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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Breast density reporting legislation signed into law in New Mexico

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed the state’s breast density reporting legislation into law.

Families with ACA subsidies 25% less likely to miss rent, mortgage payments

Families with subsidized health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may experience indirect financial benefits that go beyond health costs—to housing, according to new research published in the Journal of Public Economics. 

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Hospitals are driving up healthcare costs

The growth in hospital prices is driving up healthcare costs for private insurance more than the rise in physician prices, according to a recent study in Health Affairs.

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Baylor Scott & White, Memorial Hermann won’t merge

After signing a letter of intent to explore a merger in October 2018, Baylor Scott & White Health and Memorial Hermann Health System have dissolved the plan.

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Industry support gathers for expanding MA benefits in 2020

Since CMS proposed expanding supplemental benefits for Medicare Advantage for the 2020 plan year, several industry groups have voiced their support, seeing opportunities to improve care for individuals with chronic illnesses and lower costs.

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HHS proposal tackles drug rebates

HHS has proposed lowering drug costs by targeting the rebate system, which has recently come under scrutiny as an opaque setup that keeps drug prices high.

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FDA posts final guidance on 'least burdensome’ approach for medical device regulation

“Applying the least burdensome approach means gathering the minimum amount of information necessary to adequately address a relevant regulatory question or issue through the most efficient manner at the right time,” according to the agency. 

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Zuckerberg Hospital pauses balance billing practice after media reports

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital has temporarily halted its “aggressive” billing practices after media reports brought backlash against the trauma center named after Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.