Illinois considering doubling physician's fee

The ILLINOIS state legislature is considering doubling the state's annual physicians' license fee-used to pay for regulatory enforcement of the profession-to $200. State health officials say the higher fees would allow the fund to stay out of debt and hire more staff. The Illinois State Medical Society opposes the hike, saying the state has used the license money for other purposes.

NEW HAMPSHIRE is the first state to get Medicaid grant money intended to keep patients out of nursing homes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the state $26.5 million over 3 years as part of the Balancing Incentive Program. The state and community health organizations will develop community-based care serving seniors and individuals with behavioral health needs and physical and mental disabilities. The grant's goal is to strengthen the infrastructure of community-based care.