Regulatory/Legislative News

The U.S. Supreme Court in King v. Burwell, ruled that the health insurance tax subsidies provided by the federal government to citizens in the 34 states that have not established the health insurance marketplaces or exchanges were legal. That means some 6 million people, including the nearly 3.5 million people in small business plans, small business owners, self-employed professionals and early retirees who depend on subsidized health care costs, will continue to receive them.

The World Council of Optometry announced in a press release that Mark A Bullimore will lead the organization as its new executive director.[INSERTMUG]

As we look at the dawn of a new year, it is a great time to think about the future and consider changes that may affect our lives.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched an interactive resource with information about Medicare spending on prescription drugs, the agency announced in a press release.

The National Association of Vision Care Plans announced a fast-track credentialing process to reduce the cost and time required for eye care professionals to credential the vision care plans they provide, according to a press release.

ACP and the AMA are calling for changes to the current meaningful use program to better align with the needs of physicians and patients, according to press releases issued by the organizations.

There has been some historic news on the health care reform front this month. The U.S. Senate passed legislation that would repeal much of the Affordable Care Act.

To properly diagnose and treat patients with diabetes, our optometry experts recommended optical coherence tomography for detecting either subtle diabetic macular edema or other minimal changes, with a specific ability to monitor change over time, Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO, told Primary Care Optometry News.

In a perfect world, all health care providers involved in the care of patients with diabetes would take an active role in disease management, patient education, advice and counseling, along with communicating electronically for easier accessibility, Scott A. Edmonds, OD, FAAO, told Primary Care Optometry News.

What I should have done was open my fingers a little bit more.