RFK Jr. officially becomes HHS secretary as pressing healthcare policy questions mount
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in Feb. 13 as the new secretary of HHS, and current events in healthcare policy make clear that he’ll be busy in the role. With the Senate having confirmed him by a partisan vote of 52-48, Kennedy faces urgent matters aside from generating momentum for his signature policy of…
New medical debt rule already is just about null and void
The future is shaky at best for a new rule preventing medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports. The Biden administration’s leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published the regulations in mid-January, with an effective date of March 17. But the Trump administration pushed back the effective date back by 90 days,…
Public’s hospital views dive due to finances
The public's trust in hospitals has flipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 76% believing hospitals are primarily focused on revenue rather than patient care, while 24% still prioritizing patient care.
New tariffs are expected to strain the healthcare supply chain
March 3 update: Trump says the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will begin March 4 as scheduled, while the tariff on China is doubling to 20%. Tariffs implemented by the Trump administration will affect costs in the healthcare supply chain, and the impact would be expected to grow if the original plan for the…
Addressing social determinants of health in revenue cycle management
Integrating SDoH into RCM provides equitable care and improves financial outcomes. By addressing economic and social barriers early in the RCM process, providers enhance patient experiences and reduce costs. This approach aligns with value-based care models and improves overall health outcomes.
Various 340B issues mean potential headaches for providers in 2025
The 340B Drug Pricing Program, a key source of cost savings for participating hospitals, faces intensifying pressure in the early part of the new year. Drug companies are pursuing efforts to limit the ability of hospitals to realize their full allotment of savings, while Congress eyes the program as a possible way to trim federal…
Latest on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces: Will recent enrollment surge be short-lived?
In its final days, the Biden administration tried to cement gains made during the past few years in the uptake of insurance coverage provided through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. A final rule published Jan. 15 seeks to carry the recent momentum into 2026 via small steps and technical updates such as changes to…
‘The responsibility is to work together’: HFMA’s Jordan, other healthcare leaders discuss how stakeholders are navigating turbulent times
With a new presidential administration bringing the potential for drastic changes and emotions about the industry running high, significant strain is on healthcare leaders. The best response is to search for opportunities to collaborate in the promotion of patient-centered policies, according to insights from a Jan. 24 conference hosted by the University of Miami’s Herbert…
Where do we go now? Action needed to address public dissatisfaction with U.S. healthcare
Healthcare providers are examining their approaches to understanding and responding to mounting discontent, including addressing access, affordability and elimination of friction, as part of their responsibility to get healthcare right.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. articulates his views on chronic disease, vaccines, Medicaid
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will seek to chart a new course for U.S. healthcare if he becomes HHS secretary, he explained during a Jan. 29 confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. “President Trump has asked me to end the chronic disease epidemic and make America healthy again because I’m in a unique position to…