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.

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners
The FTC has put its price collusion case against CVS Caremark, Optum Rx and Express Scripts on hold after significant staff departures at the agency left it uncertain how to proceed
Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote
The confirmation vote mostly fell on party lines. The Emmy-award-winning TV personality will replace Chiquita W. Brooks-LaSure, who has held the position since 2021.
Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation
Researchers tracked patient outcomes through the use of 15 performance measures related to hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor
Patient advocacy groups say the proposal "is common-sense legislation that will protect patients."
Patients eligible for both breast and lung cancer screening are getting mammograms while ditching low-dose CT in droves
This finding underlines the need for interventions to increase LCS awareness and address common barriers such as confusing eligibility criteria.

Trump promises to break US away from WHO

President Trump has stated he wants to terminate the United States’ relationship with the World Health Organization.

CVS facing lawsuit from six Blue Cross insurers

CVS Health has been accused of overcharging for generic medications in a new lawsuit brought forth by six Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.

More Part D plans will likely offer $35 monthly co-pays for insulin in 2021

More than 1,750 standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and MA plans have applied to offer insulin at a maximum $35 copay for a month’s supply of the drug for the 2021 plan year, CMS announced.

How private equity is ruining healthcare

The healthcare sector has seen an influx of funding from private equity groups over the last several years, aiding in the contraction of the industry. But has the influence of cash been beneficial for healthcare?

Justice Department joins lawsuit accusing radiology practice of delivering contrast imaging without supervision

A former consultant to the 11-practice provider first filed suit in 2013, with the DOJ recently announcing its “partial” intervention.

CVS Health to return $43M in coronavirus funds

CVS Health has stated it will return $43 million in funding it received for COVID-19 relief.

United Healthcare will now reimburse for coronary CT angiography as ‘first line’ test

The nation’s largest commercial health insurer said the update took effect last month and applies to its policyholders with low or intermediate risk of coronary artery disease.

Hospitals face steep revenue declines amid patient volume losses

Hospitals and healthcare providers are facing higher costs to care for complex COVID-19 patients while also suffering the loss of other procedures like elective surgeries that could help offset these higher costs.

Policy & Regulations

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners

Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote

Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation

Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor

Patients eligible for both breast and lung cancer screening are getting mammograms while ditching low-dose CT in droves