Politics

A new American Hospital Association report shows cost increases outpacing inflation, and growing burdens from Medicare Advantage plans. The report comes as Congress weighs cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs.

President Trump has issued an executive order calling for health systems to make it easier for consumers to compare prices. Some also want to address wide variances in prices.

The president has eliminated some health programs and laid off thousands. Advocacy groups are looking to preserve funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

Prospect Medical Holdings is shutting down Crozer and its two hospitals in the Philadelphia area. Officials say they are seeking legislation to prevent it from happening again.

The company reported solid earnings in the first quarter, but like many hospital systems, HCA is anxious to get a better sense of federal policies and their impact.

A new study finds reduced levels of burnout since the arrival of COVID-19, but burnout continues to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

The NIH and CDC could see billions in cuts in the draft proposal. The plan could be revised and Congress would still have to approve the spending plan.

The president’s order to lower prices of prescription drugs could lead to reduced payments to the 340B drug pricing program, hospitals say.

After earlier expectations of an uptick in deals this year, health systems appear to be more cautious in an unpredictable economic climate.

The new head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says states shouldn’t use Medicaid money for surgeries or hormone treatments in minors.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a modest bump in payments for inpatient care. Hospitals say the government needs to do more.

The American Public Health Association’s director calls on Kennedy to step down as the nation’s health secretary. The group cites Kennedy’s staff cuts, reorganization and his refusal to promote vaccination.

About 1,200 at the National Institutes of Health are being forced out, including some key leaders. The cuts are part of the broader layoffs and reorganization of the Department of Health & Human Services.

Healthcare leaders say they’re concerned about the prospect of higher costs on medical devices as President Trump unveils new tariffs. Providers say it’s difficult to pass on the costs.

The Senate voted to install Mehmet Oz as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health systems have been worried about cuts to Medicaid.

David Skorton, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, says the HHS reorganization will hurt health and research programs.

The Health & Human Services Department began terminating 10,000 workers Tuesday. Public health leaders say the cuts undermine efforts to protect the health and safety of Americans.

Robert Califf, who led the Food & Drug Administration under former President Biden, said most leaders with knowledge of safety are gone.

There's broad optimism for a rise in transactions this year, but some headwinds could slow the pace of deal activity, according to a new report from BRG.

Tom Cotter, CEO of the Health Response Alliance, said the reductions could undermine efforts to track diseases and prepare for future pandemics. He’s worried about a preparedness program for hospitals.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is reducing its workforce by 20,000 and merging divisions. Health leaders and some lawmakers say the moves will hurt public health and safety.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says it will combine divisions and plans to close half of its regional offices. The department says it will save $1.8 billion.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is taking back $11 billion it provided to state and local health departments. States are evaluating the impact of the cuts.

Hospital leaders say reduced state aid could force painful choices, especially as providers worry about less support from the federal government.

The president nominated Monarez after pulling his first choice, Dave Weldon, due to a lack of support. Advocates hope Monarez can be a voice for science.