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. 

Thumbnail

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.

Thumbnail

CVS debuts insulin program with no out-of-pocket costs

CVS Health recently launched an insulin program for employers and health plan sponsors to offer diabetes medications with zero out-of-pocket costs for members. The program could help alleviate the rising costs of insulin for people managing diabetes.

Thumbnail

CMS expands coverage to genetic sequencing for cancer patients

CMS will now cover Next Generation Sequencing through FDA-approved or cleared lab diagnostic tests for patients with inherited ovarian or breast cancer.

Thumbnail

Pharma industry lobbying hit $29M in 2019

The pharmaceutical industry upped its lobbying efforts in 2019, with a record-high of $29 million spent lobbying Congress.

Thumbnail

Civica Rx, Blue Cross Blue Shield tackle high-cost generic medications with new subsidiary

Civica Rx and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and 18 of its health plans have teamed up to create a new subsidiary that will target low-cost generic drugs.

Thumbnail

How US could fall behind China in AI development

The United States is still viewed as the world’s leader in researching and developing AI solutions—but could that reputation be at stake?

Thumbnail

$13.3B of healthcare administration could be automated

One-third of healthcare administrative spending could be automated and save $13.3 billion, according to a report by CAQH.

Thumbnail

Centene, WellCare $17.3B merger clears regulatory requirements

Centene has passed all regulatory hurdles to seal the deal on a merger with WellCare Health Plans worth $17.3 billion.

Around the web

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses some of the biggest obstacles facing the specialty in the new year. 

Mark Isenberg, executive vice president of Zotec Partners, discusses key developments that will reshape the specialty this year. 

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.