State Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the probe on Monday, citing media reports that show the insurer could have engaged in “deceptive practices.” No formal lawsuit has been filed.

Analyzing more than 1,500 cases of patients who got sent from an acute-care hospital to an ostensibly more-capable facility, Harvard researchers have found 1 in 4 such transfers could—and probably should—have been avoided. 

As long as the influencer presents with apparent knowledgeability, a polished appearance, medical accoutrements and a caring demeanor, he or she will probably be afforded plenty of leeway to hold forth on all things health and healthcare.

The state is accusing the insurer of colluding with the broader Blue Cross Blue Shield network to stifle competition and control prices. BCBSM denies the allegations.

The money will be sent to eligible Medicare Part B members to offset a month of premiums. Payments will be taken from the Medicare Improvement Fund, used to enhance the program.

Answer to the headline above: Only if traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries for Parts A and B would be OK with $10,000 as the cap and taxpayers don’t mind footing a bigger bill for Medicare. 

The hack, which was revealed earlier this year in a report from Bleeping Computer, is said to have been limited to a legacy server. Oracle denied its cloud environment had been compromised. 

The states say they do not have enough time to enforce the rule, as CMS only issued an interim final rule this summer. The deadline for full compliance is Jan. 1.

Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy will allow patients to use a dermatology app to diagnose and get prescription treatments for acne. More serious skin conditions will be referred to a licensed physician. 

The “Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act” from Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) would eliminate the independent dispute process completely. Its proposal comes after recent indication that the No Surprises Act lacks teeth.