Politics

Congress approved funds for the National Institutes of Health a year ago, and the money must be used by the end of September. Hospitals and medical schools are waiting.

The American Nurses Association’s president says there are ‘serious questions’ after the removal of the CDC director and resignation of top officials.

Medical groups protested the removal of Susan Monarez, and warn the agency’s credibility is being threatened. Lawmakers say they want answers.

The FDA signed off on updated shots, but they imposed new guidelines that could limit access, critics say. Healthcare groups want the shots to be more widely available.

The Department of Health & Human Services says Susan Monarez is no longer leading the CDC. Her attorneys say she wouldn’t sign off on ‘unscientific’ directives and sought to protect the public.

A bipartisan bill is aimed at giving consumers more insight into how much hospital services would cost.

Sachin Jain and Margaret O’Kane talk about the pressing challenges and the need to focus on the bigger problems with cost, access and keeping Americans healthy.

Hospitals have been struggling with high volumes of patients who have stayed in emergency departments for hours, even days. The measure has the backing of Republicans and Democrats.

Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota says canceling research contracts sets back research, and follows other troubling changes in federal vaccine policy.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that he’s ending nearly $500 million in contracts. Critics, including the former surgeon general under President Trump, say mRNA vaccines have saved millions.

Some health systems are faring better financially so far this year, but performance varies widely. Hospitals are facing higher supply costs, including rising drug prices.

Several healthcare organizations spoke out after they said they’re being excluded from advising a federal committee on vaccine recommendations.

The CMS issues its final 2026 inpatient payment rule, leaving hospitals less than satisfied. They point to other cuts in aid putting more pressure on health systems.

On the anniversary of the program covering tens of millions of Americans, health leaders warn that impending cuts could hurt vulnerable Americans.

Cuts to Medicaid will be devastating to children’s health nationwide. These programs cover half of all children in the country.

More health systems have launched programs to provide acute care in the home. Lawmakers are working to ensure those programs can continue.

The president’s tax package shifts more burden to states running Medicaid programs, while making it tougher to finance them.

The tax package approved this month will lead to fewer people having Medicaid coverage. Experts say it will result in more deaths that could be prevented.

Health systems hoped for more for outpatient clinics and surgery centers, but other federal proposals are drawing the ire of hospitals.

Several groups have sued Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, says they want to protect Americans.

The legislation includes a provision ensuring Americans can get access to telehealth on a pre-deductible basis. Kyle Zebley of the American Telemedicine Association says the measure helps millions of patients.

Lawmakers added a $50 billion fund to aid rural hospitals, but healthcare leaders say the money won’t offset other losses due to Medicaid cuts.

Several state hospital groups are warning of reduced access to care for patients, and more financial pressures for health systems. Hospitals can’t just absorb cuts, they said.

Health systems say the passage of the legislation means millions will lose Medicaid coverage. They warn that hospitals could reduce services or shut down.

Pediatric hospitals treat a high volume of patients who are covered by Medicaid. Matt Cook, president of the Children’s Hospital Association, says Medicaid cuts will mean less resources to treat more patients.