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. 

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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. 

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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What healthcare groups want from ‘new direction’ on CMMI payment models

Fewer electronic health record requirements, smaller payment reforms and changing the definition of financial risk are some of the changes suggested by major healthcare groups in response to the CMS request for information on future models at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).

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Actuaries to Congress: Repealing individual mandate could threaten insurer solvency

If the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate is repealed as part of a Republican tax cut plan, premiums will likely rise and insurers will exit the individual market, according to the American Academy of Actuaries.

Around the web

The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.

In the post-COVID era, wages for permanent RNs are rising, and wages for travelers are decreasing. A new report tracked these trends and more. 

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market. 

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