Providence’s financial turnaround plan delivers results in Q3
The nonprofit health system was in the black during the third quarter, boosted by higher patient volumes and improved labor efficiency.
Telehealth flexibilities reinstated as government shutdown ends
The pandemic-era virtual care policies are back in place through Jan. 30. But short-term deals aren’t sustainable, telehealth advocates and providers say.
More rural hospitals shutter labor and delivery units in 2025: report
Only 41% of rural hospitals in the U.S. deliver babies, according to a report by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. In some states, fewer than one-third of these facilities offer labor and delivery services.
Historic government shutdown ends, leaving ACA subsidies in limbo
The House passed a stopgap funding bill and President Donald Trump signed it late Wednesday, reopening the government without a clear path forward on preserving enhanced subsidies for ACA plans — Democrats’ chief demand.
Healthcare cost hikes in 2026 may be only slightly lower than 2025, WTW says
The increase remains “significantly higher” than the 7.6% seen in 2024.
Health insurers in government programs can’t seem to turn a profit
Major payers with a presence in the ACA, Medicare or Medicaid posted an average operating margin of -1.4% in the third quarter. The market “continues to be challenging,” complicating margin recovery plans, one expert said.
Richard Pazdur, longtime FDA oncology leader, to head agency’s main drug office
The appointment of Pazdur as CDER head comes shortly after the surprise ousting of George Tidmarsh and should quiet many of the “lingering uncertainties” surrounding the FDA, wrote one industry analyst.
FDA to remove safety warnings on hormonal menopause therapy
The decision, issued without the input of an official advisory committee, revises long-held labeling on the drugs cautioning the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Health system leaders need to evolve in the face of AI: report
C-suite executives surveyed said they think new technology leadership roles will become more important in the next three years, according to a report from the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Indiana approves controversial hospital merger despite FTC protests
Union Hospital and Terre Haute Regional are set to merge after getting the green light from Indiana’s health department over the objections of federal regulators in two administrations and the state’s own attorney general.