Members of the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions (HELP) Committee were encouraged to offer greater flexibility under the Affordable Care Act’s “state innovation waivers,” the details of which could spell trouble for the fledging compromise between Democrats and Republicans on a quick fix for the law.

At least 35 Florida hospitals closed ahead of Hurricane Irma hitting the state last weekend, with dozens more still operating on backup power as recovery efforts continue.

One-sixth (17 percent) of physician practices responding to a Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) poll said they’re paying fees from 2 to 5 percent for receiving payments electronically—a practice the MGMA wants CMS to prohibit.

Last week, Allergan sold patent rights to a big-selling eye drug called Restasis to a Native American tribe, which is protected from the lawsuits generic drugmakers use to challenge pharmaceutical patents. As STAT News reports, it’s just one of several tricks big pharma companies use to maintain a monopoly on a product.

UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the U.S., is considering acquiring Banmedica, an insurer based in Chile, for an undisclosed amount.

Legislation to move the U.S. to a single-payer, “Medicare-for-all” healthcare system will be introduced Wednesday, Sept. 13, by former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, with several potential presidential contenders in 2020 already lining up behind the bill. 

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) saw its credit rating downgraded by Moody’s Investor Service, along with maintaining a negative outlook on the system, citing its “accelerated expansion and high execution risk” with the acquisition of the seven-hospital PinnacleHealth System.

Over-treating patients means wasted resources and increased exposure to harm for individuals. In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers surveyed physicians on causes, prevalence and consequences of over-treatment.