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.

FDA announces recall of Pfizer's fast-tracked sickle cell drug
The drugmaker is voluntarily withdrawing Oxbryta from the market due to a higher-than-acceptable risk of death.
Public health coalition wins lawsuit against EPA for lack of fluoride oversight
A federal judge in California ruled existing evidence of the negative effects of fluoride in drinking water warrants an investigation and potential action from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Cardiology groups cheer new bill that would improve access to Medicare claims data
If passed, this bill would help clinician-led clinical registries explore Medicare data for research purposes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology both shared public support for the bipartisan legislation.
Walmart workers sue over tobacco fees levied for health plan trust
The class action lawsuit argues employees cannot escape the fees even after they stop using tobacco, a violation of labor regulations.
HHS awards $75M for addiction and maternal health services in rural areas
The funds will be used to expand services and improve the financial stability of existing healthcare organizations located in underserved regions of the South.

CMS finalizes cancellation of mandatory bundles

In a final rule issued on Nov. 30, CMS finalized changes to several mandatory bundled payment programs, canceling two surrounding hip fractures and cardiac care and reducing requirements in a joint replacement bundle.

November 30, 2017

CBO: Funding CSRs won’t mitigate impact from repealing individual mandate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said passing an Affordable Care Act (ACA) stabilization measure after getting rid of the ACA’s individual mandate would still leave 13 million fewer people insured by 2027 and cause premiums increase by an average of 10 percent over the same time period.

November 30, 2017

5 things to know about Alex Azar’s first hearing as nominee for HHS Secretary

One Republican said he wouldn't support the nomination of Alex Azar, if the former pharmaceutical executive can't support importation of pharmaceuticals from other countries. 

November 29, 2017

Letting states pick essential health benefits may ‘undermine’ ACA

Insurers, hospitals and regulators had a largely negative reaction to a major provision of the proposed Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefit parameters for 2019 that would allow states to define their own “essential health benefits” which ACA-compliant insurance plans have to cover, saying it may return the nongroup market to its pre-ACA state.

November 28, 2017

States warn CHIP recipients benefits may end in January

Nearly two months after authorization for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired, two states are sending letters to families about the potential loss in insurance coverage for their children unless Congress approves funding—and another says it’s already out of money.

November 28, 2017

Healthcare priorities entangled in packed Congress agenda

The congressional to-do list for December is quite long, with the Senate looking to pass major tax overhaul and the looming threat of a government shutdown. Most important for the healthcare industry is the fact that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have become one of the many items fighting for attention on Capitol Hill.

November 27, 2017

Carolinas-UNC merger under state review

A special committee formed by the University of North Carolina’s board of governors has until Dec. 20 to review the proposed joint venture between the UNC Health Care System and Carolinas HealthCare System.

November 27, 2017

Socioeconomically deprived most affected by soaring heart failure rates in UK

Despite increased prevention efforts and longer lifespans, heart failure rates are at a high in the United Kingdom and are continuing to climb, according to new research published in The Lancet.

November 22, 2017

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups cheer new bill that would improve access to Medicare claims data

If passed, this bill would help clinician-led clinical registries explore Medicare data for research purposes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology both shared public support for the bipartisan legislation.

Cardiovascular Business

Watchdog group, fearful of fraud, wants more oversight for remote patient monitoring

Cardiologists and other physicians may soon need to provide much more information when ordering remote patient monitoring for Medicare patients.

Cardiovascular Business

Most recalled cardiovascular devices gained FDA approval with little to no clinical evidence

Why are so many cardiovascular devices involved in Class I recalls? One possible reason could be the large number of devices hitting the market without undergoing much premarket clinical testing.