Shares of CardioNet (BEAT) were punished Monday morning after an unfavorable decision from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The administrative group proposed that the reimbursement rates on the technical component of mobile cardiovascular telemetry should stay carrier-priced for 2011, defying CardioNet's wishes to obtain a national reimbursement rate for the technology.

Now, CardioNet will attempt to lobby CMS during the public comment period prior to the final ruling, which is due by Nov. 1. "We will work diligently during the public comments period to request that CMS change its recommendation to one that is more beneficial to Medicare recipients who depend on" devices containing CardioNet's technology, explained CEO Joe Capper.

Continue reading CardioNet Collapses on Medicare Disappointment

CardioNet Collapses on Medicare Disappointment originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Despite the heated politics, business owners need to have an understanding of President Obama's $940 billion health care plan. So, I've talked with various experts on the matter.

And while things are far from set, there are some general things to consider.

Continue reading Entrepreneur's Journal: What the Obama Health Care Bill Means to Your Business

Entrepreneur's Journal: What the Obama Health Care Bill Means to Your Business originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), whose vote maintained a 60-vote majority for the Democratic Party, and thus ensured Senate passage of health care reform legislation, is now calling for the Medicaid deal he negotiated with Senate Majority Leadership to be extended to all states.

"I've been in serious discussions with Senate leaders and others to secure changes in the bill to treat all states equally," Nelson said, in a statement. "At the end of the day, whatever Nebraska gets will apply to all states."

Continue reading Higher Medicaid Tax Would Cover Program's Expansion in All 50 States

Higher Medicaid Tax Would Cover Program's Expansion in All 50 States originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading What's the outlook for health care costs in the years ahead?

What's the outlook for health care costs in the years ahead? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

One of President Obama's accomplishments during his first 100 days was the passage of a $787 billion stimulus plan. I think the idea of economic stimulus makes sense when an economy is in the middle of a deflationary spiral. As I posted, that's when a drop in demand leads to excess productive capacity, causing companies to cut prices and fire workers, which in turn lowers demand as more workers -- whose consumer spending accounts for 70% of GDP growth -- have less to spend.

So far, only about 10% of the stimulus money has been doled out and it's not having much effect in counteracting this deflationary spiral. How so? First quarter GDP plunged 6.1% -- compared to a 6.3% decline in 2008's fourth quarter -- and the preliminary numbers are usually adjusted downward. The unemployment rate is expected to hit 8.9% in April from 8.5% in March.

Continue reading How's that $787 billion stimulus plan working out?

How's that $787 billion stimulus plan working out? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 03 May 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

After hitting a one year high of $77.00 in October, the stock has slipping over the past year, touching a 52-week low of $48.30 in mid-August. AMGN opened this morning at $53.23. So far today the stock has hit a low of $52.15 and a high of $53.39. As of 11:05, AMGN is trading at $52.22, up $0.88 (1.7%). The chart for AMGN looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider an October bull-put credit spread below the $47.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make an 8.7% return in just 6 weeks as long as AMGN is above $47.50 at October expiration. Amgen would have to fall by more than 9% before we would start to lose money.

Continue reading Amgen (AMGN) gets favorable Senate action

Amgen (AMGN) gets favorable Senate action originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A good time to buy HealthSouth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 May 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.