COVID-related hospitalizations cost the Medicare program more than $10 billion last year; facility fees present the latest front in the effort to combat surprise medical billing; meanwhile, pandemic strain on smaller physician offices is paving the way for increased consolidation; and, hospital mergers are shown to significantly slow wage growth.
COVID-related hospitalizations cost the Medicare program more than $10 billion last year; facility fees present the latest front in the effort to combat surprise medical billing; meanwhile, pandemic strain on smaller physician offices is paving the way for increased consolidation; and, hospital mergers are shown to significantly slow wage growth.
Stakeholders collaborate on vaccine distribution and access; meanwhile, the pandemic takes a toll on mental health; hospitals face a reckoning over healthcare disparities; and, Medicaid managed care plans help address inequities.
Hard-learned lessons one year into the coronavirus pandemic, including a worsening of the loneliness epidemic; stakeholders continue to point out why the rebate rule is the wrong prescription for combatting high drug prices; and, a reminder of where our healthcare spending goes.
New analyses highlight the potential savings offered by generic drugs; experts consider what telehealth might look like on the other side of the pandemic; the growing role of AI in our healthcare future; and, a recent survey of employers points to the growing importance of integrated benefits.
Stakeholders continue to focus on the harms of the rebate rule; provider consolidation goes under the microscope; hospital billing practices suggest Medicare upcoding; and, Medicaid can help better address social health drivers.
Lawmakers convene a hearing on vaccines; private equity exacts a terrible toll on nursing home populations; Medicaid expansion led to fewer uninsured young adults; and, a handful of chronic conditions cost employers billions of dollars.
The Administration opens up a special enrollment period on the exchanges; prices for more than 800 drugs went up in January; meanwhile, the growing incidence of pharmacy deserts makes affordable drugs that much more out-of-reach; and, the availability of supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans is on the rise.
Nearly half of those who are uninsured failed to explore their options through the ACA or Medicaid; meanwhile, Medicaid expansion could have had a larger impact during the pandemic; brand-name drug prices are found to be higher in the U.S. compared to other countries; and, a new report debunks drugmakers’ biggest defense.
Compromise seems elusive on the next stimulus package; meanwhile, the coronavirus has accelerated the embrace of digital health technology; the Administration hits the pause button on the unpopular rebate rule; and, Medicare Advantage is more popular than ever.