Author's posts
CMS announces new director for Center of Medicare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced this week that Dr. Meena Seshamani will serve as Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare.
Seshamani will lead the center in its stated goal of serving people 65 or older, pe…
Lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates
With COVID-19 vaccinations slowing to a crawl relative to the rush that occurred when the vaccines first became available, some states and governments are offering cash and prize incentives for getting vaccinated. But when people were asked if they wou…
Hospitals see job losses again after a month of growth
The healthcare industry has been recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic in fits and starts, and while there are some signs of encouragement, particularly when it comes to volumes and reimbursement, the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic…
CMS proposes expansion of ACA enrollment period
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed changes to regulations governing the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges in 2022, including a proposal to lengthen the annual open enrollment period by an additional 30 days.
CMS’ proposal would a…
Physicians worked fewer hours during the pandemic’s 2020 peak
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on almost every aspect of healthcare delivery, and this extends all the way down to individual physicians, with physicians working fewer hours on average in 2020 compared to 2019 according to data publish…
Biden administration releases interim final rule banning surprise medical bills
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim final rule this week banning surprise medical bills and some out-of-network charges, which will go into effect on January 1, 2022 for providers and insurance plans that begin on or afte…
Anthem completes acquisition of MMM Holdings from InnovaCare Health
Health insurer Anthem has officially completed its acquisition of Puerto Rico-based MMM Holdings and its Medicare Advantage plan MMM Healthcare, as well as its affiliated companies and Medicaid plan.
Anthem acquired MMM from InnovaCare Health, an inte…
Socioeconomic, racial and ethnic segregation persists in U.S. safety net hospitals
Data has historically shown that the majority of patients insured through Medicaid, as well as the uninsured, seek inpatient hospital care and services at safety net hospitals. The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid to increase access to public insu…
Walmart, Novo Nordisk partnering on new private label insulin brand
Retail juggernaut Walmart is teaming up with Novo Nordisk to manufacture a new private label insulin analog, which will be sold in stores and is intended to lower the cost of medication for diabetes patients who often struggle to afford insulin.
The an…
Optum awards $1.4 million in maternal health grants to five community organizations
UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Optum has awarded $1.4 million in maternal health grants, and will provide pro bono services to five community organizations aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and increasing healthcare access for underserved popu…
