MASSDEVICE ON CALL — The Supreme Court unveiled a surprise when it agreed to hear challenges against Medicaid expansion when it takes on the issues surrounding the individual insurance mandate in the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act.

The law aims to extend Medicaid to everyone with an income below 133 percent of the federal poverty line, which the 26 states challenging the law say amounts to "coercion," Healthwatch reported

The Medicaid challenge will be heard alongside arguments against the individual insurance mandate, which forces every citizen to carry health insurance or face a penalty.

The nation’s highest court agreed yesterday to hear arguments against the law.

HHS sets aside $1 billion for "new types" of health care workers

The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services launched a $1 billion Health Care Innovation Challenge to award projects that test creative
ways to deliver high-quality health care services and lower costs, Healthwatch reported.

Given Imaging launches new Pillcam study

Given Imaging (NSDQ:GIVN) launched a new Pillcam study, comparing polyps detection via optical colonoscopy against Pillcam endoscopy, to support the company’s bid for Japanese regulatory approval, according to a press release.
Minn. Sen. Al Franken visits Medtronic, announces new med-tech legislation

Minnesota Sen. Al Franken (D) stopped by Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) headquarter Monday to announce that he will introduce a bill aimed at speeding up review for devices that treat rare diseases, the Star Tribune reported.