The Latest

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  Elevance loses Medicare Advantage star ratings suit

  The Texas judge’s decision — which picked apart Elevance’s argument on mathematical grounds — is expected to cost Elevance $375 million, though the insurer could still appeal.

  Payer

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  Judge overturns rule limiting broker payments in Medicare Advantage

  Reed O’Connor’s ruling is a setback for smaller MA plans — and efforts to curb predatory marketing to seniors.

  Payer

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  CMS initiative targets undocumented immigrants in Medicaid

  CMS will provide states monthly reports of beneficiaries whose citizenship or immigration status cannot be confirmed. States are expected to take “appropriate actions” including limiting coverage, the agency said.

  Government

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  Medicare Advantage headwinds dinging member satisfaction: survey

  Overall customer satisfaction with MA plans fell 29 points year over year, driven by declining member trust, according to J.D. Power.

  Payer

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  Large employers forecast ‘daunting’ 9% hike in healthcare costs next year

  Employers surveyed by the Business Group on Health are bracing for the largest annual increase in healthcare costs in more than a decade — a sobering prospect, one expert said.

  Payer

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  Veradigm appoints new CEO

  Don Trigg, an alum of primary care and navigation firm Apree Health and EHR vendor Cerner, will take up the role on Sept. 2.

  Health IT

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  Private equity owners led to Genesis Healthcare’s bankruptcy: report

  The skilled nursing operator filed for bankruptcy in July, a “predictable” outcome after years of financial mismanagement from Genesis’ private equity investors, according to the Private Equity Stakeholder Project.

  Finances

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  Pay gap between hospital CEOs and workers on the rise: study

  The average wage of chief executives rose by 27.5% from 2009 to 2023, while the average pay for all hospital employees rose 9.8%, according to research in Health Affairs.

  Hospitals

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  Kennedy’s mRNA cuts could set US science back, experts warn

  Scientists say the HHS’ decision to defund mRNA vaccine research will leave the country less prepared for pandemics, and make it harder to invest in companies advancing the technology.

  Government

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  Cencora directors agree to $111M settlement over alleged opioid mismanagement

  The settlement brings to a close litigation from pension funds that argued Cencora’s leadership ignored red flags about improper opioid distribution practices for years in order to profit.

  Finances

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  Teladoc acquires Australian virtual care firm Telecare

  The telehealth firm is targeting international expansion as part of its strategic revamp.

  Health IT

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  UnitedHealth closes $3.3B Amedisys buy after long regulatory battle

  UnitedHealth, Amedisys and the DOJ reached a settlement last week, clearing the way for the deal to be finalized. Amedisys stopped trading on Nasdaq Thursday.

  Payer

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  Philips will spend $150M to expand manufacturing for AI-enabled tech

  The investment includes expanding manufacturing and research and development at a site in Reedsville, Pennsylvania, that makes AI-enabled ultrasound systems.

  Health IT

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  HCA, Mission settle monopoly allegations in North Carolina

  Mission has agreed to funnel $1 million into a new charity care fund for low-income patients and keep a regional hospital open for another three years. The settlement puts to bed a yearslong legal dispute with local governments.

  Hospitals

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  Oracle launches AI-backed EHR

  The records system is available for U.S. ambulatory providers, pending regulatory approval. Oracle plans to launch in the acute care market next year.

  Health IT

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  Providence narrows operating loss in Q2, but challenges remain

  The Renton, Washington-based provider said it’s closer to “breakeven” after implementing efficiency initiatives, including staffing cuts.

  Hospitals

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  CHAI, health center group partner to boost safety-net AI adoption

  The organizations will collaborate on guidance for community health centers and other safety-net providers, which face increased barriers to implementing AI.

  Health IT

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  Proposed deal would bring former Prospect exec back to distressed hospitals

  Nor Healthcare Systems Corp. will set the floor price for Prospect’s California hospital portfolio should an auction occur. Nor’s director, Michael Sarian, helmed Prospect’s hospital operations more than a decade ago. 

  Hospitals

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  Kaiser raises operating income in Q2 but eyes looming headwinds

  The nonprofit said it’s feeling growing pressure from higher utilization in its health plan and heightened care delivery costs. It’s also preparing to face fallout from policy changes in Washington.

  Hospitals

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  Hospitals prepare for $149B cut to Medicaid state-directed payments

  New limits to the program could force hospitals to slash capital spending while bracing for millions of newly uninsured patients.

  Hospitals

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  Physicians are working more but reimbursement isn’t keeping pace, report finds

  Physicians are working harder now than in past years, but they’re getting less for that work, according to new research from Kaufman Hall. The situation could worsen as more Americans lose health insurance.

  Hospitals

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  Depressed volumes hounded for-profit providers in Q2

  Executives at major for-profit hospital chains gave conflicting explanations for the softer volumes in the second quarter, from flagging consumer confidence to lower Medicaid admissions. 

  Hospitals

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  Vinay Prasad, in surprise reversal, to rejoin FDA after abrupt departure

  Less than two weeks after stepping down, Prasad will return to lead CBER “at the FDA’s request,” an HHS spokesperson said. It's the latest twist in an unusual run to lead the FDA office overseeing vaccines and gene therapy.

  Updated Aug. 11, 2025

  Government

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  Omada grows revenue, membership in public earnings debut

  Drivers of revenue growth included more customers using multiple chronic condition programs as well as strong adoption of GLP-1 offerings. 

  Health IT

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  Deep Dive

  UnitedHealth, Amedisys merger appears set to close post-DOJ settlement

  Thursday’s settlement is weaker than at least one antitrust expert expected based on the severity of the DOJ’s concerns. But it means the $3.3 billion merger is very likely to close next year.

  Payer

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