Medicare

Medicaid expansion significantly improves health coverage and access, yet several Southern states face a persistent coverage gap amid political challenges.

A study reveals that nearly 80% of US neurologists prescribing multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies received industry payments, influencing their prescribing patterns significantly.

Health insurers commit to reforming prior authorization processes, aiming to enhance patient care and reduce burdens on providers, impacting millions.

Given the track record of good outcomes and savings, policy leaders must do more to promote growth of for-profit PACE programs, the author asserts.

Proposed changes to the Physician Fee Schedule aim to support community oncology, but the Inflation Reduction Act threatens financial stability for practices.

A new survey reveals widespread consumer frustration with prior authorization, highlighting the need for urgent reform in insurance coverage.

Patients face increasing barriers to healthcare access as physician shortages rise and Medicare payment systems fail to support independent practices.

The rapidly increasing prescriptions for expensive specialty medications, rather than their price growth, are the primary driver of escalating dermatology Medicare Part D expenditures, necessitating policies that balance innovation, access, and affordability.

According to the American Medical Association, blame for the ongoing physician shortage may lie with overly burdensome administrative processes, an antiquated Medicare payment system, and lack of education for residents in primary care and psychiatry.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA, visited AtlantiCare leaders in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to discuss the need for legislative and regulatory reform, as well as the $50 billion Rural Transformation Program.

Apixaban would still cost patients 9 times more through the Eliquis 360 Support program than with commercial insurance.

The CMS Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced model was successful at reducing spending for outpatient procedures for patients receiving back and neck except spinal fusion treatments or procedures.

A new survey reveals that 80% of Americans not enrolled in Medicare are afraid that Medicare will not be there when they are eligible to enroll.

Falls can often lead to reduced mobility or long-term disability in adults 65 and older, but there are strategies beyond exercise that can help these patients stay independent longer.

Democratic leaders assert the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) remains vital for emergency care, countering confusion from recent policy changes affecting abortion rights and patient safety.

The Choose Medicare Act would establish a Medicare Part E that would give employers and the general public the ability to opt into the program.

Community oncology faces significant challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) drug pricing changes, risking financial stability and patient access to care.

Despite their profound sacrifices, veterans and active military members disproportionately face significant physical and mental health issues stemming from their service, with many struggling to access the affordable and comprehensive care they need.

HHS announces it is taking steps to implement President Trump’s Executive Order on prescription drug pricing. Keep up with the latest moves made in health policy under President Donald Trump's second administration. This timeline will be updated as orders and policy progress.

Physician groups under 2-sided risk–based Medicare Advantage provide care associated with higher quality and efficiency compared with care by these same groups under fee-for-service Medicare.

Enrollment in Medicare coverage without out-of-pocket protections was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting cost and access barriers to care.

Expanding Medicare coverage for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists could significantly reduce obesity-related health issues, but it also risks adding tens of billions in new costs, highlighting the need for smart policy strategies to ensure access, affordability, and long-term sustainability.

This study found no evidence that hospital employment of physicians resulted in physicians treating sicker patients, undercutting claims that hospital-employed physicians serve a higher-acuity patient mix.

With deadlines looming in 2026 and 2027 for compliance with the CMS Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Final Rule, a survey indicates a concerning lack of readiness among payers and providers to meet the new requirements for data sharing.

This study examined postdiagnosis breast cancer treatment outcomes for Medicare Advantage vs fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare in Ohio and found no significant differences overall but disparities for Black patients with FFS Medicare.