#10 Scott Walker Survives a Recall Election

Scott Walker passed a controversial bill in 2011 that sought to strip collective bargaining rights of public sector employees. The bill would help shift costs to solve a $3.6 billion Wisconsin budget deficit. In the wake of its passing, health insurance for public sector employees was immediately impacted. Health risk assessments were mandated with a primary…

#9 The Republican “War on Women”

This “war” refers to a series of legislative and public actions that put the Republican Party at odds against women advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers. The tone and political positioning of party leaders hit a fever pitch as candidates running for office faced public scrutiny in wake of their off-color comments. Below is a sampling…

#8 Soda Ban in NYC

Mayor Bloomberg has successfully made New York City a healthier place by using what many have dubbed to be controversial public policy changes. Bloomberg pushed legislation to introduce more hybrid and electric taxicabs. He sought to expand the smoking ban to public places and parks. He successfully banned trans-fats from all NYC fried food joints…

#7 The Year of Mergers and Acquisitions

With 30 million Americans entering the health insurance market, Obama has touted that his healthcare reform bill will increase competition amongst carriers. As the many provisions of the bill have been released, the insurance industry has quickly reacted with a series of mergers and acquisitions. Across the country, health plans have looked for ways to find…

#6 Restaurants Refuse to Add Obamacare to Menus

In 2014, companies with over 50 employees working 30 hours or more (per week) will be required to offer health coverage to all eligible employees.  Otherwise, the employer will face penalties ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per employee per year. In the fall of 2012, Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden and Red…

#5 Super Storm Sandy Shuts Down NY Hospitals

Sandy tore through New York, New Jersey, and other surrounding neighborhoods, bringing the Tri-State area to its knees. Disaster recovery plans were positioned on a national stage due to the unpredictable and volatile severity of the damage. Although facilities attempted to prepare accordingly, there were four major hospitals in particular that were crippled and remained closed…

#4 Romney Doubles Down on Repealing Obamacare

In probably the most interesting political theatre match of our time, we saw two Presidential candidates grapple with health care positions that left both political parties at odds. Obama, having pushed for a very centrist healthcare reform bill actually modeled after Romney’s plan for Massachusetts, had to urge Democrats to fight for a bill that…

#3 Europe’s Healthcare Austerity Measures

While the United States wages a national debate over government expansion of healthcare, Europe and its existing nationalized health system continue to grapple with exploding costs, resulting in sharp austerity measures that have provoked violent riots and protests. Here are some of the measures taken by the Europe’s largest countries in the face of economic…