Rural Health Awards Announced Alongside New Agency
Beginning this year, all 50 states will receive a portion of the $50 billion allocated for rural health in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" enacted last year. The $50 billion was a demand by Senate Republicans to counter significant cuts to Medicaid and other health programs under the law.
New Model Aims to Expand Access to GLP-1 Medications
In December, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new voluntary model designed to enable Medicare Part D plans and state Medicaid agencies to cover GLP-1 medications used for weight management and metabolic health improvement.
Senate Talks on Health Care Bill Stall While Appropriations Negotiation Continue
Following bipartisan House passage January 8 of a three-year extension of expired Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), the Senate was expected to announce a bipartisan deal to address health care costs.
Take Action on Prior Authorization Bill Before January 22
Supporters of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (Seniors’ Act) are ramping up grassroots advocacy in advance of House congressional hearings with insurance company executives to ensure that prior authorization is a centerpiece of the hearings.
Insurance Executives to Testify on Capitol Hill January 22
Republican Committee leaders for the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees have announced a hearing with five of the biggest health insurance company CEOs on the subject of making health care more affordable.
New Elevance Health Non-Participating Provider Policy for Anthem Plans
Effective January 1, 2026, Anthem participating facilities that use non-participating (out-of-network) care providers and who provide care to Anthem members in an inpatient or outpatient setting will risk being subject to corrective measures including a 10 percent payment penalty or termination f
ACIP Votes Against Universal Birth-Dose of Hep B Vaccine
On December 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to drop the recommendation for a universal birth hepatitis B vaccine dose and replaced it with a recommendation that th
Applications for New Chronic Care Payment Model Opens in January
A new voluntary Medicare payment model set to launch July 1, 2026, will test technology-supported care to improve health and prevent and manage chronic disease.
A new bill introduced by Reps. Julie Johnson (D-TX) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) would limit prescription drug prior authorizations used by Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Part D plans to once per year for patients with autoimmune diseases or blood disorders.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a new Medicare value-based payment model that supports evidence-based, whole-person care approaches, including functional or lifestyle medicine interventions.
Administration Issues Clarifying Guidance on H-1B Petitions
On Oct. 20, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published additional guidance regarding H-1B petitions following the issuance of a proclamation by President Trump on Sept. 19, 2025 that orders prospective employers to pay an additional $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions for workers abroad, effective Sept. 21, 2025.
