Collision of ACA repeal plans, open enrollment add urgency to insurance uncertainty

Conflicting messages are coming as the Obama administration continues to push ACA signups during its final months.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 14, 2016

ACA repeal considerations stump states that expanded Medicaid

Officials in some Medicaid expansion states have vowed to work with the Trump administration to maintain coverage levels.

By Meg Bryant • Nov. 11, 2016

Study: Multisector partnerships lower death rates in communities

Fragmented delivery and financing systems for public health and social services have limited the effectiveness of population health efforts, the University of Kentucky researchers say.

By Meg Bryant • Nov. 11, 2016

Lawmaker seeks answers to CMS' delay on EpiPen Medicaid rebate dodge

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a Nov. 30 hearing to discuss Mylan’s settlement with the Department of Justice.

By Meg Bryant • Nov. 10, 2016

How the GOP could try to repeal or change the ACA

Numerous health organizations took forward-looking stances Wednesday that suggested advancements toward value-based care may be here to stay, ACA or no ACA.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 9, 2016

Trump victory spells tough times ahead for ACA

Some healthcare stocks didn't take the win well.

By Jeff Byers • Nov. 9, 2016

Enrollment activity already straining Healthcare.gov

Many customers have been in for a virtual wait before being able to process an application.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 9, 2016

BCBSA joins FDA initiative to speed up medical device approvals

The agency created a task force to speed up approvals by allowing pre-submission meetings to help design clinical trials that meet regulatory and medical coverage requirements. 

By Luke Gale • Nov. 9, 2016

Ryan accepts ACA here to stay – if Clinton wins

The conservative war against Obamacare could soon wane, if Ryan has anything to say about it.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 8, 2016

Highmark rocks Pennsylvania with massive marketplace pullback

The insurer will withdraw from more than half the counties where it participated this year.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 7, 2016

$1B Medicare fraudster gets September 2017 trial date

Nursing home operator Philip Esformes allegedly drove patients to his facilities using a network of corrupt providers.

By Meg Bryant • Nov. 4, 2016

Cigna ACA expansion plans stall as profits fall

Losses stemming from a CMS ban levied in January on Medicare participation continue to cost Cigna. 

By Luke Gale • Nov. 4, 2016

CDC: Uninsured rates falling, deductibles rising under ACA

The Affordable Care Act has helped more than 20 million get health insurance, but many more remain uninsured. 

By Luke Gale • Nov. 4, 2016

Anthem floats 2018 ACA exit amid profit slip, lawsuits

The health insurance giant may follow its rivals out of the marketplace if adjustments to healthcare policy aren't made.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 3, 2016

An ACA primer: Much more than insurance

A major focus of the ACA is increasing access to primary care.

By Meg Bryant • Nov. 2, 2016

Why selling insurance across state lines is an unlikely solution

Proposals to allow the sale of health insurance across state lines make a lot of promises that would likely go unfulfilled. 

By Luke Gale • Nov. 2, 2016

CMS issues final rule on hospital payment rates for 2017

The agency followed through on a proposal to remove patient survey answers as part of pain management care in the Value-Based Purchasing program.

By Luke Gale • Nov. 2, 2016

Updated payment process aims to reshape RAC program

Along with new contracts come updates to how RACs are paid, audit timelines and the review process. 

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 2, 2016

Blue Shield of California repays millions in rebates, again

The company stands out among insurers for the amount of money its owed. 

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 2, 2016

Trump raises questions with promise for special session to repeal ACA

Concern has been stirred once again by Trump's language.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 2, 2016

NorthShore/Advocate merger has been put on ice by a federal appeals court

A recent JAMA Forum discussion opined the future of ACA could potentially be at the mercy of provider consolidation.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 1, 2016

Physician participation dips in marketplace plans, SERMO says

With lessened insurer participation comes lessened provider participation.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 1, 2016

HHS restricts short-term insurance plans to under 3 months

Americans that purchase short-term plans will have to pay the individual penalty as they won't have ACA-compliant coverage and health insurers must notify their customers under the new rule.

By Ana Mulero • Oct. 31, 2016

Survey: 29% of physicians still haven't heard of MACRA

With the final rule now out, physicians should be making their plans for 2017.

By Heather Caspi • Oct. 31, 2016

Patient ratings added to Dialysis Facility Compare website

CMS is furthering its push for transparency and improved accuracy in star ratings.

By Heather Caspi • Oct. 31, 2016