Medicaid, Drug Prices Could See Big Election Impacts
Nov. 7—On Tuesday, voters in three states approved expanding Medicaid eligibility to a total of more than 300,000 people.
Hospital Q3 Deals Active, But Off Recent Highs
Nov. 6—Hospital mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continued to set an aggressive pace in the third quarter of 2018, according to several tracking firms. However, the rate of deals was not this year’s fastest.
Hospitals Hit By 340B and Site-Neutral Medicare Cuts in New Rule
Nov. 5—Medicare pay cuts included in a new payment rule will affect the federal discount drug program and off-campus provider-based departments (PBDs).
Mixed News in Physician Payment Final Rule
Nov. 2—Leading physician advocacy groups are celebrating some provisions in the final rule issued by Medicare this week. But other components could cause problems.
Nov. 5-9: Azar to Discuss Primary Care Amid Expectations of New Models
Nov. 1—Primary care will draw the attention of the Trump administration next week, amid the expectation that upcoming payment models will focus on that segment.
Physicians Want APM Changes to Slow—Contrary to Administration’s Plans
Oct. 30—Physicians across the country are concerned about rapid changes in alternative payment models (APMs) and want the process to slow down, according to a recent study. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials say physicians should prepare for accelerated changes.
Hospital Advocates Concerned About Trump Drug Price Plan
Oct. 26—Hospitals would face uncertain financial impacts under a Medicare drug payment pilot announced this week.
Oct. 28-Nov. 2: As Open Enrollment Looms, Individual-Market Changes Coming
Oct. 25—Next week’s start of open enrollment for the individual health insurance marketplaces comes as the Trump administration moves forward with an overhaul.
Amid Headwinds, For-Profit Hospital Outlook Stays Stable
Oct. 24—The outlook among for-profit hospitals remains stable over the coming 18 months, according to Moody’s Investors Service.
Medicaid Managed Care Overhaul Could Follow Election
Oct. 23—A so-called mega rule to overhaul federal standards for Medicaid health plans could come days after the midterm election, an industry leader said this week.