Federal Health Policy Update for December 4
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for November 21 through December 4. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Congress Congress is back in session to discuss the Affordable [...]
CMS Lays Groundwork for Medicaid Provider Taxes Regulations
In a message to state Medicaid programs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has laid preliminary groundwork for how it intends to interpret new limits on Medicaid provider taxes enacted under H.R. 1, a law passed in July that [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for November 20
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for November 14-20. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Medicare and Telehealth In guidance issued Thursday afternoon, CMS notes that on November [...]
Medicare, Medicaid Regulations Logjam Should Soon End
The shutdown of the federal government brought the usual flow of Medicare and Medicaid regulations to an almost complete halt. Now that the shutdown has ended, the logjam should end fairly quickly – and with a sense of urgency. Currently, [...]
Health Care and the End of the Shutdown
Passage last week of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government brought the 43-day shutdown to an end – and relief for many health care organizations, especially community safety-net hospitals, and the people and communities they serve. The final [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for November 13
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for November 7-13. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Please note that during the federal government shutdown, most HHS and other health [...]
Labor and Delivery Situation Worsens at Rural Hospitals
Rural America continues to experience the loss of hospital labor and delivery services. With 2025 not yet over, more rural hospitals – 27 – have closed or are in the process of closing their labor and delivery services than did [...]
Applications Highlight Rural Health Targets
Chronic disease prevention. Greater access to mobile health services. Rural clinician recruitment. Improved emergency medical services. Technological advancements. These are among the priorities articulated by rural states in their applications for federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds according to a [...]
Hospitals Dealing With More Self-Pay Patients, Uncompensated Care
Driven by patients’ loss of health insurance, coverage gaps in insurance policies, an increase in high-deductible plans, and the post-COVID changes in Medicaid eligibility, hospitals are encountering growing numbers of uninsured and self-pay patients. In response, they are pursuing ways [...]
Senate Bill Includes Provisions Vital to Community Safety-Net Hospitals
Last weekend the Senate passed a bill that could, if negotiated successfully with and adopted by the House, temporarily end the current federal government shutdown. Included in the Senate-passed bill are so-called health care extenders that are especially important to [...]
