Author's posts
Medicaid work requirements could force 5 million people off coverage
The majority leadership in Congress is considering establishing work requirements in Medicaid, but if work requirements were established in states that have expanded their programs, more than 5 million people could lose their coverage, according to a n…
Humana, Aledade expand value-based care to rural clinics, FQHCs
Health insurer Humana and independent primary care network Aledade are expanding their partnership, extending services to rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) with an eye toward achieving and sustaining value-based care.
Fitch downgrades two nonprofit hospitals due to cyberattacks
Cyberattacks can affect any hospital but have a disproportionate effect on smaller hospitals.
Fitch Ratings recently took credit action on two nonprofit health systems, downgrading both after each experienced a crippling cyberattack.
While most cyber e…
Optum Rx rolls out cost-based pharmacy reimbursement model
Optum Rx has signaled a shift to a cost-based pharmacy reimbursement model that’s intended to have pharmacies pay more for brand-name drugs and less for generics.
The model will reduce variation in how pharmacies are paid.
HCA gets approval for new emergency room
An administrative law judge at the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings has reaffirmed the State Health Planning Agency’s approval of Mission Hospital’s Certificate of Need (CON) application for a new emergency room in West Asheville, accor…
Cyberattackers exploiting ChatGPT vulnerability to target healthcare
A vulnerability in ChatGPT that was identified last year is being used by would-be cyberattackers to target security flaws in artificial intelligence systems, with the healthcare industry one of the top targets, according to a report from Veriti.
Weight loss drugs not cost effective at current prices, study finds
Weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound are clinically effective but not cost effective at their current prices, according to a study published in JAMA Health Forum.
Instacart embracing AI in push for nutrition
Artificial intelligence is permeating healthcare in a number of different ways, even affecting the food we choose. Grocery technology company Instacart has announced new AI-powered features for users to make healthy food choices.
HCSC acquires Cigna’s Medicare Advantage, CareAllies businesses
Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) has completed its acquisition of Cigna’s Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental Benefits, Medicare Part D and CareAllies businesses, in a deal that was originally announced over a year ago.
At the time the sale…
Hazel Hawkins discovers ransomware threat is a hoax
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (HHMH) recently thought it was the victim of a ransomware demand, but it turns out the incident was actually an elaborate social engineering hoax.
Earlier this month, the hospital received correspondence implying that an…
