Impact of H-1B Visa Fee on Hospitals in Underserved and Rural Areas
The new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas is expected to detract from the ability of providers in low-income and rural areas to serve their communities. Providers – especially hospitals – in such areas typically operate on very low margins and [...]
The Struggle to Help Prove Medicaid Eligibility
With new Medicaid work rules scheduled to take effect in 42 states by the end of 2026, policymakers are working to find new, better ways to enable Medicaid applicants to demonstrate that they are meeting Medicaid work and community engagement [...]
Senate Committee Looks at 340B
Last week the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on the 340B Drug Pricing Program to discuss its growth and impact on patients. Among other subjects, the committee reviewed the importance of the 340B program; [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for October 23
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for October 17 - 23. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Please note that most HHS and other health care-related agencies have [...]
Governors Form New Health Care Coalition
The governors of 15 states have joined forces to create a new organization. The governors – all Democrats – announced the launch of the Governors Public Health Alliance, a group they say is “…designed to protect the health of people [...]
Feds Clarify H-1B Visa Payment Requirement
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued guidance on new restrictions on H-1B visas issued in a presidential proclamation on September 19. The new guidance explains that for the requirement of a $100,000 payment to apply for such a [...]
Senate Committee to Look at 340B
The 340B prescription drug discount program will be the subject of a hearing to be held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Thursday, October 23. The hearing will explore the growth of the program and whether [...]
Hospital at Home Program in Limbo
Medicare’s Acute Hospital Care at Home program is in limbo after the law authorizing it lapsed at the end of the 2025 federal fiscal year on September 30. As a result of this loss of authorization, CMS directed the more [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for October 16
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for October 10 - 16. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Please note that most HHS and other health care-related agencies have [...]
Medicaid DSH Cuts Have (Seemingly) Arrived
Cuts in Medicaid disproportionate share payments, mandated in 2010 under the Affordable Care Act to take effect in 2014 but delayed by Congress ever since, are now scheduled to begin taking effect because Congress’s latest extension of the delay lapsed [...]
