Healthcare policy news covering health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, hospital regulations, and healthcare reform legislation.
More than 28,000 residents in Cuyahoga County have lost Medicaid coverage following federal changes under President Trump's legislation. Broader work requirements and eligibility changes impacting approximately 87,000 additional Ohioans through the Affordable Care Act expansion are set to begin January 1.
The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold its first congressional hearing on menopause, pushed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. The hearing will address research gaps, treatment, and insurance coverage for the condition affecting over 75 million women.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to urgently develop live-streaming cameras for England's baby wards following the Thirlwall Inquiry into Lucy Letby's crimes. The inquiry criticized hospital management for a complete failure to protect infants and noted missed opportunities to intervene earlier.
A lawsuit alleges that Medicare's AI-driven WISeR pilot program resulted in alarmingly high denial rates for beneficiary claims across six states. The litigation seeks information regarding the program's operation amid warnings about vendor readiness, following reports that one vendor was placed on corrective action for denying more claims than it approved.
Senator Bill Cassidy criticizes the Trump administration’s vaccine policies, arguing they undermine public health and contradict the 'Make America Healthy Again' pledge. He contends that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions have eroded trust in immunization, risking measles resurgence and political consequences for Republicans.
Medicare is expanding its ACCESS pilot program to include substance use disorder, heart failure, COPD, tobacco use, and long-term musculoskeletal support. The expansion introduces outcome-aligned payments for providers starting in spring 2027, building on the model originally launched last year for conditions like diabetes.
André Picard argues that Canada’s decentralized healthcare system fails to provide consistent access to the shingles vaccine, leaving many seniors vulnerable to severe pain. He advocates for universal public coverage to improve vaccination rates and prevent debilitating health outcomes.
KFF Health News argues that despite rising healthcare costs and lack of insurance affecting residents in Georgia’s most conservative congressional district, political loyalty to Donald Trump remains strong. The article illustrates this paradox through the experience of a uninsured family who continues to support GOP leadership despite economic hardship.
Senator Andy Kim argued Democrats should campaign on guaranteed coverage and universal care rather than endorsing Medicare for All. Citing his MediKids proposal for those under 26, he expressed uncertainty about Republican willingness to reverse Medicaid cuts or ACA subsidy reductions while noting strong Democratic enthusiasm in Texas.
UK Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has stated that the situation facing the National Health Service requires a decisive shift in policy or practice. Her comments were released concurrently with news coverage regarding the Lucy Letby case, signaling a focus on systemic reform.