As drug costs rise, employers would like to see reforms extend to commercial space: Business Group
Paige Minemyer | Aug 23, 2023 The cost of pharmaceuticals is a key topic for policymakers on the Hill, and it should come as no surprise that it’s also a major concern for employers across the country. The Business Group on Health released its annual survey of large employers this week and found that 91%…
Rural hospitals feel squeeze from Medicare Advantage
Arielle Dreher | August 21, 2023 Already struggling rural hospitals see an increasing financial threat from the steady growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment. Why it matters: Lacking the bargaining powers of their larger peers who depend on commercial payers to turn a profit, some rural hospitals are losing money on private coverage like Medicare Advantage….
Hospital M&A deal volume returns to pre-pandemic levels as systems seek out complementary services
Dave Muoio | July 14, 2023 Hospital merger and acquisition deal volume has returned to pre-pandemic levels as of the second quarter of 2023, according to a new roundup report. Twenty new deals were announced from April to June, up from the 15 of the first quarter and squarely above the 14 announced in the…
Hospitals will recoup $9B under HHS’ proposed remedy to 340B ruling
Heather Landi | July 9, 2023 The federal government will pay eligible hospitals in the 340B program $9 billion to offset payment cuts the Supreme Court ruled unlawful last year. In 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cut prescription drug payments for 340B-covered entity hospitals by nearly 30%. The American Hospital Association…
Healthcare costs will grow 7% next year, PwC finds
Emily Olsen | June 29, 2023 Dive Brief: Dive Insight: Though inflation pressured the U.S. economy in 2022, its impact wasn’t felt as significantly in healthcare, an industry where many prices are locked in existing annual or multi-year provider contracts. But providers continue to face workforce shortages and high labor costs, pushing them to seek…