Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies. 

insurance

Top 10 biggest health insurance companies

The top 10 largest insurers collectively wrote 51.8% of all healthcare premiums in the U.S. market in 2018.

February 5, 2020

Trump asks for bill to lower drug prices in State of the Union address

President Donald Trump gave his annual State of the Union address on Feb. 4, calling on Congress to take on sky-high prescription drug prices.

February 5, 2020

In Iowa caucuses, healthcare issue takes center stage

Healthcare was top of mind among Iowa caucus-goers as the start of the 2020 election kicked off in the state on Feb. 3. About 60% of Democrats at the Iowa caucuses said they support eliminating private health insurance and moving to a single-payer healthcare system.

February 4, 2020
coronavirus_2.jpg

Coronavirus is deadly and expensive

The novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has become the world’s most expensive epidemic, according to data from Learnbonds.com. In fact, the virus, which has been compared to SARS and MERS, is expected to cost China about 2% of its GDP during the first quarter of 2020, or $62 billion.

 

February 4, 2020

Former Aetna CEO cites ‘tension’ in CVS board changes

The former CEO of health insurer Aetna, which was acquired by CVS Health for $69 billion at the end of 2018, says he is being pushed off the board of the combined company.

 

February 3, 2020

Trump admin’s Medicaid block grants met with industry backlash

Medicaid block grants, which have been framed as an “opportunity” for states to better control their Medicaid spending and gain flexibility, have been harshly criticized by healthcare groups.

February 3, 2020

Will AI be a part of Trump’s State of the Union address?

President Trump is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at a time when most Americans have been focused on impeachment, the 2020 election and the coronavirus outbreak.

January 31, 2020

Trump administration announces Medicaid block grants under new branding

The Trump administration has released its Medicaid block grant program under a new name that allows states to designate funding and put a cap on Medicaid spending. The program, dubbed Healthy Adults Opportunity, is an optional intervention initiative that fundamentally changes the way part of Medicaid is funded.

January 30, 2020

Around the web

In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties. 

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open. 

The rumors, it seems, were true. Once the deal is finalized, Shockwave Medical will operate as a business unit within Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup