News

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Jan. 27 released a bulletin addressing how direct-to-consumer drug programs can sell prescription drugs to patients with federal health care program coverage at lower costs without violating the Anti-Kickback Statute.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Jan. 27 announced 15 drugs under Medicare Parts D and B selected for the third round of price negotiations.

A KFF analysis released Jan. 28 found that Medicare Advantage insurers made nearly 53 million prior authorization determinations in 2024, an increase from 49.8 million in 2023.

Ji Im, system senior director of community and population health at CommonSpirit Health, explores why seamless navigation, community partnerships and human connection are essential to reducing

Two AHA guides offer strategies for hospitals and health systems in preparing for public health emergencies and disasters and managing cybersecurity incidents.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Jan.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Jan. 26 released proposed changes to Medicare Advantage plan capitation rates and Part D payment policies for calendar year 2027, which the agency estimates will result in a net average year-over-year increase of 0.09% in MA plan payments, or $700 million.

The AHA has released an issue brief on the role of peer support specialists in behavioral health.

The AHA Jan. 26 urged the Health Resources and Services Administration to take immediate action to stop a new Eli Lilly and Company policy from taking effect on Feb. 1, including by “assessing civil monetary penalties for intentionally overcharging 340B hospitals.”

The number of active medical residents grew in 2024-2025, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth, according to a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury have added Dane Street, LLC as a new independent dispute resolution entity, bringing the total number to 16.

The AHA Jan. 26 released a white paper on addressing challenges in implementing an advanced explanation of benefits, which requires coordination among multiple providers, health plans and IT systems.

The AHA Jan. 26 expressed support and provided its perspective on certain provisions within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed rule for policies governing the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs for contract year 2027.

This year I’ll be continuing the AHA Leadership Dialogue series and talking with health care, business and community leaders on trending topics in the field.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a guide to improve coordination between 988 lifeline and 911 emergency services.

A JAMA study released Jan. 22 found that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under age 50. The study examined cancer mortality in the U.S. among the five leading causes from 1990 through 2023.

The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross today released a joint statement urging blood donations as winter weather could further disrupt supply amid an ongoing shortage.

More than 57 million rural Americans depend on their hospital not only as an important source of care but also as a critical component of their area's economic and social framework. Rural hospitals also face the same difficulties shared by many hospitals — including financial stress, workforce shortages, and inadequate reimbursement from government payers like Medicare and Medicaid, just to name a few. The AHA is engaged in many advocacy efforts to support rural hospitals and ensure access to care in rural communities.

The House Jan.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and Ways and Means Committee Jan. 22 hosted hearings on health care affordability that included testimony from leaders of five major commercial health insurers: Stephen Hemsley, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, David Joyner, chairman and CEO of CVS Health, Gail Boudreaux, president and CEO of Elevance Health, David Cordani, president, CEO and chairman of the board of The Cigna Group, and Paul Markovich, president and CEO of Ascendiun. Both hearings focused on rising health care costs and access challenges under commercial coverage. The AHA shared statements with both committees that discussed the current landscape of affordability and how the insurance market has driven health care costs upward.