Health Law
-
Surprise billing, drug rebates among likely reforms this year, S&P Global says
ACA repeal efforts and "Medicare for All," however, have little chance of advancing in the current political landscape, according to a new S&P Global report.
By Meg Bryant • April 22, 2019 -
More than 50 medical professionals indicted in federal opioid cases
HHS also said it has excluded more than 2,000 people from participating in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs for opioid diversion and abuse activity since June 2018, including more than 650 providers.
By Les Masterson • April 18, 2019 -
Healthcare again tops industries for cybersecurity attacks, data breaches
Breach notifications triggered 34 investigations by the HHS Office for Civil Rights in 2018, up from 22 the previous year.
By Meg Bryant • April 11, 2019 -
DOJ indicts 24 people in $1.2B healthcare fraud scheme
The defendants include CEOs and COOs of five telemedicine companies, the owners of dozens of durable medical equipment companies and three licensed medical professionals.
By Les Masterson • April 10, 2019 -
CMMI asks for ideas on post-acute care payment model at AHA annual meeting
The head of the CMS innovation arm told hospital leaders Monday his agency is in listening mode, looking for ways to lower costs and improve quality in post-acute care.
By Samantha Liss • April 09, 2019 -
CVS-Aetna judge to hear testimony from critics next month
The American Medical Association is expected to be among the witnesses called as the federal judge tasked with approving the merger agreement between the companies and the DOJ drags out his review.
By Samantha Liss • UPDATED: April 8, 2019 at 8:53 a.m. -
AG to appeal after judge refuses to extend UPMC-Highmark decree
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has alleged the Pittsburgh system flouted its obligations as a charitable organization and argued the loss of in-network access would harm patients.
By Samantha Liss • UPDATED: April 17, 2019 at 4:28 p.m. -
Industry groups seek cybersecurity safe harbor
In response to a senator's request, several organizations highlighted the need for a national strategy and greater collaboration among various stakeholders, according to a think tank that read the responses.
By Meg Bryant • April 03, 2019 -
Hospital, doctor lobbies support surprise billing protections — but not bundled payments
The American Hospital Association and other industry groups railed against the concept in a letter Tuesday following a congressional hearing on the topic of surprise billing.
By Samantha Liss • April 03, 2019 -
Wyden floats adding prescription drug comparison tool to EHRs
A preliminary outline from the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee lacks many specifics, such as potential ramifications on EHR usability or increased administrative burden on providers.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 28, 2019 -
Trump admin appeals ruling against Medicaid work mandates in Arkansas, Kentucky
A federal judge argued the programs are directly opposed to the "core objective" of Medicaid: to provide care to those in need.
By Tony Abraham • UPDATED: April 11, 2019 at 8:43 a.m. -
Killing ACA would lead to huge spikes in uncompensated care
Medicaid expansion states and those with large ACA plan enrollment would feel the most pain if the landmark law is repealed.
By Les Masterson • March 27, 2019 -
ACA exchange enrollment dips by 300K
The decline was less than predicted amid fears of an exodus after the financial penalty for the individual mandate was zeroed out.
By Samantha Liss • March 26, 2019 -
Nearly 70% of air ambulance transports in 2017 put patients at risk of balance bills, GAO says
Air ambulance providers and insurers admit the share of out-of-network transports are high, but said they've recently entered into more in-network deals.
By Samantha Liss • March 21, 2019 -
Short-term plans, Medicaid waivers, MA benefits dominate AHIP conferences
A House panel is investigating short-term "junk plans" and payers look to take advantage of more flexible benefit options in Medicare Advantage. That (and more) from AHIP's dual conferences last week.
By Shannon Muchmore , Rebecca Pifer • March 18, 2019 -
House panel to launch investigation into short-term 'junk' plans
The Committee on Energy and Commerce will probe companies offering the short-term coverage and "hold them accountable," said Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., including those run by UnitedHealth and Anthem.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 13, 2019 -
HHS hints at cutting 'onerous' substance abuse record rules
Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan told attendees at AHIP's National Health Policy Conference to "watch this space very carefully" for changes to the law known as Part 2.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 13, 2019 -
Trump admin proposes massive cuts to Medicaid, Medicare
Nearly all items on the wishlist hold zero chance of becoming law, but will likely give Republicans a headache come election time.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 12, 2019 -
With latest Grassley probe, hospitals can expect invitations to talk
The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee penned the public letter to exert pressure on the IRS and nonprofit hospitals alike, experts said.
By Samantha Liss • Feb. 27, 2019 -
ONC's sights trained on interoperability, data security, advisory committee says
Interoperability "remains fragmented and uneven" in the healthcare industry, according to a draft update from ONC's Health Information Technology Advisory Committee.
By Meg Bryant • Feb. 22, 2019 -
UPMC fires back at state AG, seeks to join BCBS antitrust lawsuit
The flurry of filings taps into big questions over payer competition and underscores tensions between insurance companies and providers as they negotiate contracts, especially in highly concentrated markets.
By Tony Abraham , Samantha Liss • UPDATED: March 19, 2019 at 10:01 a.m. -
DOJ sticking with CVS-Aetna merger pact despite negative public comments
The agreement, which required Aetna to divest all of its Medicare Part D business, "fully addresses the competitive threat posed by the merger," the department said.
By Samantha Liss • Feb. 19, 2019 -
HIMSS19: Grassley presses CMS on recovery of improper EHR incentive payments
CMS Administrator Seema Verma told Healthcare Dive she continues to monitor efforts to recover the improper payments, but noted they occurred prior to President Donald Trump taking office.
By David Lim • Feb. 13, 2019 -
OpinionThought leadership: The time is now in healthcare
Thought leadership around health policy, access to care and public health issues is a proven way to differentiate and advocate for a brand, according to healthcare communications professionals Donna Arbogast and Nancy Hicks.
By Donna Arbogast, Nancy Hicks • Feb. 11, 2019 -
Republicans eye modest Medicaid expansion
The safety net program is growing in popularity, leaving some GOP politicians to juggle the pros and cons of expanding it to more low-income Americans.
By Les Masterson • Feb. 10, 2019
