HHS layoffs may be illegal, legal experts say

The federal health department sidestepped normal procedures as it laid off 10,000 employees, according to sources. One union has already filed an internal complaint, while at least two law firms are exploring suits.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 15, 2025

UnitedHealth to enter mediation with DOJ over Amedisys deal

This summer, UnitedHealth, Amedisys and antitrust regulators will have a magistrate judge’s help in hashing out a solution to the DOJ’s opposition to the merger.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 15, 2025

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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

US launches probe that could set stage for pharma tariffs

The Commerce Department has begun a so-called Section 232 investigation into the national security effects of the U.S. importing pharmaceuticals and their starting materials.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Updated April 14, 2025

Many CMMI models didn’t generate savings: report

Only one-third of the models analyzed produced substantial savings for the federal government, according to Avalere Health. The payment models have become a target for spending reductions under the Trump administration.

By Emily Olsen • April 14, 2025

CMS to end some federal Medicaid spending for state health programs

The decision represents “the end of an era of being open to a broader conception of health within the Medicaid program,” one expert said.

By Emily Olsen • April 14, 2025

Medicare proposes 2.4% pay hike for inpatient hospitals next year

The rate increase is the lowest since 2019. The American Hospital Association slammed it as inadequate.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 14, 2025

Tariff turmoil: Hospitals, device makers welcome pause, but fear long-term pain

Healthcare providers and medtech companies still face pressure to find ways to offset potential supply chain shocks despite the latest about-face in President Donald Trump’s tariff wars.

By Susanna Vogel , Susan Kelly • April 10, 2025

House adopts budget plan that could cue Medicaid cuts

Now, lawmakers will hash out legislation that follows the spending blueprint, which could include cuts to the safety-net insurance program — a potentially unpopular choice among Republican voters.

By Emily Olsen • April 10, 2025

Biotech CEOs, VCs urge Cassidy, Senate to ease impact of FDA cuts

Experts say the layoffs are already causing issues in drug development — and things may get far worse without critical institutional knowledge at the FDA.

By Kristin Jensen • April 10, 2025

Medicaid cuts unpopular with Trump voters: poll

More than 50% of Trump voters oppose cutting Medicaid to pay for tax cuts, according to a GOP pollster. The survey suggests the issue could be politically challenging for Republican lawmakers.

By Emily Olsen • April 9, 2025

Trump says ‘major’ tariffs coming on pharmaceuticals

The president didn’t offer any details on the scope of the tariffs or the timing for the announcement, though he said it would come “very shortly.”

By Kristin Jensen • April 9, 2025

Trump’s CMS dramatically raises payments to Medicare Advantage plans

The 5.1% benchmark increase is the largest in the past decade. The hike reflects more recent data capturing cost growth, according to the CMS. Though, the Trump administration likely “had its finger on the scale,” one analyst said.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 8, 2025

Texas federal judge strikes down Biden-era nursing home staffing mandate

A conservative judge blocked the policy from going into effect, saying the HHS had overstepped its authority to issue the rule.

By Susanna Vogel • April 8, 2025

Judge permanently blocks NIH’s plan to cap funding, setting up appeal battle

A district judge has again halted the agency’s unilateral plan to cut billions of dollars that support biomedical research, which has already created widespread disruption.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 7, 2025

RFK Jr. won’t appear before Senate panel this week

HELP committee chair Bill Cassidy, R-La., had invited the HHS secretary to testify April 10 on the sweeping layoffs of federal health workers Kennedy ordered last month. A hearing could still take place later. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • April 7, 2025

Senate advances budget blueprint as healthcare braces for Medicaid cuts

The Senate’s budget resolution calls for fewer spending cuts than its House counterpart overall but preserves the $880 billion target for reductions under the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

By Emily Olsen • April 7, 2025

Judge temporarily blocks $11B in public health funding cuts

A district court judge granted an emergency restraining order during a hearing Thursday, citing a “voluminous” list of harms documented by the plaintiffs.

By Susanna Vogel • April 7, 2025

Trump rejects Biden administration plan to let Medicare cover obesity drugs

The decision is a setback for GLP-1 drugmakers, though it's not entirely surprising given the Trump administration’s focus on curbing government spending.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 7, 2025

FTC lawsuit against PBMs can move forward after Ferguson rejoins case

The FTC chair had previously been recused from the lawsuit. But after consulting with ethics lawyers, Ferguson changed his mind so the case could move forward, he said on Thursday.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 4, 2025

Dr. Oz confirmed to lead CMS

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a physician and TV personality, will lead the agency during a turbulent time for federal health programs as the HHS lays off thousands of staffers and Republicans float potential cuts to Medicaid.

By Emily Olsen • Updated April 4, 2025

VA names 9 medical centers for Oracle EHR in 2026

The sites include four medical centers and their associated clinics in Ohio, three in Indiana, one in Kentucky and another site in Alaska.

By Emily Olsen • April 3, 2025

Healthcare, medtech industries brace for tariffs

Lobby groups like the American Hospital Association and AdvaMed have so far failed to get medical devices and critical supplies carved out from the Trump administration’s tariffs.

By Susan Kelly , Susanna Vogel • April 3, 2025

FTC pauses PBM litigation in win for Caremark, Express Scripts, Optum Rx

The FTC says it doesn’t have enough active commissioners to move forward after President Donald Trump fired two Democrats last month.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 3, 2025

ACA enrollment increase driven by growth in states won by Trump: KFF

Sign-ups for coverage on the Affordable Care Act exchanges have more than doubled since 2020. Enrollment was particularly concentrated in states won by President Donald Trump in last year’s election.

By Emily Olsen • April 2, 2025

‘A cruel April Fool’s joke’: HHS layoffs characterized by confusion, errors

The sweeping workforce reduction was made worse by mistakes and poor communication, including directions for some CMS employees to contact a director who died last year.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Updated April 2, 2025