Successful implementation of RCM technology demands a collaborative approach
Providers need to look no further if seeking assistance in improving cash flow, navigating staffing shortages or enhancing technology infrastructure. Check out this article to discover tools and solutions for current healthcare trends.
From crisis to catalyst: Rethinking the healthcare workforce in the wake of the OBBB
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has drawn attention for its headline provisions: Millions likely will lose their health insurance and there will be a reduction in cumulative federal health spending of an estimated $1 trillion over 10 years. These measures, which will strain budgets and heighten pressures on U.S. healthcare providers, have rightfully captured…
Hospital financial metrics remain steady even as costs rise and reimbursement challenges await
The latest data on financials for the not-for-profit (NFP) hospital sector hints at the challenges in store. While margins have not taken a significant hit for health systems, other metrics reflect rising costs, according to the latest monthly report from Strata Decision Technology. Beyond that immediate concern is the prospect of reduced reimbursement not only…
Proposed 340B rebate model generates an array of concerns among providers
Hospital advocates are pushing back on a fast-approaching rebate model for the 340B Drug Pricing Program, while a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report illustrates the accelerating spending in the program. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which administers 340B, previously announced that a pilot program to test the application of a rebate model…
The hospital tax exemption comes under scrutiny in Congress
At a time when concerns over reimbursement and costs already are intensifying, Congress recently held a hearing to discuss policy changes that could exert further pressure on the not-for-profit (NFP) hospital sector. A subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee met Sept. 16 to examine the NFP hospital tax exemption, soliciting proposals that could…
CMS describes how $50 billion will be distributed for rural healthcare
The Trump administration announced the application period for the Rural Health Transformation Program, giving states an opportunity to claim a piece of a $10 billion FY26 allotment on behalf of their hospitals and clinics. Created by the budget reconciliation bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the fund is set to disburse up…
A large health system says revenue could fall by at least $50 million if the ACA subsidies expire
With time running short to maintain enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplaces, health system leaders are trying to gauge the consequences of a potential mass disenrollment. Universal Health Services (UHS), a for-profit system that operates more than 400 care sites, is one of the few healthcare organizations to have publicly released…
CMS gives updates on upcoming Medicaid state-directed payment limits
CMS has issued guidance to Medicaid programs about implementing required restrictions on the state-directed payments (SDPs) made through Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). The budget reconciliation law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes a provision that all SDPs submitted after July 4 for hospitals must be limited to the Medicare rate…
Senate, House release diverging HHS budget proposals for FY26 (updated-2)
Note: This article was updated Sept. 16 with news about a short-term continuing funding resolution and Sept. 10 with new numbers for some provisions in the House appropriations bill. Sept. 16 update Republicans in the House are focusing on a short-term continuation of FY25 federal funding as the most direct route to avoiding a partial…
Report by HFMA and Eliciting Insights examines hospitals’ journey to realize the potential of AI
Although healthcare AI technology has been in the pipeline for years, new feedback suggests implementation remains a work in progress at hospitals and health systems. As described in an HFMA report produced with Eliciting Insights, most organizations are still striving to develop an AI strategy and install an AI governance structure. Findings of the report…