Significant Staff Cuts at U.S. Public Health Agencies Threaten Infrastructure and Preparedness
Major staff and budget cuts at key U.S. public health agencies like CDC and FDA risk weakening national health infrastructure and crisis preparedness.
U.S. Pharmaceutical Regulation and Pricing: April 2025 Update
April 2025 update on U.S. pharmaceutical regulation highlights executive orders, budget changes, CMS policies, IRA litigation, and 340B program developments shaping drug pricing and access.
Senate Bill Proposes Clear Medicare Payment Pathway for AI Medical Devices
The Health Tech Investment Act aims to create a consistent Medicare payment system for FDA-approved AI medical devices, enhancing patient access and improving healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Oz sworn in as CMS administrator, Amid Focus on Medicare and Medicaid Reform
Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed as CMS leader, emphasizing Medicare and Medicaid modernization, targeting fraud, and navigating potential Medicaid funding challenges amid federal budget pressures.
Regulatory Inspection Update: Holly Hill Mental Health Hospital Compliance with Medicare Standards
Holly Hill mental health hospital in North Carolina addresses CMS and NCDHHS compliance issues to maintain Medicare program eligibility. Follow-up inspection results pending.
CMS Releases CY 2026 Final Rule Updating Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs
CMS finalizes key elements of the CY 2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D final rule, including insulin coverage expansion, Prescription Payment Plan codification, pharmacy data requirements, and updated enrollee protections.
CMS Raises 2026 Medicare Advantage Reimbursement, Adjusts Drug Coverage Policies
CMS increases 2026 Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates to 5.06%, easing insurer pressures while adjusting policies on obesity drug coverage and billing practices.
CMS Advances Healthcare Interoperability, Administrative Burden Reduction Initiatives
CMS drives healthcare efficiency with initiatives like the HL7 FHIR Connectathon, Oklahoma directory pilot, HIPAA updates, and new prior authorization rules for Medicare and Medicaid.
Trump Administration Proposes One-Third Cut to HHS Budget with Major Agency Restructures
The Trump administration's 2026 draft budget proposes a one-third reduction in HHS funding, affecting NIH, CDC, CMS, and rural health programs, with key agency restructures and policy shifts.
Democratic Governors Challenge Proposed Federal Rule Restricting State Health Insurance Marketplaces
Democratic governors oppose Trump-era CMS rule limiting state control over ACA health insurance marketplaces, citing disruption to enrollment, eligibility, and essential benefits coverage.