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.

UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger
The companies argue that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately demonstrate how, and in which regions of the country, the merger would harm competition. They are asking a federal court to throw out the case.
Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor
The new law will require private equity firms to make disclosures related to organizational structure and finances if they intend to operate a medical facility or provider organization in the state.
Reimbursement update: What hospitals need to know about new Medicare payments for cardiac CT
CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?
Dental chain involved in ransomware coverup fined $350K
A regional chain of clinics that lied through its teeth about a data breach has agreed to pay a $350,000 settlement to resolve multiple allegations it violated HIPAA.
$49B in medical debt to be erased from credit reports
A new final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau bans reporting agencies from including medical debts on credit reports or factoring them into credit scores.

Obama supports 'Medicare for All' in speech

Speaking to a crowd at the University of Illinois, former President Barack Obama stated his support for "Medicare for All" last week.

September 10, 2018

Pharma association blames hospitals for high healthcare costs

In a new report, an association for the pharmaceutical industry has blamed rising healthcare costs on hospitals jacking up prices for prescription drugs.

September 7, 2018

Senate passes bill to ban ‘gag clauses’ in prescription drug purchases

A new bill unanimously passed by the Senate Wednesday would prohibit Medicare insurers from preventing pharmacies from telling consumers if their prescription drugs are cheaper if they pay out of pocket versus through their insurance.

September 7, 2018

OxyContin won’t be covered by BCBS of Tennessee

In the middle of a national opioid epidemic, one major health insurance provider has decided it will no longer cover OxyContin prescriptions next year.

September 7, 2018

ACA benefits, healthcare costs huge issues for voters

Voters are thinking about healthcare when it comes to the upcoming 2018 midterm elections, with pre-existing conditions becoming a widespread concern and a top campaign issue, according to the latest tracking poll from Kaiser Health.

September 6, 2018

CVS-Aetna, Cigna-Express Scripts deals close to DOJ clearance

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is close to clearing two mega deals in the healthcare space, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter.

September 5, 2018

Obamacare challenge heads into oral arguments

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is facing one of its biggest challenges to date as arguments began Wednesday, Sept. 5, in a live-or-die lawsuit that could potentially nullify the healthcare law.

September 5, 2018

WellCare finalizes $2.5B acquisition of Meridian

WellCare Health Plans, a Tampa-based managed care provider, has closed its acquisition of Meridian Health Plans of Michigan, Meridian Health Plans of Illinois and MeridianRx in a deal worth about $2.5 billion.

September 4, 2018

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Reimbursement update: What hospitals need to know about new Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?

Cardiovascular Business

Stryker acquires Inari Medical for $4.9B

Stryker, a global medtech company based out of Michigan, has kicked off 2025 with a bit of excitement. The company says Inari’s peripheral vascular portfolio is highly complementary to its own neurovascular portfolio.

Radiology Business

The biggest obstacles facing radiology business managers in 2025

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.