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.

Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation
Exams are being delivered faster, thanks to abbreviated protocols, but experts contend insurers should not cut MRI pay because of such efficiencies.
UnitedHealthcare reimburses its Optum providers at a 17% premium, study finds
The findings are from research conducted by the Commonwealth Fund that looked at nationwide provider reimbursement data. While the sample size is small, it shows the insurer tends to favor its own doctors.
Judge protects New York ‘shield’ rule against Texas abortion lawsuit
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sought an injunction against abortion medications being shipped to women in his state.
Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds
Due to the elective, rather than diagnostic, nature of these exams, operators are not required to complete formal training or be registered if the scans are done in privately owned entities.
Medtech startup co-founded by cardiologist seeks FDA clearance for new-look perfusion device
Tulyp Medical, a French medtech startup, has emerged from stealth focused on securing FDA clearance for a patented perfusion device.

New York’s single-payer health system could work—with tax increases

As the debate over a possible single-payer health system heats up, at least one study has shown such a model is viable in New York—with a few catches.

Healthcare remains a leader in job growth

Healthcare was once again a leader among the number of jobs added to the economy in July, according to the most recent jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Cities file suit claiming Trump administration is sabotaging ACA

Chicago, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, filed a joint lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of actively undermining the Affordable Care Act.

CMS finalizes 2019 hospital payments, scraps controversial inpatient reimbursement rule

CMS finalized a rule for inpatient and long-term care hospital payments, tossing out a controversial reimbursement plan with it.

California official throws wrench in planned CVS-Aetna merger

The planned merger of CVS Health and Aetna hit a snag this week after California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones urged the U.S. Department of Justice to block the $69 billion deal.

Insurers, consumer groups are critical of HHS move on short-term insurance plans

Healthcare advocacy groups and other stakeholders are speaking out against the Trump administration’s decision to allow short-term healthcare insurance plans to extend up to three years.

Despite regulatory uncertainty, healthcare M&A activity remains constant

More than 200 health services deals were reported in the second quarter of 2018, continuing the ongoing streak of mergers and acquisitions in the sector, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

CMS finalizes $340M payment bump for hospices in 2019

Hospices will see a 1.8 percent, or $340 million, payment increase in 2019 after CMS finalized its annual payment update.

Policy & Regulations

Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation

UnitedHealthcare reimburses its Optum providers at a 17% premium, study finds

Judge protects New York ‘shield’ rule against Texas abortion lawsuit

Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds

Medtech startup co-founded by cardiologist seeks FDA clearance for new-look perfusion device