US health spending to surpass $7T by 2031, CMS actuaries say
The unwinding of the COVID-19 public health emergency and recent legislation are expected to influence health spending across the country’s major payers over the next decade.
AMA takes on AI, Medicare payment at annual meeting
The medical lobby this week also approved recommendations meant to prevent overdoses, reduce gun violence and pare back physician reliance on body mass index.
New York to approve staffing requirement in critical care units
On Thursday, New York is expected to approve a component of its 2021 staffing law that requires one nurse for every two critical care patients.
Large, geographically diverse insurers see ‘very stable’ operating performance
A report from Fitch Ratings found the group — which includes UnitedHealth, Elevance Health, Cigna and Humana — benefit from a strong market share that aids them in negotiations with providers.
Medicare Advantage overpayments could exceed $75B this year, study finds
The figure is almost triple prior estimates of MA overpayments, highlighting the need for payment reform to avoid overtaxing the Medicare system, researchers said.
UnitedHealth expects higher medical costs in Q2 as delayed care makes comeback
The insurer expects its medical loss ratio in the second quarter to reach or exceed its full-year target. UnitedHealth’s stock, along with that of other major Medicare payers, fell in Wednesday morning trading as a result.
New York becomes 35th state to extend Medicaid, CHIP postpartum coverage
The extension guarantees access to care for 12 months following pregnancy — up from the previously guaranteed 60 days.
Expanded federal safety net during COVID led to improved health access for adults, report finds
Between 2019 and 2022, fewer adults reported taking on medical debt or forgoing medical care due to cost, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Uber Health adds grocery, over-the-counter item delivery
Uber Health, which already provides non-emergency medical transportation and prescription delivery, has been expanding beyond medical transportation to care coordination across multiple benefits.
HHS offers aid amid coverage losses from Medicaid redeterminations
In a letter to governors, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra urged states to adopt new flexibilities to limit coverage losses due to administrative barriers.