Is Obamacare's controversial 'Cadillac tax' headed for the scrap yard?

The excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans is scheduled to go into effect in 2018 under the ACA. 

By Tom Starner • May 4, 2015

FDA to study safety and effectiveness of hand sanitizers, other antiseptics

Commonly-used antiseptics are under scrutiny for possible hormonal changes, bacterial resistance and more. 

By Julie Henry • May 4, 2015

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

Mount Sinai Beth Israel scrambles to find transgender surgery specialists

New York lifted the Medicaid ban, but the hospital's director for LGBT Services "had to break the news that we don't have a surgeon."

By Julie Henry • May 4, 2015

The 10 brand name drugs that cost Medicare Part D the most money in 2013

Generics cost the insurance program for the elderly the most money overall. But among branded meds, Part D spent the most money on heartburn, COPD, and and cholesterol maintenance therapies.

By Sy Mukherjee • May 1, 2015

Kaiser report: Medicaid expansion bolstered Ascension significantly

Ascension saw a 40% drop in charity care costs in expansion states vs. only a 6% drop at hospitals in non-expansion states.

By Heather Caspi • May 1, 2015

The 4 big changes providers need to know from the new 21st Century Cures draft

Notably, the new draft would enhance scientific and economic communications between pharma and medical providers.

By Sy Mukherjee • April 30, 2015

Florida governor follows through on threat to sue feds over Medicaid

Will the outcome set a precedent for whether the federal government can put pressure on other states holding out against Medicaid expansion?

By Katie Bo Williams , Heather Caspi • April 29, 2015

American Heart Association cancels conference in Baltimore

"After speaking with local authorities, we have decided to cancel the 2015 QCOR conference due to the potential for violence," the AHA said. 

By Julie Henry • April 29, 2015

Are some patient privacy laws derailing research efforts?

Restricted access and de-identification of certain Medicare and Medicaid data are hampering important research into cost and outcomes, some experts say. 

By Julie Henry • April 28, 2015

Rehab facilities to get 1.7% Medicare rate increase

The proposed increase will be dependent on the reporting of new quality measures.

By Julie Henry • April 27, 2015

Consumers, health plans dispute new NY law targeting 'surprise' out-of-network bills

Patients must now be warned in advance if they are to receive treatment from an out-of-network provider, but the debate over the policy isn't over yet. 

By Heather Caspi • April 24, 2015

Olympus warned European hospitals, but not U.S. hospitals, of endoscope risks

Although the FDA learned of the warnings, it chose not to pass along the information at that time.

By Heather Caspi • April 24, 2015

12 states weigh vaccine bills in light of measles resurgence

Officials are cracking down now that the rate of opt-outs has impacted public health.

By Heather Caspi • April 24, 2015

Feds use hospital funding to pressure Texas Medicaid expansion

Some experts anticipated that the feds' actions in Florida might foreshadow pressure on other Medicaid expansion holdouts.

By Heather Caspi • April 22, 2015

CMS intends to permanently boost state Medicaid enrollment funding

The matching rate will no longer expire in 2015, according to a new proposed rule. 

By Julie Henry • April 21, 2015

Five-star ratings: Why some hospitals performed better than others

It's questionable whether or not the star ratings will have much of an effect on consumers' choice of hospitals.

By Julie Henry • April 20, 2015

CMS proposes pay increase for hospitals, hints at 'two-midnight' changes

Hospitals that do not participate in quality reporting programs "will be subject to a one-fourth reduction of the market basket update."

By Katie Bo Williams • April 20, 2015

Telehealth funds cut from 21st Century Cures, sources say

Another source suggested that the committee is simply trying to downplay industry expectations. 

By Katie Bo Williams • April 17, 2015

CMS releases first star ratings; only 251 hospitals get five stars

Are the five-star ratings a meaningful reflection of performance? Some stakeholders say no. 

By Heather Caspi • April 17, 2015

Florida governor to sue feds over alleged Medicaid coercion

The debate could set a precedent for whether the federal government will be able to put pressure on other states holding out against Medicaid expansion.  

By Heather Caspi • April 17, 2015

CMS proposes 1.4% rate increase for skilled nursing facilities

The increase matches the 2014 hike, but is a drop from the $750-million boost that SNFs received in 2015. 

By Katie Bo Williams • April 16, 2015

Senate passes 'doc fix', repeals SGR

The bill now goes to President Obama's desk, where it is expected that he will quickly sign it into law. 

By Katie Bo Williams • April 15, 2015

New draft rule would shorten MU attestation period to 90 days

The proposed rule would either reduce or eliminate other program requirements as well. 

By Katie Bo Williams • April 13, 2015

CMS actuary says SGR bill is short-term fix

On Friday, CMS' chief actuary released a report outlining some anticipated short-term and long-term financial effects.

By Julie Henry • April 13, 2015

HIMSS15: Mostashari criticizes proposed relaxation of MU rules

"For the first time I'm taking issue [with agency policy]," the former federal health IT coordinator said. 

By Katie Bo Williams • April 13, 2015