Richard Pazdur, FDA drug czar, to retire from agency

Weeks after being named head of CDER, Pazdur has submitted paperwork to step down at the end of the month, exacerbating what’s already been a turbulent year at the FDA.

Family physicians are departing rural areas: report

Between 2017 and 2023, the share of family physicians working in rural areas dropped 11%, according to a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine.

Humana appeals Medicare Advantage star ratings loss to 5th Circuit

The insurer continues to try to prove that regulators acted arbitrarily in downgrading its quality scores for 2025, despite numerous setbacks in the courts to date.

Lawmakers propose Medicare reimbursement pathway for AI devices

The legislation is intended to ensure AI-enabled devices receive an accurate CMS payment code.

CMS proposes overhauling Medicare Advantage star ratings

The agency suggested cutting a dozen quality measures where health plan performance is high and beneficiaries can’t easily distinguish between offerings.

OIG report finds Medicare overpaying for CGMs and supplies

The CMS could use its competitive bidding program to address price concerns after payments for the continuous glucose monitors swelled over five years, the government watchdog said.

CMS sets 2027 Medicare prices for Wegovy, Trelegy and 13 other drugs

The second round of negotiations cuts spending an aggregate 44% over 2024 list prices as the federal government extends restraints over more medicines.

Why Medicare Advantage contract negotiations are getting heated

“There’s simply more at stake in these negotiations for payers and providers than there used to be,” one expert said.

Premier closes $2.6B take-private deal

The healthcare services and group purchasing organization stopped trading on Nasdaq Tuesday after more than a decade on the public markets.

HHS brings back workers fired during shutdown

HHS reinstated all 954 workers let go last month, but firing and rehiring employees is becoming a troubling trend at the agency.

Trump administration appeals decision vacating Medicare Advantage audit rule

A federal judge struck down the rule that would have clawed back billions of dollars in overpayments in September. Now, the HHS wants to take the case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

CMS finalizes 2.6% outpatient pay bump, site-neutral policies

Hospitals lambasted the final rule as inadequate, arguing the sector is facing significant financial pressures.

Mayo Clinic doubled its operating income in Q3

Strong patient demand helped lift Mayo Clinic’s operating income by more than 250% year over year.

Number of full-time working caregivers has increased by double digits, report finds

At the same time, more women are leaving full-time work due to caregiving demands, the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America said.

Top healthcare conferences to attend in 2026

These are the events healthcare leaders should plan for next year, covering topics like digital health, rural care and financial management.

Oracle Health designated QHIN under TEFCA data sharing framework

Eleven data exchanges have now received Qualified Health Information Network status, more than double the number that were recognized when the federal government’s framework first went live in late 2023.

Independence Health System to join WVU Health

Independence Health has been struggling financially. WVU Health promises to invest $800 million over five years into upgrading Independence's facilities.

UNC Health names new CEO

Dr. Cristy Page will also serve as dean of the UNC School of Medicine and vice chancellor for medical affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Crapo, Wyden to reintroduce bipartisan PBM package

Republicans and Democrats couldn’t be further apart on how to address the looming ACA affordability cliff. But there seems to be a path forward on curbing pharmacy benefit managers.

Republican antipathy during key Senate hearing darkens outlook for ACA subsidy extension

More generous subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans have helped millions of Americans afford insurance. Chances are becoming slimmer that the assistance will survive the year.

Providence lays off more workers in Washington, Oregon

Executives blamed Medicaid cuts, commercial insurance denial rates and declining volumes for the staff reduction.

Health tech venture capital investment rebounds in 2025: report

Funding through the third quarter surpassed last year’s total, according to PitchBook. Meanwhile, average deal sizes are skyrocketing as high valuations — especially for AI startups — drive larger rounds.

Philips, Edwards team on AI-based guide for mitral valve repair

Artificial intelligence combines ultrasound and X-ray images to give physicians a real-time 3D view of the repair device during transcatheter heart procedures.

UnitedHealth adds former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb to board

UnitedHealth declined to comment on Gottlieb’s appointment, which comes as the company works to improve its relationship with federal regulators.

Employers, workers to face healthcare ‘affordability crunch,’ Mercer warns

A “sharp growth” in prescription drug spending, including pricey GLP-1 weight-loss medications, helped fuel the increase, the consulting firm said.