Politics

Lawmakers crafted a package to fund the government through the fall. Health systems gained some wins, but physicians bemoaned cuts in Medicare payments.

President Biden outlined some healthcare priorities in his annual address to Congress, including lower prescription costs and expanding research.

Hospitals are facing ‘a financial cliff’ from the attack on the UnitedHealth Group subsidiary. Officials warn the crisis threatens the solvency of some providers.

The fifth annual event hailed progress in drawing more attention to gun deaths as a public health threat, and growing interest from healthcare executives to take action.

The initiative was announced at Northwell Health’s annual forum on gun violence. Officials said it’s a step in a goal of raising $40 million over the next two years.

The legendary band is slated to perform a show to benefit Power to the Patients, a nonprofit organization pushing to change the health system.

Providers are pausing procedures, saying they can’t risk prosecution of physicians or patients. The state’s Supreme Court has ruled that embryos have the same legal rights as children.

Gov. Maura Healey pressed Steward Health Care to begin a ‘safe, orderly transition’ amid the system’s financial struggles, and warns that the state will close beds and transfer patients if needed.

Hospital advocates have called for a new designation to support “essential hospitals” that serve disadvantaged communities. Two House members have crafted a bill to do it.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is asking HSHS to delay the closings, which are slated to happen in the spring. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has expressed disappointment at the lack of notice.

A group of healthcare leaders is setting out to change federal policy to help hospitals pay for nursing staff.

The legislation would allow terminally ill patients to get medications to end their lives, and it’s inspiring fierce debate.

Lisa Kidder Hrobsky of the American Hospital Association talks about Medicare and Medicaid funding, extending telehealth, protecting workers, and more.

ECRI placed artificial intelligence high on its ranking of trouble spots. Marcus Schabacker, president and CEO of ECRI, explains his concerns.

Federal regulators are suing to prevent Novant Health from acquiring the facilities and other clinics from Community Health Systems. Novant health says it is willing to go to court.

The Department of Health & Human Services tells hospitals they must respect the rights of patients and visitors. The agency cited troubling examples of improper treatment.

The University of Kansas Health System and Liberty Hospital plan to come together, but Andrew Bailey says Missouri’s lawmakers must approve the deal.

A Commonwealth Fund survey shows strong support for reducing waste and emissions. Hospitals and health systems have been under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact.

The Federal Trade Commission has opposed mergers that it says could lead to higher prices or reduced services. Now, the FTC wants more information on planned deals.

The AHA’s Rick Pollack talked with Joanne Conroy, the new board chairwoman of the AHA, about top issues in Washington over the coming year.

The CMS regulations will streamline the process and move toward electronic prior authorization. But some healthcare groups want quicker responses and additional help from lawmakers.

Gov. Phil Murphy called for lawmakers to craft legislation so residents ‘don’t have to start a GoFundMe campaign.’ New York’s governor has also pushed debt relief measures.

Providers could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars if they are caught limiting the exchange of patient data. The American Hospital Associations says the penalties are excessive.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing legislation to prevent health systems from suing patients below certain income limits to collect medical debts.