Kindred Healthcare doles out $125M to settle Medicare scheme allegations

The organization allegedly provided unneeded therapy services to nursing home patients. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 14, 2016

How five rivals are trying to block one hospital's construction plans

In South Florida, Jackson Health intends to move forward with construction but rival hospitals are filing suit, mostly claiming there’s no need for a new hospital in the intended area.

By Ana Mulero • Jan. 14, 2016

End of MU brings celebration, speculation

While many are glad to see the program go, some are serving judgement until seeing what comes next.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 14, 2016

State attorneys general work with DOJ to review pending mega-mergers

Additional scrutiny may make it harder for the industry's two largest mergers to get approval.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 13, 2016

Kentucky governor makes good on vow to shutter state insurance exchange

Bevin has already halted marketing for Kynect.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 13, 2016

U.S. may stop incentivizing Cuban medical professionals to defect

Policy which incentivizes Cuban doctors and nurses to defect overseas is being reviewed as the U.S. and Cuba re-evaluate international relations.

By Ana Mulero • Jan. 13, 2016

Louisiana Gov. Edwards signs order to expand Medicaid

The governor, sworn in this Monday, wasted no time signing an executive order that will make 300,000 state residents eligible for the program.

By Jeff Byers • Jan. 13, 2016

Report: Disadvantaged population can impact hospital's performance

The findings are likely to intensify debate among those who argue social factors in risk adjustment enables lower-quality care for riskier patients and reduces incentives to improve.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 13, 2016

CMS acting admin announces end of meaningful use program

With the program set to end this year, providers will no longer be rewarded by CMS for using technology. Going forward, focus will be on patient outcomes via the merit-based incentive pay systems created last year by federal policy. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 13, 2016

Labeling claims key to whether apps get FDA scrutiny

As more people turn to mobile apps and consumer gadgets to manage their healthcare, it’s important to read the fine print on that FDA stamp.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 12, 2016

Hospitals continue to file lawsuits against HHS' two-midnight rule

Last Friday, more than 50 hospitals filed a lawsuit against HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell over the controversial measure. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 12, 2016

FTC takes on watchdog role, settles data encryption case for $250K

The agency went after an IT vendor for allegedly misrepresenting its level of encryption for patient data.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 11, 2016

Physicians wary of voluntary nature for proposed opioid guidelines

Despite the CDC's emphasis the guidelines are voluntary, some physicians worry they will face repercussions for going outside the guidelines.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 11, 2016

Why mental health advocates are concerned over Obama's gun control actions

Although optimistic about the president's proposed $500 million influx to the nation's mental health efforts, supporters are wary of new background reporting rules. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 11, 2016

HHS launches 5-year grant program to link patients with social services

"Accountable Health Communities" will provide $157 million in grants to 44 organizations to improve the health of Medicaid and Medicare recipients. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 7, 2016

Health Affairs Blog: Standardized option for plans may benefit consumers, reduce discrimination

Standardized options would provide fixed deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, and standard copays and coinsurance for a number of essential health benefit services. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 7, 2016

HIPAA rule change aims to limit gun access

HHS’ HIPAA privacy rule update will allow mental health providers to identify patients subject to a mental health prohibitor barring them from shipping, transporting, or possessing firearms.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 6, 2016

Database serves up health providers' privacy violations

ProPublica's reporting has some industry experts question "how far a company has to go before HHS recognizes a pattern of noncompliance." 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 5, 2016

CMS issues final rule mandating prior authorization for DME

The rule changes how CMS pays for durable medical equipment. The agency hopes it will help prevent fraud and protect access to such items. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 4, 2016

Keeping an eye on the prize: 8 healthcare topics to watch in 2016

From the 2016 presidential election to behavioral healthcare, the industry has its work cut out for it this year.

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 4, 2016

State regulation error results in California cities rushing to ban medical marijuana dispensaries

Medical marijuana dispensaries have been banned so far in 19 cities, causing panic among supporters. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 23, 2015

FDA overturns ban on blood donations from men with same-sex partners

While the 30-year ban has been reversed, men who have sex with men rights advocates say the new policy remains discriminatory.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 22, 2015

Ryan vows to repeal ObamaCare first thing in 2016

While Congress and the White House have marked 2016 to be a less productive legislative year than 2015, House Speaker Paul Ryan believes the ObamaCare repeal bill can reach the president's desk in 2016. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 21, 2015

FTC steps in, challenges merger of Chicago health systems

The systems are at odds with the agency's definition of the geographic market.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 21, 2015

32 hospitals agree to pay $28M over Medicare billing inflation

The providers, including Cleveland Clinic and Tenet Healthcare, were accused of admitting patients unnecessarily to bring in higher reimbursements.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 21, 2015