Cost-Containment

The proposed pay increase "is a step in the right direction, but it does not negate the compounding effects of rising inflation, record levels of uncompensated care and a growing uninsured population," Charlene MacDonald, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, said in a statement.

Rising premiums, Medicaid losses and structural gaps are pushing coverage further out of reach.

Improving provider directories and directory creation tools matters for wound care patients because, "in chronic wounds, time matters," Daniels said

States that use the model would offer the credit to employers with two to 50 employees.

Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill this week that sets new rules for how insurance carriers must handle prior authorizations for both drugs and certain health care services.

John Thornton, an Amalgamated Life veteran, is seeing some supplier shrinkage but also signs of stability.