Updated documentation requirements in Medicare could add burden on healthcare providers
Citing concerns about improper payments, CMS issued a regulatory update that expands Medicare prior authorization and other documentation requirements starting April 13. The regulations are most meaningful for vendors of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), but the operations of hospitals and other front-line providers stand to be affected as well. Increased documentation…
New administrative mandate for hospitals signed into law as part of FY26 appropriations
Note: The headline and lead section of this article were updated with news that Congress passed the appropriations bill. The FY26 appropriations bill signed Feb. 3 by President Donald Trump leaves hospitals with two years to prepare for a new administrative obligation pertaining to off-campus outpatient departments (OPDs). The package, which passed the Senate last…
The shutdown continues, plus the latest on 340B
HFMA Senior Editor Nick Hut and HFMA Policy Director Shawn Stack discuss the latest in healthcare finance news.
Healthcare fraud enforcement ramps up in the Trump administration, with implications for all stakeholders
Even as hospital leaders consider how to manage decreased reimbursement and higher costs, federal fraud enforcement continues to have some of the most significant financial stakes of any healthcare industry issue. Rather than taking a hands-off approach, the Trump administration is maintaining and even expanding the Biden administration’s push in this area. Two months ago,…
Latest on the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement: Numbers revealed on filed claims, opt-outs (updated)
Oct. 8 update The lead attorneys for the class of plaintiffs in the Blue Cross Blue Shield provider litigation are highlighting portions of the judge’s final approval of the $2.8 billion settlement, saying his comments should provide reassurance about the ability to bring future litigation against the Blues. Per the settlement terms, participants cannot sue…
Trump’s big bill’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder
HFMA Senior Editor Nick Hut talks with policy directors Shawn Stack and Andrew Donahue about the hospital impact of the Big Beautiful Bill. Garett Jackson from Intuitive Health talks about a hybrid emergency department/urgent care model to cut down on ED overuse.
HHS restructuring and the federal budget
HFMA’s Nick Hut and Shawn Stack talk about the latest from Washington.
What DOGE’s actions mean for U.S. healthcare
HFMA Senior Editor Rich Daly talks about his hfm cover story about DOGE and the healthcare industry. HFMA’s Nick Hut and Shawn Stack talk about the 340B drug pricing program.
2025-2026 healthcare policies timeline
The Trump administration and the Republican-led Congress have launched a flurry of healthcare initiatives and proposals since their first days. To help readers keep track of the wave of initiatives, below is a timeline of federal actions and our related coverage. All dates below are for 2025, unless marked “2026.” Executive Actions Aug. 25: Healthcare…
DOGE has plans for HHS. Here’s what could happen next.
Nick Hut and Shawn Stack discuss DOGE cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services and what they could mean for patients and providers.