Government
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New federal health IT strategy increases focus on public health, AI
The draft plan builds on its predecessor, which the health IT agency said drove “significant progress” in the use and exchange of electronic health information.
By Emily Olsen • March 28, 2024 -
CMS streamlines Medicaid, CHIP renewal and enrollment in final rule
It’s the “most robust and meaningful” regulation streamlining Medicaid eligibility since the Affordable Care Act was implemented a decade ago, one lawyer said.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 28, 2024 -
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 -
Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Supreme Court weighs abortion opponents’ standing in mifepristone case
Reversal of the FDA’s expanded access could limit use of medication abortion even in states that have legal protections for the procedure in place.
By Delilah Alvarado • March 27, 2024 -
Medicare’s GLP-1 spending is skyrocketing, even without weight loss coverage: KFF
Gross Medicare spending on the pricey drugs rose from $57 million in 2018 to $5.7 billion in 2022, according to a new analysis from the health policy group.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 27, 2024 -
Change Healthcare cyberattack
Senior lawmaker questions UnitedHealth over Change cyberattack
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said UnitedHealth’s “rapid consolidation and vertical integration” has major consequences for the healthcare sector, including increased control of the health IT market.
By Emily Olsen • March 26, 2024 -
OIG details errors with VA, Oracle EHR deployment
Three reports released last week outline scheduling and pharmacy problems with the electronic health record integration — including an error that may have contributed to a patient’s death.
By Emily Olsen • March 25, 2024 -
As laboratory-developed test rule looms, experts warn patients may lose access to critical diagnostics
In testimony to Congress Thursday, industry and patient group leaders described the trade-offs expected from increased FDA oversight of laboratory-developed tests.
By Susan Kelly • March 22, 2024 -
Change Healthcare cyberattack
Hospital groups question HHS about data breach reporting after Change attack
In a Thursday letter, the American Hospital Association urged the HHS’ Office for Civil Rights to reduce possible “duplicative” breach notifications from the Change cyberattack.
By Susanna Vogel • March 22, 2024 -
Medicare to cover Novo’s obesity drug for some patients
Two weeks after the FDA updated Wegovy’s label, Medicare changed its stance to allow people with a history of heart disease to receive treatment, a shift that could further boost access to the fast-selling medicine.
By Ben Fidler • March 22, 2024 -
CMS launches model to increase primary care investment in Medicare
Value-based care and physician interest groups said the model should create a more stable cash flow for providers.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 20, 2024 -
MedPAC’s physician pay recommendations insufficient, provider groups say
The Medicare Advisory Payment Commission also suggests tying the rate of physician payment increases to the Medicare Economic Index — a move some industry groups support.
By Susanna Vogel • March 19, 2024 -
Deep Dive // HIMSS24
‘As fast as possible but no faster than is safe’: Hospitals, tech companies confront AI governance
Regulators seeking to erect guardrails around AI are facing a Sisyphean task, experts said at HIMSS. How do you oversee something that is constantly changing?
By Rebecca Pifer • March 18, 2024 -
Change Healthcare cyberattack
CMS releases Medicaid payment flexibilities during Change cyberattack
The relief comes as 94% of hospitals reported financial impact from the outage, according to a survey from the American Hospital Association.
By Emily Olsen • March 18, 2024 -
Government watchdog warns of Medicaid oversight gaps
The CMS doesn’t require states to report data on outcomes or care denials, and has made “delayed” progress on plans to analyze the information and make it public, according to the Government Accountability Office.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 18, 2024 -
Q&A // HIMSS24
Microsoft’s health VP takes on responsible AI
David Rhew talks about Microsoft's new AI governance network and federal regulators’ plan to more actively oversee the technology.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 18, 2024 -
Change Healthcare cyberattack
HHS opens investigation into Change Healthcare cyberattack
The Office for Civil Rights will focus on whether protected health information was breached and if UnitedHealth complied with privacy and security requirements.
By Emily Olsen • March 14, 2024 -
Q&A
Center for Connected Health Policy’s Mei Kwong on what to expect for telehealth regulations
Some telehealth provisions could expire by the end of the year unless Congress makes them permanent.
By Brian T. Horowitz • March 14, 2024 -
HIMSS24
HHS artificial intelligence task force takes shape
The new group will stand up “assurance, monitoring, risk-management practices” around AI in healthcare, according to a top HHS official.
By Rebecca Pifer • March 14, 2024 -
Continuous Medicaid enrollment linked to less postpartum coverage loss, study finds
States that have expanded Medicaid for a year after pregnancy might see similar coverage gains, researchers wrote.
By Emily Olsen • March 13, 2024 -
Biden’s proposed budget for 2025 boosts cybersecurity funds, extends ACA subsidies
The budget request includes proposals for “Medicaid-like” coverage in non-expansion states and future penalties for hospitals that don’t implement cybersecurity standards.
By Emily Olsen • March 13, 2024 -
Change Healthcare cyberattack
White House meets with UnitedHealth, industry groups on Change cyberattack fallout
Officials called on payers to cut red tape and offer financial support to providers, including advanced payments.
By Emily Olsen • March 13, 2024 -
Biden proposes strengthening Medicare’s drug pricing power
The administration seeks to significantly increase the number of drugs each year that would be subjected to price negotiations under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act.
By Kristin Jensen • March 7, 2024 -
House committee advances bill to block nursing home staffing standards
In a 26-17 vote, the House Ways and Means Committee passed a bill that would stop the CMS from approving Biden’s controversial proposed staffing minimum policy.
By Susanna Vogel • March 7, 2024 -
Federal government probes healthcare private equity deals
The cross-agency investigation comes as scrutiny rises regarding corporate consolidation in healthcare.
By Susanna Vogel • March 6, 2024 -
Dexcom receives FDA clearance for first OTC glucose sensor
The diabetes tech firm tailored its software to the 25 million people in the U.S. who have Type 2 diabetes and do not use insulin.
By Nick Paul Taylor • March 6, 2024