Explore

Rapid ReadRapid Read
AHA Files Motion for Temporary Restraining Order Against HHS, HRSA Over 340B Rebate Program

AHA Files Motion for Temporary Restraining Order Against HHS, HRSA Over 340B Rebate Program

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This legal action seeks to halt the implementation of a new '340B Rebate Model Pilot Program,' which the AHA argues is nearly identical to a previous program enjoined by the court. The AHA contends that HHS and HRSA have again violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by failing to adequately consider the costs and benefits of the program. Specifically, the AHA alleges that the agencies have significantly understated the costs for covered entities, excluding major administrative expenses like backend reconciliation, startup, vendor, and training costs. Furthermore, the AHA claims that the agencies have overstated the program's benefits by not quantifying the duplicate discount problem it aims to solve and by uncritically accepting drug companies' predictions. The new program, set to begin on ...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Maine Hospital Association and Others Sue Federal Government Over Changes to Drug Discount Program

Maine Hospital Association and Others Sue Federal Government Over Changes to Drug Discount Program

The Maine Hospital Association, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, and other hospitals from New York, Arkansas, and North Dakota, along with the American Hospital Association, have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Portland. The lawsuit challenges recent changes made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the federal 340B drug discount program. This program mandates that drug companies sell certain outpatient medications at discounted rates to eligible hospitals, with the savings typically reinvested into charity care and other essential services like behavioral health. The plaintiffs contend that the HHS changes, which expand the use of a rebate model, are projected to cost hospitals approximately $1 billion annually, significantly higher than the federal government's estimate of $537 million. HHS, however, argues that the program has expanded beyond its original intent and needs adjustments to improve accountability and prevent duplicate discounts.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Congresswoman Julia Letlow Introduces 'Know Your Risk Act' to Enhance Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Congresswoman Julia Letlow Introduces 'Know Your Risk Act' to Enhance Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced new legislation, the 'Know Your Risk Act,' aimed at improving breast cancer risk assessment services for women. The proposed act mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and promote a single, universal breast cancer risk assessment tool. Additionally, it seeks to broaden access to risk evaluation services through the existing National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Letlow emphasized that approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and early intervention significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. She shared her personal experience, stating that a risk assessment tool was crucial for her own understanding of her risk, and she desires the same opportunity for all at-risk women. The legislation also requires HHS to study current breast cancer risk tools, identify inaccuracies and gaps in their use across different populations, and report these findings to Congress. This in...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
U.S. Representatives Murphy and Schneider Introduce Bill to Delay Medicare Competitive Bidding for Medical Supplies

U.S. Representatives Murphy and Schneider Introduce Bill to Delay Medicare Competitive Bidding for Medical Supplies

U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.), and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) have introduced the Access to Medical Supplies Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill aims to delay the implementation of Medicare's competitive bidding program for ostomy and urological supplies for a period of five years. These supplies, along with hydrophilic urinary catheters, are currently slated for inclusion in Round 2028 of Medicare’s competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The program is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2028, with the bidder registration window opening on December 1, 2026, and the bid window on January 5, 2027. The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) supports the bill, stating that the delay would allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to thoroughly analyze the potential impact on patients and providers.
El Paso TimesEl Paso Times
Did you get an extra $90 from Social Security? Here's why

Did you get an extra $90 from Social Security? Here's why

Millions enrolled in Medicare are beginning to receive a $90 payment as part of a new initiative announced by President Donald Trump.
Florida Times-UnionFlorida Times-Union
Medicare change could cost standalone proton therapy centers millions

Medicare change could cost standalone proton therapy centers millions

Proposed Medicare pricing changes could slash revenue for two Jacksonville proton therapy centers and limit patient access to care across the U.S.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Rep. Nick Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan 'Surge to Save Newborns Act' to Expand Newborn Screenings

Rep. Nick Langworthy Introduces Bipartisan 'Surge to Save Newborns Act' to Expand Newborn Screenings

Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY 23) has introduced the bipartisan 'Surge to Save Newborns Act,' co-led by Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-Wash.). This legislation aims to provide states with dedicated federal resources to implement newborn screenings for serious health conditions listed on the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). The announcement was made with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, whose son, Hunter, passed away from Krabbe disease. The bill proposes $35 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 through Fiscal Year 2031 to strengthen state newborn screening infrastructure and ensure recommended screenings are put into practice. Currently, while the federal government recommends conditions for screening, states do not always immediately implement them due to resource gaps. The Act seeks to close this gap by establishing a federal grant program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, requiring annual reports to Congress on implementation effectivene...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Congresswoman Clarke Joins Bipartisan Group Warning CMS on Rural Medicare Remote Monitoring Changes

Congresswoman Clarke Joins Bipartisan Group Warning CMS on Rural Medicare Remote Monitoring Changes

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of New York has joined a bipartisan group of 32 House lawmakers in expressing concern to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding a proposed rule change that could significantly impact remote monitoring services for rural Medicare patients. The proposed rule, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, would limit Medicare reimbursement for remote monitoring to services performed by clinical staff directly employed by the billing practice, excluding outside companies. Lawmakers, including Clarke, argue that this change could disrupt care models, particularly for rural health clinics that heavily rely on external clinical and technology partners. They warn that such a prohibition could force care back into more expensive emergency departments and institutional settings, negatively affecting older adults who manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes from home.
TheStreetTheStreet
20 million Medicare beneficiaries may get a one-time $90 payment

20 million Medicare beneficiaries may get a one-time $90 payment

Twenty million seniors are getting a check. The fine print matters.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
RAND Corporation Study Reveals Lack of Consensus on Medicare Advantage Reforms Among Stakeholders

RAND Corporation Study Reveals Lack of Consensus on Medicare Advantage Reforms Among Stakeholders

A recent study by the RAND Corporation, utilizing the Delphi method, surveyed 52 experts from various sectors including researchers, the Medicare Advantage (MA) industry, patient advocates, and policymakers regarding potential reforms to the Medicare Advantage program. The study aimed to identify policy proposals that would be broadly supported across these diverse groups. However, the findings indicated a significant lack of consensus, with no single policy idea among 14 proposals receiving unanimous support. Dmitry Khodyakov, a senior sociologist at RAND and co-author of the study, highlighted the inherent complexity of healthcare policy changes, noting that any reform is likely to displease at least one stakeholder group. For instance, enhancing traditional Medicare to be more competitive with MA, while beneficial for enrollees, could negatively impact insurers through reduced enrollment and profitability. The study also suggested that generating savings for the federal government would likely necessita...
AP NewsAP News
The Latest: Trump interrupted by protesters as he campaigns for Paxton in US Senate race in Texas

The Latest: Trump interrupted by protesters as he campaigns for Paxton in US Senate race in Texas

President Donald Trump fought to rally Texas voters behind Senate candidate Ken Paxton in a bid to stave off sweeping Democratic victories in the nation’s most populous red state
Rolling StoneRolling Stone
On the Front Line of the Vaccine Wars

On the Front Line of the Vaccine Wars

For decades, West Virginia has had a “halo” of protection around it, thanks to a compulsory-vaccine law. But now, there’s a case that could topple that law — and have major implications for the rest of the country