Updated pediatric screening guidelines released

The new American Academy of Pediatrics screening recommendations focus more on preventative testing to identify disease risk factors early.  

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 8, 2015

Congress stalls on 9/11 health bill extension

The bill, which would extend the World Trade Center Health Program that pays medical costs for emergency responders who responded on or after Sept. 11, 2001, must be voted on as part of the omnibus spending bill or be attached to a tax-extending bill to pass before the end of 2015.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 8, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

Hospitals are navigating persistent labor shortages with the need to cut costs — a source of contention that could leave patients caught in the middle.

By Healthcare Dive staff

VA hospitals greenlight 'bed tax' idea to enable Medicaid expansion

Even with hospitals' support, however, the state's Republican-controlled legislature may end expansion efforts. 

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 7, 2015

Insurers adjust with the times as HIV becomes manageable

With 1.2 million Americans living with HIV, traditional life insurance policies are now being offered to individuals with HIV for the first time.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 7, 2015

VA expands access to care outside its overburdened system

Rules rolled out in 2014 had proven too restrictive, officials say.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 4, 2015

Coverage expansion, drug prices took 2014 U.S. health spending to $3T

Will the impacts of coverage expansion fade out in the coming years?

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 4, 2015

Pending mental health bills thrust into spotlight after US shootings

The GOP is endorsing a mental health overhaul after a Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

Maryland task force issues proposals to tackle opioid addiction

There were 578 heroin deaths in Maryland last year, up 25% from 2013. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

Medicare Advantage 3.1% FFS rate increase in 2017 good news for insurers

While the increase is great for Medicare Advantage plans, several insurers are closing Medicare Advantage plans serving those dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

The Supreme Court case that could have a big impact on insurer health data collection

The court's ruling could affect efforts to control state healthcare costs. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 3, 2015

Major life insurer announces coverage for HIV-positive

The announcement signals a move toward categorizing HIV and AIDS with other chronic but manageable diseases.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 2, 2015

On top: Healthcare data breaches loom large in first half of 2015

Gemalto, a global digital security company, reports healthcare lost the most data records at 84.4 million.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 1, 2015

Durex calls for condom emojis

Will a new way to communicate increase discussion about safe sex?

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 30, 2015

Democratic presidential hopeful O'Malley releases health policy plan

Using Maryland's successes as a template, Martin O'Malley brings his health budget plan to the national stage.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 29, 2015

FDA report targets medical tests inaccuracies

Debate over whether FDA should enforce authority over tests manufactured and used by a single laboratory is rising.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 25, 2015

New ACA requirements driving up improper Medicaid payments, says CMS

CMS CMO Dr. Patrick Conway said improper Medicaid payment rates would have decreased without ACA's new requirements.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 24, 2015

Perception of healthcare quality unchanged since ACA implementation

However, the Gallup Poll concluded the results reflect a dampening of American's optimism of healthcare from President Obama's first term.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 24, 2015

Clinton's caregiver tax break proposal addresses long-term care

The presidential hopeful says Americans needing long-term care will hit 27 million by 2050. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 24, 2015

Healthcare consumers recouped nearly $470M in 2014 from premium rebates

In 2014, 5.5 million consumers received money after insurance companies failed to meet a minimum spending requirement.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 23, 2015

Pfizer, Allergan agree to historic $160 billion inversion merger

It would be the biggest healthcare deal and largest domicile-shifting merger ever.

By Sy Mukherjee • Nov. 23, 2015

Medicare considers penalties for routine prostate tests

Critics argue screening decisions should be based on patient preference and individual risk.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 23, 2015

Senate fast-tracks House reconciliation bill to repeal pieces of the ACA

The legislation is poised for action, but may get stuck between GOP criticism it either goes too far or not far enough.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 23, 2015

Annual cost of specialty drugs surpasses median household income

An AARP Policy Institute report aims to highlight the financial impact of soaring drug costs even though the insured don't pay retail prices.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 23, 2015

FDA quickly approves opioid overdose nasal spray solution

The option had been in demand from emergency responders who were creating their own.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 20, 2015

Public health spending spiraling downward

Some think new private health funding will pick up the slack.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 20, 2015