Industry News
The Supreme Court, Medication Abortion, and the FDA
The Supreme Court is poised to make crucial decisions regarding medication abortion and the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These decisions have significant implications for women's health, regulatory power, and the availability of abortion services across the United States.
Medicaid Redeterminations and Their Impact on Insurers
As the process of Medicaid redeterminations begins, major players in the health insurance market are experiencing significant impacts. Companies like UnitedHealth, Centene, and others are adapting to these changes, which affect millions of Americans and the stability of the insurance market.
New Opportunities to Enroll in Health Coverage
With recent changes to enrollment periods, there are now more opportunities for individuals to enroll in health coverage, including Medicare. This expansion aims to make it easier for people to get the coverage they need, when they need it.
CMS Urged to Address Health Insurance Twisting
Consumer advocates and health experts are urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to take stronger action against "twisting" practices in the health insurance industry. Twisting occurs when insurers persuade policyholders to switch policies unnecessarily, often leading to higher costs and reduced coverage for consumers.
IDPH Announces Plan for Maternal Health
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has unveiled a comprehensive $1.7 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, with a significant focus on improving maternal health. This initiative, spearheaded by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, aims to address and reduce the disparities in maternal health outcomes across the state.
E-Prescribing Mandate in Illinois: What You Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2024, Illinois will require all healthcare providers who prescribe controlled substances to submit prescriptions electronically. This new legislation, known as the E-Prescribing Mandate, aims to enhance patient safety, reduce prescription errors, and combat prescription drug abuse by ensuring more secure and accurate prescribing practices.
Utilization Management Head to Governor
Recent changes to health insurance regulations in Illinois aim to address utilization management practices, streamlining processes for patients and improving access to necessary treatments. The new legislation, which has been passed by the Illinois General Assembly, is now awaiting the governor's signature. These changes promise to enhance the way healthcare is managed and accessed in the state.
Ways and Means Committee passes bill to extend Medicare telehealth
A new House bill aims to extend payments for telehealth and hospital-at-home services, crucial innovations that became widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation could significantly change how people receive medical care, making it more accessible and convenient for many Americans.
Medicaid Unwinding Post-COVID
Explore the critical findings from the KFF Survey on Medicaid Unwinding after COVID-19, detailing the challenges of over 20 million disenrolled and the ongoing impact on health and coverage. Learn about the difficulties faced during renewal, the disparity between states, and the urgent call for policy improvements.
Novo Nordisk’s Sudden Discontinuation of Essential Insulin Brand
In a recent move that sparked significant concern, Novo Nordisk, a major pharmaceutical company, announced the discontinuation of Levemir, a widely used long-acting insulin, prompting urgent inquiries from U.S. Senators. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have voiced their alarm and are demanding explanations from the company, citing concerns over patient access to affordable insulin alternatives.
