Explore how the expansion of Medicare Advantage plans affects rural hospitals, reimbursement rates, patient access, and marketing practices impacting Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers in the U.S.

The U.S. government passed H.R. 5371, ending the shutdown and extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 2026, ensuring continued coverage and retroactive payments for telehealth claims.

CMS introduces the Ambulatory Specialty Model, a new mandatory payment model for specialists treating low back pain and heart failure, effective from 2027 to improve care quality and reduce costs.

Examining Aetna's new inpatient payment policy for Medicare Advantage plans, its conflicts with Medicare's Two-Midnight Rule, and implications for hospital reimbursement and compliance.

The CARE Act proposes a Medicare pilot program to reimburse EMS providers for on-scene care, aiming to reduce unnecessary ER visits and enhance EMS capacity.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly agree to lower GLP-1 drug prices in exchange for expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage, marking a major shift in U.S. drug pricing and access.

Bipartisan Senate talks progress on ending the U.S. government shutdown with a plan to reopen and schedule an Obamacare subsidy vote. Key budget and appropriations issues remain ahead.

CMS finalized the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule with minor reforms and introduced an interactive dashboard tracking payment rates across Medicare payment systems starting January 2026.

Senate GOP leaders consider offering a future vote on ACA subsidy extensions to break the government shutdown deadlock amid health insurance market concerns.

ACA federal tax credits supporting over 20 million Americans face expiration amid 2025 government shutdown, causing health insurance premium spikes, notably in New York counties. Understand the regulatory and market impacts for insurers and insureds.