CMS proposes new deadlines for prior authorizations for drugs

Drugs were left out of a 2024 rule streamlining prior authorizations by making decisions electronic and requiring payers to turn them around more quickly. The Trump administration is looking to address that gap.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 13, 2026

CMS unveils first wave of health tech tools as it pushes data sharing initiative

The agency showcased dozens of tools Thursday, about 8 months after the CMS first announced the initiative that aims to ease health data sharing and improve access to digital health and AI products.

By Emily Olsen • April 10, 2026

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

Judge allows states’ lawsuit over HHS restructuring to move forward

A group of 19 states and Washington, D.C., sued over the department’s sweeping layoffs and reorganization last year. A federal judge on Tuesday struck down the HHS’ bid to dismiss the lawsuit.

By Emily Olsen • April 9, 2026

CMS finalizes higher Medicare Advantage rates for 2027 in gift to insurers

Regulators locked in a 2.48% rate hike for next year, much higher than the 0.09% that was proposed. Analysts said the Trump administration was likely spooked about coverage disruptions for seniors before the midterm elections.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 7, 2026

White House seeks 12% cut to HHS in 2027

The Trump administration is requesting about $111 billion in discretionary funding for the HHS, nearly $16 billion less than its budget in 2026.

By Emily Olsen • April 3, 2026

FTC urges Tennessee to preserve Ballad Health’s COPA

Lawmakers are considering bills that would unwind the state’s oversight over Ballad, a large state-sanctioned hospital monopoly. The FTC argues that’s a bad idea.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 3, 2026

CMS finalizes Medicare Advantage star ratings overhaul, sending billions of dollars more to insurers

Regulators cut almost a dozen metrics that factor into the quality ratings and reverted back to an older and more generous bonus system. MA plans will get more than $18 billion in additional payments over the next decade as a result.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 3, 2026

Bipartisan lawmakers urge CMS to crack down on Medicare Advantage overpayments

Senators praised a recent CMS proposal aimed at reducing payments in MA, but urged the agency to work with Congress and go further.

By Emily Olsen • April 1, 2026

Elevance sidesteps Medicare Advantage sanctions for now

The insurer had until the end of March to correct faulty data submissions or be hit with severe sanctions from the CMS. But regulators agreed to give Elevance more time to comply.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 1, 2026

Over 130 hospitals sue HHS over DSH payments

Hospitals in 16 states have sued the department, arguing a 2023 final rule underpays hospitals that treat a disproportionate number of low-income patients.

By Sydney Halleman • April 1, 2026

CMS tackles big policy changes with diminished workforce

The agency is embarking on major initiatives — including helping states implement Medicaid work requirements — with fewer workers in the wake of the federal government’s restructuring, experts say.

By Emily Olsen , Shaun Lucas • April 1, 2026

One year after HHS layoffs, a department in disarray

Thousands of employees of the Department of Health and Human Services were fired last spring. Their colleagues are still picking up the pieces.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn , Shaun Lucas , Julia Himmel • April 1, 2026

HHS reverses Biden-era tech reorganization, returns ONC name

The Trump administration said the revamp, which reverses the HHS’ 2024 restructuring of its technology functions, will better coordinate AI, data and cybersecurity policy across the department.

By Emily Olsen • March 31, 2026

Tech nonprofit sues CMS over Medicare AI prior authorization pilot

The Electronic Frontier Foundation is seeking more information on the government’s agreements with participating vendors, along with records related to any evaluations on accuracy, bias or hallucinations in their technology.

By Emily Olsen • March 30, 2026

ACA premium spike funnels more consumers into high-deductible plans: CMS

Average premiums for ACA plans increased 58% this year after more generous financial assistance expired, while enrollment in low-premium, high-deductible bronze plans jumped, according to new federal data.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • March 30, 2026

Justice Department sues NewYork-Presbyterian in second hospital antitrust case this year

Federal regulators accused the health system of using its market power to force insurers into “all-or-nothing” contracts. The Justice Department filed a similar lawsuit against OhioHealth in February.

By Sydney Halleman • March 27, 2026

10M could lose Medicaid due to work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks: study

Between 5 million and 10 million people could be disenrolled due to cuts to the safety-net insurance program, depending on states’ mitigation strategies, according to the analysis.

By Emily Olsen • March 27, 2026

House Democrats accuse CMS official of misleading Congress under oath

CMS Deputy Administrator Kimberly Brandt told Congress that the CMS couldn’t meet with Minnesota before cutting off Medicaid funding because of litigation. Democrats say her testimony made no sense.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • March 26, 2026

CVS, FTC reach proposed settlement in insulin pricing case

A settlement between CVS' pharmacy benefit manager and antitrust regulators would leave UnitedHealth as the sole holdout in high-profile suit.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • March 24, 2026

CMS sets standards for electronic transfer of claims documentation

The rule standardizes the electronic exchange of medical records and other documents requested by payers to support claims. It should cut out outdated methods like faxes and snail mail, the CMS said.

By Emily Olsen • March 23, 2026

FTC creates healthcare task force

The task force will share resources and coordinate enforcement across the Federal Trade Commission’s disparate bureaus to better address consumer protection and competition issues in healthcare.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • March 23, 2026

Provider consolidation slammed in latest House affordability hearing

The head of the American Hospital Association attempted to defend consolidation. Members of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee were unmoved.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • March 19, 2026

CISA urges organizations to harden endpoint security following Stryker attack

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is coordinating with the FBI and other agencies amid concerns about additional threat activity involving Microsoft Intune.

By David Jones • March 19, 2026

Federal court blocks RFK Jr.’s moves to upend US vaccine policy

The ruling, related to a lawsuit from several major medical organizations, said that the HHS ignored established protocols when altering the childhood immunization schedule and overhauling a key CDC panel.

By Delilah Alvarado • March 17, 2026

Balancing AI innovation and risk: 5 takeaways from HIMSS26

The healthcare sector will increasingly adopt autonomous agents this year, but it’ll have to consider how to adapt governance structures and manage cybersecurity risks as AI evolves, experts said in Las Vegas last week.

By Emily Olsen , Jill Hughes • March 16, 2026