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CMS issues final rule on durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies
In a final rule issued on Tuesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has expanded access to certain durable medical equipment, such as continuous glucose monitors that increase diabetes treatment choices for people with Medicare.
Medicare Advantage, consolidation drove healthcare insurer trends in 2021
It was difficult to predict trend lines for the payer and health insurance industry in 2021, largely because of persistent uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer behavior has become more unpredictable, care models and offerings are changi…
Medicaid/Chip enrollment increases to more than 83 million, says CMS
The latest enrollment figures released this week by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows that an estimated 83 million people are now enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), representing an increase of ne…
Medicare patients challenged to access opioid use disorder medication, OIG finds
While more than 1 million Medicare beneficiaries had a diagnosis of opioid use disorder in 2020, fewer than 16% of those beneficiaries received medication to treat their condition, according to a new report from the Office of Inspector General. They ac…
Saint Vincent, nurses union reach agreement to end 9-month strike
The Massachusetts Nurses Association and Worcester-based Saint Vincent Hospital have reached a tentative agreement, inking a contract that will end a strike that has lasted almost nine months.
UnitedHealth Group pushes back deadline for Change Healthcare acquisition
UnitedHealth Group has delayed the deadline for its pending acquisition of Change Healthcare, likely owing to an ongoing investigation into the merger by the Department of Justice.
Labor expenses contribute to negative credit outlook for healthcare, Moody’s finds
While the credit landscape in 2022 looks stable or positive for sectors of the economy including local government and higher education, the nonprofit and public healthcare sector stands to fare worse, garnering a negative outlook from Moody’s Investors…
HHS distributing $9 billion in COVID-19 relief funds to providers this week
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), said it’s distributing about $9 billion in Provider Relief Fund payments to providers, with a particular focus on smaller providers.
Walgreens and VillageMD opening nine full-service primary care practices in San Antonio
Walgreens Boots Alliance and VillageMD have signaled plans to expand into San Antonio, Texas with the opening of nine Village Medical at Walgreens primary care practices over the next year.
Patients still approve of telehealth, but its popularity has waned, survey finds
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen telehealth evolve from a niche curiosity to a mainstream care model, and while it still enjoys widespread popularity, its appeal has dimmed somewhat, finds a new Rock Health report.
