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 Parduhn • 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 Parduhn • 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 Parduhn • 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 Parduhn • 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 Parduhn • 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 Parduhn • 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 Parduhn • Aug. 18, 2022

The promise of payer transparency

A new price transparency rule lends itself to creating a more equitable, cost-effective market for medical coverage, Clarify Health chief analytics and privacy officer Niall Brennan argues.

By Niall Brennan • Aug. 17, 2022

Payers, hospitals pleased as Biden signs sweeping health bill into law

The three-year continuation of enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans should help millions afford coverage and create some revenue stability for payers and hospitals in a tricky operational environment.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Aug. 17, 2022

FTC tells states to avoid shielding hospital mergers from antitrust enforcement

A report released Monday compiles research that shows arrangements, called Certificates of Public Advantage, result in higher prices, lower quality of care and lower wage growth for employees.

By Samantha Liss • Aug. 16, 2022

Pharma prepares to continue fight as drug pricing bill passes House

Analysts have highlighted ways in which drugmakers might seek to sidestep the law, which President Joe Biden is expected to sign Tuesday.

By Christopher Newman • Aug. 16, 2022