HCA could lose $1B from ACA subsidy lapse, Medicaid state payment decline

The for-profit hospital operator said it’s implementing a resilience plan to offset losses. Still, HCA anticipates its earnings this year will skew closely to or exceed 2025 figures.

By Sydney Halleman • Jan. 29, 2026

No Surprises disputes increasing even as arbiters catch up, CMS says

The agency released new data on independent dispute resolution in the first half of 2025. Roughly 1.2 million cases were filed in that period, mostly by the same private equity-backed providers.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Jan. 26, 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

31,000 Kaiser Permanente workers strike in California, Hawaii

Kaiser workers are calling for increased staffing and wages, which the union argues haven’t kept pace with rising costs. The health system said a generous offer is already on the table.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 26, 2026

‘Shadow AI’ use is widespread in healthcare: survey

More than 40% of respondents said they were aware of colleagues using AI tools that haven’t been approved by their organizations, a potential safety and privacy risk, according to the survey by Wolters Kluwer Health.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 22, 2026

Congress eyes tackling healthcare consolidation

“I think there’s common ground here,” one Republican congressman said during a House Budget Committee hearing. Squaring up against healthcare monopolies would be a major pivot for the GOP.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Jan. 22, 2026

Acadia Healthcare rehires former CEO amid financial, legal challenges

Debra Osteen, the behavioral healthcare provider’s CEO from December 2018 through March 2022, will take up the post again effective immediately. The company’s stock has declined nearly 70% over the past year.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 21, 2026

Community Health Systems to sell Alabama hospital for $450M

The for-profit hospital giant has been aggressively divesting assets as it looks to pare down debt. With the sale of Crestwood Medical Center, CHS has passed its $1 billion target for divestitures, one analyst noted.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Jan. 21, 2026

Trinity Health to lay off 10.5% of revenue cycle headcount

The Michigan-based health system said financial headwinds, including heightened costs, low reimbursement from payers and federal policy changes, motivated the cuts.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 20, 2026

Hospital M&A declined in 2025 amid policy uncertainty, financial stress: report

More than 43% of transactions announced last year included a financially distressed party — a record high, according to Kaufman Hall.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 20, 2026

HCA names new chief nurse executive

Erica Rossitto succeeds Sammie Mosier, HCA’s previous chief nurse executive who died in December.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 16, 2026

Hospital-at-home programs face uncertainty as another deadline looms

The Acute Hospital Care at Home Program could lapse on Jan. 30 without congressional action, creating significant administrative complexity for providers, experts say.

By Emily Olsen • Jan. 15, 2026

UnitedHealthcare to pilot accelerated MA payments to rural hospitals

The insurer will cut its MA payment timelines in half for select providers in Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota and Missouri in an effort to provide relief to rural hospitals.

By Sydney Halleman • Jan. 14, 2026

The race against time: Closing care gaps to boost star ratings

How timely care coordination influences Star Ratings and improves outcomes.

Jan. 12, 2026

Top healthcare provider trends in 2026

Health systems that address costs, workforce planning and portfolio strategy may be better positioned as reimbursement headwinds intensify this year.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 8, 2026

New Jersey healthcare giant poised to acquire another hospital

RWJBarnabas Health has signed a definitive agreement that would absorb Englewood Health — which operates one of the last independent hospitals in the state — into its larger system.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Jan. 6, 2026

340B rebate pilot remains on hold in win for hospitals

The First Circuit upheld a district court’s pause of the controversial pilot on Wednesday. It’s a setback for the Trump administration, which — urged by drugmakers — wants to reshape 340B’s payment structure.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Updated Jan. 8, 2026

CMS distributes rural health funds for 2026

States received an average of $200 million to expand rural care access. Texas received the most money, while New Jersey received the least.

By Sydney Halleman • Jan. 5, 2026

ChristianaCare, Virtua Health end merger talks

The providers said they can best serve their communities by operating independently. The deal would have created a health system with more than $6 billion in annual revenue.

By Emily Olsen • Dec. 19, 2025

Trump administration moves to bar hospitals from providing youth gender-affirming care

Under new proposed rules, hospitals would lose federal funding if they offer treatments including puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgical procedures to minors. 

By Sydney Halleman • Dec. 18, 2025

Federation of American Hospitals names CEO to replace retiring veteran

Chip Kahn is stepping down after almost 25 years at the for-profit hospital association. He’ll be replaced by Charlene MacDonald, who leads lobbying and public affairs for the FAH.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Dec. 17, 2025

Hospitals look to manage expenses as uncertainty looms: report

Only 30% of hospital leaders expect balance sheets to improve next year as health systems grapple with costs and changes to federal healthcare policy, according to Kaufman Hall.

By Sydney Halleman • Dec. 12, 2025

Provider groups urge Trump administration to drop proposed HIPAA update

The proposed cybersecurity rule, released during the waning days of the Biden administration, would add “substantial new financial burdens” on providers, the groups wrote to the HHS.

By Emily Olsen • Dec. 11, 2025

CHS appoints Kevin Hammons as CEO

Hammons has served as interim CEO of the hospital operator since October. Also on Wednesday, Jason Johnson, previously CHS’ chief accounting officer, was appointed CFO.

By Sydney Halleman • Dec. 11, 2025

American Hospital Association CEO to retire

Rick Pollack, who has served as leader of the hospital lobby since 2015, will retire by the end of next year. The AHA will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement.

By Sydney Halleman • Dec. 10, 2025

GE HealthCare, Mayo Clinic expand partnership around radiology research

Ben Newton, GE HealthCare’s global head of oncology, said the partnership will shift radiation therapy from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to a personalized method.

By Elise Reuter • Dec. 9, 2025