State health exchanges report big drop in enrollment

Five states report enrollment in exchanges dropped more than 14% since open enrollment ended on Feb. 1. 

By Nina Flanagan • April 26, 2016

FDA to evaluate Zika blood screening test for commercial marketing

HHS noted the majority of people with Zika do not experience symptoms and could unwittingly donate blood while infected.

By Heather Caspi • April 25, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Surprise Billing

Federal legislation banning surprise bills has hit a barrage of roadblocks, complicating efforts to protect consumers from unexpected out-of-network charges.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Is the use of pornography really a public health crisis?

In the midst of Zika virus preparation and the opioid misuse epidemic, Utah's governor last week signed legislation deeming pornography a "public health crisis."

By Julie Henry • April 25, 2016

CMS lays out 6 IT requirements for CPC+ initiative

An agency spokesperson told webinar participants CMS "definitely" wants more than just EHR vendors to participate in the program.

By Heather Caspi • April 23, 2016

CDC: Life expectancy down for white women, up for black men

The dip among white women represents a rare reversal in the overall trend toward increased longevity.

By Heather Caspi • April 21, 2016

Fitbit considers the complex waters of clinical technology

Analysts warn the company's plans to move into the market could bring regulatory hurdles from the FDA.

By Nina Flanagan • April 21, 2016

House lawmakers join 60 Senators in pressing for CMS star ratings delay

Lawmakers are concerned that the current system unfairly impacts teaching hospitals.

By Meg Bryant • April 20, 2016

GOP legislators blast CMS for prioritizing reinsurance

The argument centers around a CMS rule that's putting reinsurance payments before Treasury payments.

By Heather Caspi • April 19, 2016

Florida finally allows NPs and PAs to prescribe controlled substances

After more than 10 years of advocacy, the state is embracing these providers in its efforts to expand access to care.

By Heather Caspi • April 18, 2016

NorthShore CEO testifies rival CEO pushing for Advocate merger dissolution, join its system instead

In addition, a Blue Cross Blue Shield executive said the pending merger would give area systems leverage to raise prices.

By Ana Mulero • April 15, 2016

ACOs show modest savings in first full year

Organizations in the Medicare Shared Savings Program were able to maintain or improve certain care performance measures.

By Meg Bryant • April 15, 2016

Texas doctor found guilty in largest home healthcare fraud

The alleged scheme went on for years before being investigated due to its complexity and sophisticaition.

By Ana Mulero • April 14, 2016

Study touts robust ROI for mental health investments

Organizations are working this week to mobilize influencers to push mental healthcare as a global priority.

By Heather Caspi • April 14, 2016

Xerox, California enter Medicaid IT settlement agreement

DHCS entered into an agreement with Xerox in 2010 to upgrade the state's Medi-Cal computer system. 

By Nina Flanagan • April 14, 2016

Hospitals reap $1.56M from doctors as CMS pushes value-based care

Demand for healthcare services and utilization are up, especially for specialists, whose average hospital-related business grew to $1.6 million this year.

By Meg Bryant • April 13, 2016

HHS report debunks fear of a double-digit Obamacare premium increase

As 67% of HealthCare.gov consumers opted for a new plan in 2016, HHS states premiums depend on market dynamics as a whole, not just payer pricing decisions.

By Meg Bryant • April 13, 2016

Insurers' experience all over the map during first ACA risk adjustment year

An analysis by the American Academy of Actuaries states premiums need to reflect the level of risk in an entire market pool, not just insurers' beneficiaries.

By Meg Bryant • April 13, 2016

60 Sens: CMS' hospital star ratings too limited

"We are concerned that the Star Rating system may be misleading to consumers," U.S. senators said in a letter to CMS.

By Ana Mulero • April 13, 2016

Short-term health policy sales surge despite plan limitations

Those who develop health problems can always switch to a ACA plan to cover pre-existing conditions, insiders note.

By Nina Flanagan • April 12, 2016

Abortion training numbers increase as clinics close

Two programs say they currently train more than 1,000 physicians and medical students annually.

By Nina Flanagan • April 12, 2016

Chicago hospital systems, FTC feud over antitrust case

The federal agency challenged the Northshore University HealthSystem and Advocate Health Care proposed merger last year.

By Ana Mulero • April 12, 2016

WHCC16: The number of quality measurements is too burdensome

Executives from UnitedHealth Group, Kindred Healthcare, and Johns Hopkins Medicine shared their industry predictions for the next five years.

By Ana Mulero • April 11, 2016

VA's scheduling scandal continues as new reports unearth depth of wait-time falsification

New reports show supervisors told employees to falsify patient wait times in at least seven states. 

By Jeff Byers • April 8, 2016

CMS releases final 2017 summary of benefits and coverage template

The new SBC includes a coverage example for a simple fracture and information on cost-sharing and hyperlinking capabilities. 

By Meg Bryant • April 8, 2016

HHS task force outlines interoperability's trouble areas

Figuring out how to improve interoperability is more of an art form than a science, the task force said.

By Ana Mulero • April 7, 2016