Government

No ‘slam dunk fix’ in HIPAA privacy law to protect abortion patients

In an increasingly murky legal environment, providers should focus on minimizing and protecting the data they collect, experts said.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 5, 2022

Biden’s executive order seeks to ease access to abortion across state lines

The order follows the DOJ’s decision to sue Idaho over its near-total abortion ban as the end of Roe has left states to decide whether to outlaw the procedure.

By Samantha Liss • Aug. 4, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Vertical integration and consolidation

Healthcare companies merging with subsectors of the industry is a growing trend, although certainly not a new one.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Monkeypox declared federal public health emergency

“We're prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously and to take responsibility to help us tackle this virus,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said.

By Hailey Mensik • Aug. 4, 2022

6 questions for the medtech industry if Congress doesn’t reauthorize FDA user fees on time

If Congress doesn’t pass the legislation before Sept. 30, furloughs and delays lie ahead for the agency.

By Elise Reuter • Aug. 4, 2022

Biden selects monkeypox response team

The president tapped two leaders with emergency management and public health backgrounds to lead the nation’s response to the disease as cases continue to climb.

By Samantha Liss • Aug. 3, 2022

Number of uninsured Americans falls to all-time low

Policy experts are worried, however, that progress on coverage expansion will be threatened when a moratorium on Medicaid disenrollment ends.

By Susan Kelly • Aug. 3, 2022

DOJ sues Idaho over near-total abortion ban in first post-Roe challenge

In a suit filed in Idaho’s southern district, the Department of Justice claimed that Idaho’s “near-absolute” abortion ban blocks clinicians from providing necessary care in medical emergencies as required by federal law. 

By Sydney Halleman • Aug. 2, 2022

Providers say inpatient pay adjustment for inflation not sufficient

Groups like the American Hospital Association had asked for more adjustments, but the CMS declined to set aside its regulatory payment formula.

By Shannon Muchmore • Aug. 2, 2022

CMS calls for public input to improve Medicare Advantage

The agency wants feedback from a variety of voices on how it can strengthen the popular but increasingly controversial program.

By Susan Kelly • Aug. 1, 2022

Medicare Advantage plans make inflated dialysis payments, study says

Research published in Health Affairs found large chains in the consolidated dialysis sector have the market power to negotiate higher MA reimbursement.

By Susan Kelly • Aug. 1, 2022

Senate Dems reach draft deal to extend ACA premiums, lower drug costs

The bill, part of a more than $300 billion package, extends enhanced ACA premiums and allows Medicare to negotiate select prescription drug prices starting in 2026.

By Sydney Halleman • July 29, 2022

CMS targets maternal health, extends postpartum coverage

The strategy to improve outcomes and equity includes ensuring access to reproductive healthcare services and adopting a new “birthing-friendly” hospital designation.

By Susan Kelly • July 27, 2022

HHS names new acting Civil Rights director

Melanie Fontes Rainer is now acting director of the HHS’ Office of Civil Rights. She will replace Lisa Pino, who has left the agency.

By Hailey Mensik • July 26, 2022

HHS proposes reinstating nondiscrimination protections stripped by Trump administration

One notable change includes language around clinical algorithms, prohibiting discrimination through the use of that technology in healthcare settings.

By Hailey Mensik • July 26, 2022

Most patients worry about data privacy, AMA survey says

The medical group said it fears that patients' digital data is being shared in violation of HIPAA protections.

By Susan Kelly • July 26, 2022

OIG warns of telehealth fraud risks in wake of DOJ crackdown

The special alert to healthcare providers describes how fraudsters recruit and reward practitioners in schemes to exploit the growth of telemedicine.

By Susan Kelly • July 25, 2022

WHO declares growing monkeypox outbreak global health emergency

The decision comes as the U.S. scrambles to slow the spread of the virus.

By Susan Kelly • July 25, 2022

CDC backs Novavax's protein-based vaccine for COVID-19

Health officials argue a new type of shot could help to persuade unvaccinated people, although some surveys suggest that might not be the case. 

By Delilah Alvarado • July 21, 2022

DOJ goes after $1.2B in health fraud, including telehealth, genetic testing

Regulators are primarily targeting laboratory owners and operators who paid illegal kickbacks and bribes in exchange for patient referrals from doctors working with fraudulent companies.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 20, 2022

'I am terrified': Doctors warn lawmakers of grim health impacts from Roe reversal

Anti-abortion laws have had a chilling effect on patient care, resulting in providers — concerned about the potential for legal action — delaying or denying in some cases life-saving services, doctors told a House committee.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 20, 2022

Elevance steps away from New York Medicare Advantage contract amid continued litigation

CEO Gail Boudreaux told investors Wednesday the insurer "needed greater certainty" in order to continue with the contract.

By Samantha Liss • July 20, 2022

ACA marketplace premiums poised to jump

Health insurers' preliminary filings with state regulators point to a 10% median bump in rates for enrollees in 2023, a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found.

By Susan Kelly • July 19, 2022

Lawmakers urge HHS to fine drugmakers restricting 340B drug discounts

Currently, 18 drug manufacturers are limiting discounts dispensed through pharmacies that contract with 340B providers, according to a letter from bipartisan House members to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 18, 2022

Academic health center pays $875K fine in data breach

HHS cited Oklahoma State University Center for Health Services for multiple HIPAA violations, including failure to disclose in a timely manner that patient data had been compromised.

By Susan Kelly • July 18, 2022

HHS ramps up monkeypox vaccine supply as outbreak spreads

The effort to scale up vaccine distribution comes amid concerns about supply constraints with case numbers projected to increase. 

By Susan Kelly • July 18, 2022