall data shows a strong uptick in year over year hospital margins. Average operating margins reached nearly 5% in January, up from 2.7% in the previous month, and have hovered between 4.4% and 4.1% since then.

The truth about hospital profitability

As hospitals and health systems work to adapt to a post-pandemic world, the evolution of big tech and retail companies like Amazon and CVS Health, who are navigating pathways deeper into healthcare, can give pause to many healthcare leaders. ButJan Grigsby, CFO of Brunswick-based Southeast Georgia Health System, welcomes the change.

Why 1 system CFO welcomes disruptors like Amazon, CVS Health

R1 RCM expects the Ascension ransomware attack to drag down its revenue by between $75 million and $95 million in 2024, primarily because of a delay in timing of revenue from the second half of 2024 into the first half of 2025, executives said Aug. 7 during the company's second-quarter earnings call.

R1 RCM absorbs increased costs from Ascension IT outage, says CFO

Delaware County, PA

Upland, PA

Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings and CHA Partners have signed a letter of intent for CHA to acquire Upland, Pa.-based Crozer Health, a spokesperson for the system confirmed to Becker's. The proposed deal would involve transitioning Crozer's four hospitals back to nonprofit status. CHA, which owns five hospitals in New...

Prospect Medical plans to sell Crozer Health

Florida State

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Akeena

Red Lobster, the popular seafood chain, has confirmed additional closures in Florida, adding to its recent wave of shutdowns following the company’s bankruptcy filing in May. The latest round of closures includes two more Florida locations, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the iconic restaurant chain.

Popular seafood chain announces more closures in Florida

Orlando, FL

If you’ve been enjoying the vibrant food scene in Thornton Park, you might have heard some bittersweet news—Graffiti Junktion, the spot known for its top-notch burgers and laid-back vibe, has officially closed. After 16 years of serving up some of the best burgers in Orlando, the eatery has said its goodbyes. Here’s a closer look at why this cherished spot is shutting down and what it means for the community.

Favorite Florida Burger Place Closed Because Wages and Costs Went Up

COVID-19 deaths fell 68.9% from 2022 to 2023 — dropping from the fourth leading cause of death to the tenth, the CDC said. The CDC used U.S. death certificates to estimate the highest causes of death. The report, released Aug. 8, shares the estimated number of deaths in 2023, and the final report is expected to be released later this year, NBC News reported.

COVID deaths fell 69% in 1 year

Polk County, FL

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Fort Meade, FL

Uncovering Florida

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest after conducting an investigation into a case of credit card fraud involving 28-year-old Burger King employee, Kellyn Miley. The incident was discussed in detail during this morning's briefing with Sheriff Grady Judd.

Burger King Employee Caught Using Customer's Credit Card for Food at Former Job

Lake Mary, FL

If you're a fan of hearty breakfasts and brunches in Florida, you might have had Keke’s Cafe on your radar. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, Keke’s has been a go-to spot for many. However, the Lake Mary location recently hit a bump in the road, resulting in a temporary shutdown following a state inspection that uncovered 15 violations.

Breakfast Eatery Closed in Florida for Roaches, Dirty Hands, and Cold Foods Over 41 Degrees

Walgreens shared in an Aug. 7 Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it could sell off its entire stake in primary care clinic chain VillageMD. "The company is currently evaluating a variety of options with respect to VillageMD in light of ongoing investments by the company in VillageMD’s businesses and VillageMD’s substantial ongoing and expected future cash requirement," the filing said. "These options could include a sale of all or part of the VillageMD businesses, possible restructuring options and other strategic opportunities."

Walgreens eyes offloading all of VillageMD

Arkansas State

Little Rock, AR

Jay Quebedeaux was promoted to president of regional hospitals for Little Rock, Ark.-based Baptist Health. In his new role, Mr. Quebedeaux will be responsible for five Baptist Health regional facilities, according to an Aug. 8 news release shared with Becker's. He will also remain president of Baptist Health Medical Center-Hot...

Baptist Health taps president of 5 Arkansas hospitals

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Ohio State

The Lantern

On Tuesday, licensed Ohio dispensaries began legally selling non-medical marijuana to consumers; however, the drug’s possession, growth and/or usage are still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus. Credit: Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times/TNS [Original caption: Four citizen-led petitions with proposals to update Dallas’ charter hit the 20,000 valid signature threshold to make it on the Nov. 5 election ballot, including one that would ban police officers from arresting or citing people carrying less than four ounces of marijuana.] As of Tuesday, students 21 and older can now legally purchase marijuana in Ohio.

Dispensary sales of recreational marijuana began Tuesday; possession and usage still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus

North Carolina State

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Town Talks

A recent social media update from Cherokee, the site of North Carolina's first and only cannabis dispensary, announced that adult-use recreational marijuana is coming soon. The Aug. 1 post is a landmark occasion. The Great Smoky Cannabis Co., run by Qualla Enterprises backed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee, will become the first N.C. recreational marijuana dispensary to fully open to adults over the age of 21.

Will recreational marijuana be legal in NC? What to know after Cherokee approved sales

Massachusetts State

Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny 8lb dog named Bingo who is looking for her forever home. Bingo is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix with an adorable appearance and a sweet disposition. However, she needs a patient and understanding owner who recognizes that "dogs are not toys, and not all dogs love to be picked up right away," explains Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. This little lady requires some decompression time upon arriving at her new home to settle in comfortably.

Meet The Sweet Little Lady Looking For Love

Valrico, FL

Hey there, Floridians! If you're a fan of fresh produce and a farmer's market vibe, you might have some mixed feelings about the news from Valrico. The Fresh Market, known for its focus on organic options and quality meats and cheeses, is set to close its doors in the Lithia Crossings shopping center.

Grocery chain known for Organic options and quality meats is set to close its doors in Florida

Kentucky State

Lexington, KY

Lexington, Ky.-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare has appointed two new hospital CEOs. Beau Masterson was named CEO of Barbourville (Ky.) ARH Hospital, according to an Aug. 6 news release from the system. He has been COO of Beckley (W.Va.) ARH Hospital since 2022. Jonathan Koonce was tapped as CEO of Highlands...

Kentucky system taps 2 hospital CEOs

Premature babies born at 22 weeks are a "gray zone" for hospitals, which must decide whether or not to offer treatment, The Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 7. There is general consensus that babies born at 25 or 26 weeks can and should be treated, and those born at 20 weeks or less are too small to save, but in between is a "gray zone." About 8,000 infants are born between 22 and 24 weeks gestation in the U.S. each year and most can only be treated at level 3 or 4 NICUs.

Extremely premature babies a gray zone for hospitals: WSJ

Kansas State

Pittsburg, KS

Drew Talbott, president of Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan., will retire Aug. 30, one day before the hospital transitions to ownership by St. Louis-based Mercy. Mr. Talbott joined Via Christi in 1996 and has been president for four years, according to an Aug. 6 news release shared with Becker's by St. Louis-based Ascension. He was previously its COO for 13 years.

Ascension Kansas hospital president to retire

NewsBreak

CVS Health plans to cut $2B in costs

CVS Health is intensifying its cost-cutting efforts with a new $2 billion initiative, adding to a previous plan to reduce costs by hundreds of millions. CVS...

CVS Health plans to cut $2B in costs

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