CMS releases fee-for-service data on home health agencies

The data, which identifies individual agencies, are provided for transparency.  

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 21, 2015

As Medicaid expands, so does room for error

Program expansion is leading to improved outlooks for some insurers, but nearly doubling the rate of improper payments.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 21, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Payer/provider relationships

As M&A intensifies and companies embrace more holistic and value-based care models, partnerships have become more closely intertwined.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Is population health business poised to break out in 2016?

Providers, payers, and vendors are warming up to population health but challenges remain.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 21, 2015

Oscar credits ACA, simple message for enrollment spike

The insurer, known for its quirky ads and user-friendly mobile app, continues to work towards profitability and expansion.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 21, 2015

Kaiser Permanente to teach a thing or two with new medical school

About 44 students will enter the inaugural class in fall 2019.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 18, 2015

VA insurance coverage sends ReWalk stock through roof

The company's shares rose 76% following news veterans will now be eligible for robotic legs coverage. 

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 18, 2015

Catholic Health, BlueCross BlueShield settle differences, renew agreement

After a lawsuit filed by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York against Catholic Health was dropped, the organizations are primed to dive into a new three-year agreement.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 17, 2015

Arkansas task force focuses to finalize state's Medicaid recommendations

As talks continue, the Health Reform Legislative Task Force yesterday approved Governor Asa Hutchinson's efforts to seek federal waivers to explore Medicaid expansion in the state.

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 17, 2015

Medi-Cal sued in Latino civil rights argument

With Latinos comprising the bulk of program recipients, they argue the system is separate and unequal.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 16, 2015

Payers weigh in on Cadillac tax, digitization and more for 2016

Industry stakeholders share their varied viewpoints, with many agreeing on similar themes.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 16, 2015

UPDATED: President signs omnibus including 'Cadillac' and medical device tax delays

With the president's signature, the ACA's Cadillac tax will be kicked back to 2020 while the medical device tax will be suspended through 2017.

By Jeff Byers • Dec. 16, 2015

As risk kicks in, CMS' bundled payment program participation sharply drops

The BPCI program has lost many of its volunteers with the addition of downside risk, causing some experts to question if this drop in participation will influence the agency's decision to continue offering voluntary demonstrations or transition to mandatory programs.  

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 16, 2015

Major insurer data analysis offers insights into hospital spending

The unprecedented analysis of private U.S. healthcare spending finds, yes, hospital monopolies may affect market prices.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 16, 2015

HHS lends states guiding hand on Obamacare waivers

New agency guidance clarifies states' flexibility to pursue innovative waiver proposals while preserving protections of the ACA. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 15, 2015

Planned Parenthood sues Ohio in preemptive strike

The state and the organization are odds over the disposal of fetal remains.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 15, 2015

States may hold final sway in proposed megamergers

State insurance commissioners have factors to consider beyond antitrust laws.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 15, 2015

Kaiser Permanente Colorado expansion is not without challenges

The insurer remains optimistic on expanding into two single-hospital counties, but the hospitals have not accepted the insurer for non-emergency visits. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 15, 2015

HCA ordered to pay $434M over neglected improvement pledges

The company was accused of failing to fulfill agreements from a 2003 acquisition deal. 

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 14, 2015

The one profitable ACA co-op now losing big

Despite its 2014 success, Community Health Options of Maine is now in the same boat as other co-ops.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 14, 2015

States largely improved health measures, Commonwealth Fund finds

The organization's annual scorecard attributes improvements in part to the ACA.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 11, 2015

Rubio pushing legislation to further restrict risk corridors

The presidential hopeful's efforts against the ACA's risk corridor provision is sending ripples through health insurance markets. 

By Nina Flanagan • Dec. 10, 2015

CBO predicts Americans will work less under Obamacare

New coverage expansions as well as changes in tax rates are among the causes for a predicted change in worker participation, according to the agency.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 9, 2015

Studies confirm marketplace competition restrains premiums

More competitors means lower premiums and lower federal costs for subsidies, researchers say.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 9, 2015

Cigna seeks marketplace flexibility, saves decision on 2017

While the company is sticking with the marketplace through its first three years, Cigna CEO David Cordani suggests the ACA marketplace would be improved if it would allow insurers further flexibility in how they design coverage.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 9, 2015

Quest to the White House: the Obamacare reconciliation bill

Insurance experts have stated if Congress does get a unified bill to the White House, it will be prudent to watch the polls as the presidential election approaches to decide if any changes in investments will be necessary.

By Heather Caspi • Dec. 9, 2015