HHS will allow EUAs for monkeypox tests to increase access in US

The move follows the declaration of a public health emergency for the monkeypox outbreak on Aug. 4.

By Ricky Zipp • Sept. 8, 2022

FDA issues first EUA for monkeypox test

Quest Diagnostics' PCR test for monkeypox received emergency use authorization after the FDA issued guidance on how it will evaluate the tests.

By Elise Reuter • Sept. 8, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

Hospitals are navigating persistent labor shortages with the need to cut costs — a source of contention that could leave patients caught in the middle.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Physician groups urge CMS to prevent payment cuts, protect telehealth

Multiple groups representing doctors oppose Medicare payment reductions at a time when physician practices face escalating costs.

By Susan Kelly • Sept. 7, 2022

Missed vaccines open path for return of preventable diseases

Immunization rates declined across the board beginning in March 2020, according to the CDC, but the most significant drop was among children who receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program.

By Patricia Stinchfield • Sept. 7, 2022

CDC backs updated COVID-19 shots from Pfizer, Moderna

One day after the FDA’s authorization, the CDC recommended the companies’ omicron-targeted vaccines for most adults and children over 12 years old.

By Delilah Alvarado • Sept. 2, 2022

New rural hospital designation still needs tweaks and more flexibility, stakeholders say

Rural providers are weighing whether to switch to a new payment model as federal regulators aim to curb hospital closures.

By Samantha Liss • Sept. 1, 2022

Proposed CMS rule would streamline Medicaid, CHIP enrollment

The proposal comes as states begin to notify Medicaid beneficiaries about potential losses of coverage due to the impending end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

By Sydney Halleman • Sept. 1, 2022

FDA clears updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer, Moderna

The new shots, which are designed to better target circulating strains of omicron, could be available within days. Advisers to the CDC are set to meet later this week.

By Delilah Alvarado • Aug. 31, 2022

Funds for free COVID-19 vaccines could run out as early as January, HHS says

The commercial market for COVID-19 vaccinations could be similar to that for seasonal flu shots and other vaccines, the department said.

By Sydney Halleman • Aug. 31, 2022

Monkeypox vaccine supply woes easing, federal health officials say

The HHS so far has made over 1 million vials available to jurisdictions, “which is nearly enough to reach the entire population that's most at risk,” Secretary Xavier Becerra said during a call with reporters Tuesday.

By Hailey Mensik • Aug. 30, 2022

FTC sues data broker Kochava for selling data that could track clinic visits

Kochava called the lawsuit “frivolous” and said the FTC was operating under a “fundamental misunderstanding” of its data marketplace business.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 30, 2022

Biden administration makes record-high investment in ACA navigators

The administration is pouring almost $100 million into organizations that help consumers navigate enrolling in Affordable Care Act plans in 2023.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 29, 2022

Congress finally eliminates Part D vaccine cost sharing: Medicare coverage is still broken

The Inflation Reduction Act leaves intact a peculiar split in Medicare vaccine coverage that discourages physicians from offering certain vaccines, argues former Moderna Vice President Richard Hughes.

By Richard Hughes • Aug. 26, 2022

Molina, Elevance, Centene win big with Medicaid contracts in California

The managed care organizations already held Medicaid contracts with the state, but the overhaul in counties served is causing one payer to consider appealing the proposed contracts.

By Rebecca Pifer • Updated Aug. 29, 2022

HHS tells governors it ‘won’t hesitate’ to tap DOJ for states violating EMTALA

The department urged state governors to request federal funding, including Medicaid funds, to expand abortion access, including for pregnant people traveling from states that restrict or prohibit abortion.

By Sydney Halleman • Aug. 26, 2022

Judge blocks part of Idaho law, allowing physicians to perform abortions in emergencies

The ruling sides with the Biden administration, delivering a partial win for the DOJ in its first legal challenge since the Supreme Court ruled to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion.

By Samantha Liss • Aug. 25, 2022

Medicare Advantage lobby rebuts senator’s inquiry into ‘potentially deceptive’ marketing tactics

The Better Medicare Alliance is arguing that marketing materials for MA plans are already subject to “careful regulation” and adhere to a 53-page set of federal guidelines.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 24, 2022

Moderna follows Pfizer in asking FDA to approve updated COVID shot

The companies are moving quickly to supply vaccines targeting currently circulating omicron variants in time for the Biden administration's planned fall vaccination campaign.

By Kristen Jensen • Aug. 24, 2022

Texas judge blocks HHS guidance on emergency abortion care

The ruling, which sets back the Biden administration’s efforts to protect abortion access nationwide, comes just days before Texas’ trigger ban will go into effect, toughening abortion penalties in the state.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 24, 2022

4 California healthcare organizations reach $71M False Claims settlement

The organizations allegedly pocketed Medicaid adult expansion program funds meant to be returned to the state, according to a DOJ release.

By Hailey Mensik • Aug. 23, 2022

15M Medicaid enrollees risk coverage loss when COVID-19 health emergency ends, HHS reports

A disproportionate number of those who stand to lose coverage are children and young adults, according to the agency.

By Susan Kelly • Aug. 23, 2022

Fauci plans to step down in December

Anthony Fauci will leave his post as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and as the president’s chief medical adviser.

By Samantha Liss • Aug. 22, 2022

CMS aims to mandate state quality reporting for Medicaid, CHIP

The proposed rule would require states to report on quality measurements for the two growing programs for the first time.

By Susan Kelly • Aug. 22, 2022

Biden admin adds 1.8M extra doses to monkeypox vaccine supply as New York urges more aid

Additional doses come amid rising demand, especially in hard-hit areas like New York where legislators are urging the Biden administration to invoke the Defense Production Act to produce more shots.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 19, 2022

CDC, amid criticism for COVID-19 response, plans reorganization as public health threats grow

The shakeup includes the creation of new offices, staffing moves and steps to expedite data releases, CDC director Rochelle Walensky informed staff on Wednesday.

By Rebecca Pifer • Aug. 18, 2022