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.

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security
Mass firings on Tuesday led to thousands of workers at the CDC, FDA and NIH losing their jobs, including those working on public health initiatives and vaccine approvals.
California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk
The proposed “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” named after the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny necessary care to patients. The lawyer who proposed the measure said the controversial name was chosen to garner public attention.
FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns
The agency warned that any unused devices should be removed from the market and returned to the manufacturer.
300+ groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts
In an open letter, advocacy groups said the budget proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would “shred our nation’s social safety net.”
HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'
The agency said it plans to reduce staff by 25% and consolidate 28 divisions into 15. However, it said Medicare and Medicaid will remain operational.

Texas judge rules ACA unconstitutional

A Texas judge has ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional in its entirety, throwing the American healthcare system into an uncertain future.

$67B Cigna-Express Scripts merger faces one more hurdle

New York and California approved the $67 billion acquisition of Express Scripts by Cigna on Dec. 13, but New Jersey has yet to give its approval, according to a public filing.

Walmart, Express Scripts ink 3-year pharmacy deal

Walmart and Express Scripts extended an existing network agreement to provide member clients with Express Scripts access to Walmart’s prescription services.

Axios: Higher US drug prices don’t translate to better health

The United States pays far more for prescription drugs than other countries, but health outcomes aren’t much better—and sometimes, they’re worse—according to Axios.

Judge may block $69B CVS-Aetna deal

Though regulators have signed off on the $69 billion merger between CVS Health and Aetna, a U.S. District Court judge is poised to block the deal, The New York Post reported.

PwC: Top health industry issues for 2019

Healthcare organizations are already looking ahead into 2019, and there are six trends to be aware of for the coming year, according to PwC’s report, “Top health industry issues of 2019: The New Health Economy Comes of Age.”

Envision renews contract with UnitedHealthcare after billing practices battle

After months of back-and-forth, Envision Healthcare has renewed its contract with UnitedHealthcare.

Growth in U.S. healthcare spending slowed in 2017

National health spending grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, about 1 percent slower growth than the previous year, according to the Office of the Actuary at CMS. Total healthcare spending reached $3.5 trillion in 2017, or $10,739 per person.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?

Policy & Regulations

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security

California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk

FDA announces new recall of Medtronic surgical devices over safety concerns

300+ groups urge Senate GOP to reject Medicaid cuts

HHS to cut 10,000 jobs during 'dramatic restructuring'

Around the web