Changes to H-1B visa program threaten to worsen healthcare labor shortages

Experts worry healthcare providers won’t be able to pay the new $100,000 H-1B application fee. “These are often nonprofit organizations. They don’t have that kind of money lying around,” one lawyer said.

UnitedHealthcare launches direct-to-consumer marketplace for health and wellness programs

The insurance giant is unveiling UHC Store as payers work to shore up eroding consumer trust.

3 ideas for health systems to consider amid AI deployment

Providers should set clear goals on what they’re trying to achieve with AI tools and lean on project managers as they implement the technology, experts say.

Tracking healthcare data breaches

A breach at a North Carolina health center in February exposed the data of more than 450,000 people.

Updated Sept. 25, 2025

Privia acquires Evolent’s value-based primary care unit for $100M

It’s an opportunity for Privia to further increase its shared savings in Medicare’s largest value-based program, while enticing Evolent Care Partners’ affiliated physicians onto its technology and services platform.

Physician practice acquisitions on the rise: GAO

Consolidation with health systems can lead to higher prices, alongside a decrease or no change in care quality, according to a review from the Government Accountability Office.

Emergency department deaths tick up following private equity acquisition: study

Patients may be more likely to die in private equity-owned emergency departments than other similar facilities, according to a study published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Disparity in vaccine access between states roils patients, providers

Recent changes to federal guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations have providers worried about what’s to come. “We have opened a door to not using science to guide care,” one physician said.

Aetna expands program curbing hospital readmissions for Medicare Advantage members

One hospital has piloted the program for a few months and seen some early successes that have made other operators interested, an Aetna spokesperson said.

States are ramping up AI regulation. How should healthcare respond?

Industry leaders should engage with state lawmakers on AI bills, given many legislators have limited experience with the technology or in healthcare more broadly, experts said during a HIMSS summit.

Premier to go private in $2.6B deal with California investment firm

The take-private deal should give Premier more capital to bolster its operations and invest in technology.

Optum Insight names new CEO

UnitedHealth’s data and analytics arm has tapped its second chief executive officer since May as the company continues to reshuffle its executive bench.

CVS’ Omnicare division files for bankruptcy

CVS’ pharmacy services subsidiary was hit with a $949 million judgment in July. The Chapter 11 process could delay the government from recouping the funds.

States should be full steam ahead on Medicaid work requirements, experts say

There’s a lot that states want the CMS to weigh in on. But given the tight rollout timeline for the controversial mandates, they shouldn’t delay implementation, experts said during a MACPAC meeting.

How to ensure healthcare workers benefit from AI

Trust is key to getting providers on board when health systems look to roll out artificial intelligence, experts said at the HIMSS AI Leadership Strategy Summit in Chicago.

Medicare Advantage plans to share provider directories under CMS final rule

The policy was originally proposed by the Biden administration in November, but comes amid a larger push for more transparency around payers’ provider networks from health officials in the Trump regime.

Kansas, Hawaii Blues invest in Blue Shield of CA’s health tech sister company

Stellarus was launched as part of Blue Shield of California’s restructuring to sell services to nonprofit plans that they don’t have the resources to build themselves. That pitch has now worked on at least two Blues plans.

CDC advisers postpone vote to delay some newborns’ hepatitis B shot

Members of ACIP postponed a planned vote on withholding some infants’ first hepatitis B vaccine dose, adding more confusion to an already muddied meeting.

Ascension returned to profitability in 2025

It’s a victory for the system, which reported a $1 billion loss last year as it struggled to recover from a cyberattack.

Top healthcare legislation to watch so far this year

Federal lawmakers have proposed dozens of bills targeting core healthcare issues, including 340B, Medicaid, AI and site-neutral payments.

More hospitals using predictive AI, but disparities persist: ASTP

More than 70% of hospitals reported using predictive tools last year. But small, rural, independent and critical-access hospitals are lagging behind, according to the analysis.

Johns Hopkins, UnitedHealthcare end contract negotiations after failing to reach agreement

The Baltimore-based system and the major insurer called off contract negotiations, keeping some 60,000 patients out of network.

Updated Sept. 18, 2025

GOP bill extends telehealth flexibilities, sidesteps ACA subsidies

The continuing resolution would preserve virtual care flexibilities through Nov. 21. But it makes no mention of extending more generous financial assistance for people who buy plans on the ACA exchanges.

Optum Rx hikes payment floor on brand name drugs for independent pharmacies

The move builds on the major PBM’s pivot to cost-based pricing for pharmacies announced earlier this year.

Fired CDC director says RFK Jr. aims to change childhood vaccine schedule

Susan Monarez told senators at a hearing Wednesday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushed her out for refusing to rubber-stamp changes.