Tag: Health Policy

Phoebe Putney Hospital’s Role in Albany’s Health Crisis: A U.S. Care System Case Study

An in-depth analysis of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital's impact on health outcomes and healthcare economics in Albany, Georgia, highlighting challenges in access, costs, and community relations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS Proposes Overhaul of Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, Shifts Focus to Outcomes

CMS proposes major changes to Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, removing administrative measures and focusing on patient outcomes with mixed reactions from healthcare stakeholders.

FEHB Program Faces Rising Premiums Amid Aging Workforce and Market Pressures

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program will see more than 12% premium increases in 2026 following a 13.5% hike in 2025 amid higher costs from aging workforce, prescription drugs, and hospital consolidation, impacting federal employees' coverage choices.

Understanding U.S. Healthcare Billing Complexities and Insurance Impacts

Explore the complexities of healthcare billing, Medicare's role, insurance costs, and the implications for patients in the U.S. healthcare system.

Bipartisan Bill Expands Medicare ACO Participation to NPs and PAs

The bipartisan ACO Assignment Improvement Act aims to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Medicare's Accountable Care Organizations, expanding access to coordinated, high-quality care and boosting cost savings.

Senate HELP Committee Debates Solutions for ACA Premium Tax Credit Expiration

Senate HELP Committee discusses the impact of expiring enhanced premium tax credits and explores bipartisan solutions to improve health insurance affordability under the ACA.

CMS Negotiates Discounts on 15 Drugs, Including Cancer Therapies

CMS has secured significant price reductions on 15 drugs including costly cancer treatments, impacting Medicare Part B pricing and healthcare costs.

MedPAC Reports Stable Medicare Hospital Sector, Proposes Targeted Support for Safety-Net Facilities

MedPAC's 2024 report finds stability in Medicare hospitals with rising service use and improved finances. Proposes $1B for hospitals serving more low-income patients and supports site-neutral payment expansion.

Senate Bill Proposes Three-Year Extension of ACA Enhanced Subsidies with Significant Deficit Impact

Senate Democrats propose a bill extending ACA enhanced subsidies through 2028, impacting federal deficits and repealing recent program integrity measures amid rising health care costs.

Colorado Health Insurance Enrollment Dips Amid Rising Premiums and Expiring Federal Subsidies

Colorado health insurance enrollment declines slightly for 2026 amid premium increases and federal subsidy expirations, with state assistance programs mitigating coverage gaps.