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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…
OIG says CMS lacks authority to ensure hospital safety during pandemics
OIG said CMS should make changes to require accreditation organizations to perform surveys after it issues new participation requirements.
Most physicians employed by a hospital or corporation, report finds
Independent physicians are becoming increasingly rare, with just 30% of U.S physicians practicing medicine independently as the year began, according to a new analysis from Avalere for the Physicians Advocacy Institute.
CMS announces new director of Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced Daniel Tsai as Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS).
Volumes, margins on the rise as hospitals slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic
Hospitals and health systems around the country are continuing a slow and steady improvement in certain key areas as they bounce back from the steep losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volumes and margins both increased compared to 2020, acco…
CMS proposes rule to increase access to health coverage in 2022
The agency also issued a rule meant to speed the shift to value for home-based services.
