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

Precision Medicine Initiative sets privacy principles

The initiative will gather health data from a million or more volunteers, creating a unique security challenge. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 19, 2015

HHS feels the heat from medical groups over 27 states denying bariatric surgery

The action is non-compliant with the ACA, advocates say.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 19, 2015

AMA backs ban on direct-to-consumer pharma ads

Dive Brief: The American Medical Association voted Tuesday to call for an end to all direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising by drug companies. This is an abrupt change from its prior stance. The U.S. is one of the few countries that allows DTC advertising.  This new policy is pa...

By Nicole Gray • Nov. 18, 2015

OIG released plans to keep hospitals in check in 2016

The 2016 work plan includes a new oversight for hospitals' quality reporting data. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 18, 2015

Abortion makes Supreme Court's docket for 2016

Abortion-rights advocates are challenging a Texas law that would shutter 75% of the state's abortion clinics. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 17, 2015

As KY governor-elect decides state's Medicaid fate, outgoing governor urges for preservation

Gov.-elect Matt Bevin wants to make big changes to Kentucky's Medicaid program after 90% of Kentucky residents have access to health coverage.

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 17, 2015

Class-action suit alleges Endo birth control packaging errors led to unplanned pregnancies

Dive Brief: In fall 2011, Qualitest, a subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals, recalled eight brands of oral contraceptives. The reason: A packaging error in which the top row (active hormonal) and the bottom row (placebo) were mixed up. As a result, there were 113 unintended pregnanc...

By Nicole Gray • Nov. 16, 2015

1 in 5 NYC adults face mental health issues

The city plans to follow the report with a citywide mental health initiative.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 16, 2015

How we talk about healthcare and immigration

While federal immigration policies have stalled, states are taking steps to provide healthcare for undocumented immigrants. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 15, 2015

Hawaii struggles with slow federal healthcare enrollment

Hawaii officials are concerned residents won't be able to re-enroll via HealthCare.gov before the Jan. 31, 2016 deadline. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 12, 2015