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AOiA positioned as early leader as CMS elevates digital health evaluation nationwide
CHICAGO, IL — The American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA) applauds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for launching the Medicare App Library, a new national directory of rigorously evaluated digital health applications for Medicare beneficiaries. The initiative represents a major federal commitment to ensuring that patients have access to safe, evidence‑based digital health … Read More
Medicare wants to shake up how it pays for clinical AI
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposes major changes to RPM, clinical AI payment models.
AbbVie sues US health agency over Botox price controls
Feb 11 (Reuters) - AbbVie sued the U. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, challenging a decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to impose price controls for Botox.
Trump administration pauses new hospice and home health providers’ enrollment in Medicare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Wednesday that it is placing a six-month moratorium on new enrollment of health providers in Medicare — its latest effort to combat what it says is widespread fraud among hospice and home health providers.
HHS Secy Kennedy Jr., Dr. Oz & Admin Officals Discuss Behavioral Health
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and others announce "Action for Progress," an initiative addressing mental health and addiction.
Hospital Spending Accounted for 40% of the Growth in National Health Spending Between 2022 and 2024
This data note analyzes the extent to which hospital spending has contributed to the growth in national health expenditures in recent years and over the long term using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) National Health Expenditures Accounts (NHEA).
Watch live: Top health officials launch initiative addressing mental health, addiction
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz and other officials on Monday will announce an initiative addressing me…
CMS Proposes Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update
What: On July 6, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule to update the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. Why: The proposed rule i
LeadingAge to CMS: Halt the Hospice, Home Health Moratorium
LeadingAge has urged the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to end the temporary hospice and home health moratoria in advance
Nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin hospitals receive top federal quality ratings
Of the 86 Wisconsin hospitals rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 64 percent received a four- or five-star rating for overall hospital quality.
CMS announces end to Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidies
With the change, premiums are expected to rise. However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services confirmed they cannot inflate by more than 6%, as capped by the Inflation Reduction Act.
CMS announces QualTech event focusing on innovative technology to improve health outcomes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday announced the launch of QualTech, a new event created to identify innovative technology that improves health outcomes. CMS is seeking participants from U.S-based teams, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, private sector companies, industry associations and other stakeholders to propose technology solutions in advance of the event.
At CMS, Oz Eyes Faster Tech Approvals and a 'Power to Convene'
Top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials said Thursday they plan to increase patients’ access to new technology, including AI, but that they’re still exploring how best to regulate it and ensure patient safety. Addressing the U.S. News Healthcare of Tomorrow conference in Washington,
CMS, HHS request information for potential modifications to ACA Essential Health Benefits
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services issued a request for information (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/15/2026-11994/request-for-information-comprehensive-review-of-the-essential-health-benefits-framework-and-typical) June 12 seeking input on CMS’ review of the Affordable Care Act’s Essential Health Benefits framework and the requirement that the scope of EHBs is equal to the scope of benefits provided under a standard employer plan.
CMS highlights new digital health ecosystem tools
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 9 held a demonstration showcasing the first series of products intended to push the health care industry toward a more connected ecosystem. The event highlighted tools and applications from more than 50 companies supporting the Medicare App Library that was initially announced in February.
Medicare opens door to covering blockbuster drugs for weight loss
Some Medicare enrollees may soon be able to access super-popular drugs for obesity under a voluntary model program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Tuesday. Eligible beneficiaries will only have to pay $50 a month.
New Federal Rule Makes Sweeping Changes to Health Insurance Marketplace Regulations
A new rule issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services makes a long list of changes to the Affordable Care Act marketplaces that the agency says will lead to more plan choices and lower premiums for consumers.
US says it canceled 315,000 Obamacare policies last month
The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it canceled 315,000 Obamacare health plans covering about 760,000 people last month, citing unverified citizenship or immigration documentation and suspected improper enrollments.
Judge rejects lawsuit from 26 states challenging Medicaid work requirements
A U.S. District Court judge ruled that the states were unable to show they would be irreparably harmed by complying with the policy, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is covering 90% of the associated costs.
Valley Health changes staffing contracts, trims service citing ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Mark Nantz, president and CEO of Valley Health, attributed the changes as a response to how health care is evolving nationally. A rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services late last year reduced reimbursements while the H.R. 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” is expected to spur drops in Medicaid enrollment nationwide.
Johnson: Change to physician fees puts health of Tennessee seniors at risk
Contributed commentary by Curtis Johnson, former Deputy Speaker in the Tennessee House, on a change to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 2026 Physician Fee Schedule.
CMS announces Office of Health Technology and Products
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services June 10 announced the establishment of a new Office of Health Technology and Products.
'Take the vaccine, please,' a top US health official says in an appeal as measles cases rise
A leading U.S. health official is urging people to get inoculated against the measles at a time of outbreaks across several states. The appeal is from Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator. And it comes as the United States is at risk of losing its measles e...
National Alliance: Hospice, Home Health Moratoria Curbing Access to Care
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) six-month moratoria on home health and hospice Medicare enrollment are adversely
Medicare halts enrollment of new hospice, home health providers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it will pause the enrollment of new hospice and home health providers.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
CMS announces first 30 health care organizations to join electronic prior authorization initiative
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 13 announced 30 health care organizations have pledged early participation in its electronic prior authorization initiative.
Backed by threat of clawbacks, feds wield tight grip on $50B rural health fund
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz praised states’ plans when announcing the rural health program awards last year and said his agency would help states “turn their ideas into lasting improvements for rural families.” But state officials and healthcare leaders said it’s also clear the agency wants to encourage specific policy changes and hold states accountable to the promises they made and rules they agreed to follow.
Lawmakers & Trump Admin. Officials Discuss The Advancement of Health Care
Lawmakers and top Trump Administration officials, including Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, participate in discussions on U.S. advancement in health care.
AHA recommends changes to home health payments, provider enrollment provisions in CY 2027 proposed rule
The AHA provided comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 28 on its calendar year 2027 home health prospective payment system proposed rule, focusing on two specific concerns.
How To Submit Public Comments To Oppose Proposed Rules Restricting Transgender Health Care Access
Comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can help fight the Trump administration’s latest attempt to restrict federal funding for transgender health care for youth. This toolkit details how to submit them.
Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace Data Show Changes in Enrollment, Plan Selection, Premiums
New data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that marketplace plan enrollment in Arkansas decreased by 3.8% in the 2026 open enrollment period compared to 2025, but there was a shift in the types of plans selected and a notable increase in average plan premiums.
Holland & Knight Health Dose: June 16, 2026 | Insights
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will establish the Office of Health Technology and Products (OHTP) to oversee healthcare technology modernization.
Montana Set to Receive $233 Million Through Federal Rural Healthcare Program
A federal healthcare program from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing states with $50 billion spread out over the next five years to improve access and quality in rural healthcare. Passed inside of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) will distribute 50% of its funds […]
CMS issues toolkit on behavioral health services for children in Medicaid, CHIP
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released a toolkit that outlines strategies for states to strengthen access to behavioral health services for children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
US health agency to negotiate prices for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it will negotiate drug prices with manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, in an attempt to expand access to the weight-loss treatments.
Vanderbilt Health Hospitals receive Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Five-Star Overall Quality Ratings
These hospitals were awarded Five-Star ratings for overall quality of care for 2026, placing Vanderbilt Health’s hospitals among the top 12% in the nation for overall performance.
Dr. Oz took over Medicare. It hasn’t been the disaster his critics feared.
The former TV doctor running the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Washington’s wonky health agency, has garnered positive reviews — even from some Democrats.
AHA urges CMS to prioritize hospitals, providers with Rural Health Transformation Program funding
The AHA Aug. 5 provided comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the distribution of funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program will fund $50 billion to rural providers from fiscal year 2026 to FY 2030.
Watch live: RFK Jr., Trump officials unveil health care price transparency push
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz will announce new efforts Monday aimed at strengthening health c…
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Two more insurers sue CMS over Medicare Advantage star rating methodology
The lawsuits come days after Elevance Health filed a complaint of its own, asking a court to compel the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to remain consistent in how it doles out stars.
Governor Ivey Announces Alabama Secures More Than $203 Million for Rural Health Transformation Program -
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced Alabama has officially received its award number from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), formally approving Alabama’s plan and unlocking $203,404,327 in … Continued
CMS Approach to Work Reporting Requirement Won’t Work for People with Substance Use Disorders or Mental Health Conditions
By Deborah Steinberg, Senior Health Policy Attorney, Legal Action Center A few weeks ago, CCF explained how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new interim final rule with comment period (IFR) that went far beyond its authority to implement the new work reporting requirements. H.R. 1 – the budget reconciliation law […]
Oral health advocates try to unravel mystery of two NC budget paragraphs
A budget provision about dental Medicaid services, ambulatory surgical centers confounds oral health organizations, advocates.
Gov. Mills responds to Dr. Oz’s request for MaineCare data
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gave Maine 30 days to answer questions about how the state handles MaineCare following a federal audit that found $46 million in alleged “improper” payments.
Holland & Knight Health Dose: July 28, 2026 | Insights
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would establish new indirect hold harmless thresholds for healthcare-related taxes.
CMS creates new health tech office to lead interoperability efforts, digital products
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to play a bigger role in health tech modernization efforts, including leading interoperability initiatives. | The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to play a bigger role in health tech modernization efforts, including leading interoperability initiatives.
Dr. Oz pushes AI avatars as a fix for rural health care. Not so fast, critics say
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is advancing a $50 billion plan to modernize rural health care.
Oz Says California’s Not Fighting Health Care Fraud. Data Shows a Larger Battle
By Don Thompson | KFF Health News SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For weeks, Mehmet Oz has been waging a public feud with California leaders over health care fraud, accusing the blue state of failing to adequately combat such abuse. Oz, who heads the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, alleged that
Kiggans, CMS Administrator Oz Discuss Healthcare Affordability, Access in Coastal Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz...
Digital Health Tools and Technologies: An Overview of CMS’ Recent Efforts to Expand Their Use in Medicare
As an increasing share of older adults have adopted digital health technologies over the past several years, and with most expressing interest in using them to manage their health care, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced several initiatives to expand the use of digital health technologies in Medicare. This brief summarizes these initiatives and draws on data from various surveys, including KFF Tracking Polls from September 2025 and March 2026, to highlight facts about recent experiences with and use of digital health tools among Medicare beneficiaries and older adults more generally.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Guthrie, Oz promote rural health funding in Glasgow visit
GLASGOW — U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz visited T.J. Health Pavilion in Glasgow on Friday morning to meet with […]
CMS proposes updates to home health payments for CY 2027, updates to provider enrollment and quality and value-based purchasing programs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 1 issued its calendar year 2027 proposed rule for the home health prospective payment system. The rule proposes a 2.4% update, which includes a 3.1% market basket update, reduced by a 1.0 percentage point cut for productivity, as well as an 0.3 percentage point increase related to outlier payments. In addition, the agency proposes a temporary cut of 3.0% that it states is necessary to achieve budget-neutral implementation of the Patient-driven Groupings Model.
ND awarded $199M for Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen care in rural communities | North Dakota Office of the Governor
Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced that North Dakota has been awarded $199 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support the first year of a statewide Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding will strengthen rural health care by improving access, quality and health outcomes for North Dakotans in rural communities over the next five years.
AHA responds to CMS on potential modifications to ACA’s Essential Health Benefits
The AHA July 15 responded to a request for information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the Affordable Care Act’s Essential Health Benefits framework, which creates the guardrails for defining comprehensive insurance coverage.
Oz Offers Forceful Call for Measles Vaccination
The comments by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services director come as South Carolina grapples with a large measles outbreak.
Bates named executive director of HHS Medical Services Division | Health and Human Services North Dakota
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has named health policy expert Stephanie Bates to lead its Medical Services Division, which administers Medicaid services, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, autism services and other health-related services that benefit North Dakotans.
CMS announces 6-month enrollment moratorium on home health and hospice providers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced a six-month nationwide moratorium preventing enrollment of new home health agencies and hospice providers, effective immediately. CMS said that the moratorium is part of Vice President JD Vance’s Anti-Fraud Task Force and that the agency will use this time to intensify anti-fraud efforts within the sector.
Senior US health official Oz invited Epstein to Valentine's Day party, documents show
Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump's administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, emailed an invitation to a Valentine's Day party in 2016 to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, U.S. Justice Department documents show.
Health Officials Say "Country is Prepared" to Deal with Hantavirus
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Oz tells reporters in the Oval Office that the country is prepared to deal with the Hantavirus outbreak and treat the disease, despite cuts to federal agencies. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy also says the CDC has been on it from day one and has been in contact with officials in Nebraska dealing with people exposed to the virus. "We have this under control, and we're not worried about it," Kennedy says. The secretary also disputes that it took four days after the World Health Organization issued an alert for the U.S. to follow suit. "It's just not true," he says.
Governor Kemp Announces $218.8 Million Award for First Year of GREAT Health Program
Governor Brian Kemp in partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced in December that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded the State of Georgia $218.8 million for the first of five years of the Georgia Rural Enhancement and Transformation of Health (GREAT Health) […]
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Rural Health Transformation Program Reporting
August 5, 2026 Mehmet Oz, AdministratorCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesDepartment of Health and Human ServicesAttention: CMS-10949P.O. Box 8010Baltimore, MD 21244-8010 RE: Rural Health Transformation Program Reporting Dear Administrator Oz: The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the opportunity to comment on CMS’s proposed Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) reporting requirements (file code CMS-10949). The work the … Continued
Trump administration pauses new hospice and home health providers’ enrollment in Medicare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Wednesday that it is placing a six-month moratorium on new enrollment of health providers in Medicare — its latest effort to combat what it says is widespread fraud among hospice and home health providers.
CMS approves budget for GO-NORTH, the state’s federally funded rural health program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved New Hampshire’s spending plan for a large tranche of federal money that will go toward rural health initiatives, state officials announced Thursday.
Trump administration freezes new Medicare enrollments for hospice and home health agencies
The Trump administration is expanding its fraud-busting initiative in federal health programs. On Wednesday, it announced a nationwide six-month freeze on new Medicare enrollments by hospice and home health agencies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says the moratorium will help prevent fraud and protect vulnerable patients. The initiative was spurred by Vice President JD Vance's anti-fraud task force. Several alleged fraud schemes have been prosecuted in the hospice and home health care categories, and states have acknowledged it's a legitimate concern. But some have pushed back on the administration’s aggressive tactics and raised concerns about punishing law-abiding providers that are trying to serve patients.
Holland & Knight Health Dose: June 23, 2026 | Insights
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS issued a request for information RFI seeking input on implementation of new requirements for pharmacy benefit managers PBMs.
CMS announces data release on health care utilization and prices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 2 announced the release of new data on health care utilization and prices at the provider and service level in open, machine-readable formats under an open license.
Delta Health Center Receives Funding
Delta Health Center, Inc. has received four awards totaling $4,660,331.59 through the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program, a state initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Governor Tate Reeves announced the four RHTP awards on September 14, as part of 167 awards totaling more than $104 million statewide. The awards announced will […]
The politics of Trump's ballroom
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — President Trump was about a half-hour into his second speech of the day, musing about the danger he faced last week at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “Saturday night, it was good for one thing. People are loving my ballroom now,” Trump told a crowd last night. “That’s the only thing. They love my ballroom.” Ever since he was hustled off stage at the Washington Hilton last week, after an attempted shooter breached the dinner’s security perimeter and sent guests diving to the floor, the president has argued that the incident is proof for why his White House ballroom is needed. Only his planned $400 million, 90,000-square-foot project, Trump has reasoned, can keep a president truly safe at major events. It’s true that a bunch of GOP lawmakers have jumped on board with new legislation and words of support for Trump’s project. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Rand Paul and other prominent Republicans went on TV to talk about the need for a ballroom. But as we reported at The Washington Post this week, “people” aren’t really changing their minds on Trump’s ballroom. A new Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that most Americans still oppose the ballroom project: 56 percent against it versus 28 percent in favor. The numbers are the same as a poll from last year, the Post’s polling whiz Scott Clement found. Other new polls have found similar margins, too. “I’m just not a giant fan, especially of extravagance,” one independent voter told me. “I mean, in the era we’re in right now, given how much people are struggling, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to spend $400 million on a ballroom.” How we got here The Washington Post has followed Trump’s ballroom project very closely. (My colleague Jonathan Edwards may have written the most total words of any reporter about the project; I may be second.) The project exploded as a national issue after Trump tore down the White House’s East Wing after initially promising not to touch it.1 Historic preservationists sued, and about a month ago, a federal judge ordered a halt to ballroom construction.2 The only way the ballroom could proceed, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled, was if Congress explicitly authorized Trump’s plans. (An appeals court has stayed Leon’s order for now.) The judge’s ruling raised an obvious question: would Congress authorize the project? Keep in mind, “authorization” doesn’t mean that Congress needs to necessarily fund the planned $400 million project; they could just sign off on the private donations that Trump has solicited to pay for the ballroom.3 But GOP lawmakers really didn’t want to talk about the ballroom, we reported at The Post just a few weeks ago. One major reason was the ballroom’s bad polling — not a small detail with many of their own midterm elections looming. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident, and Trump’s advocacy, may have changed the political conversation around the ballroom. As this week’s polling shows, it doesn’t seem to have affected the fundamental questions surrounding the project. To put it another way, voters still say that cost-of-living concerns are top-of-mind heading into the midterms. Some Republican and independent voters have told me that they see the ballroom as a vanity project that will help Trump but do nothing for their own lives. It might not help Republicans that Trump has dismissed some of the cost-of-living concerns. He’s described “affordability” as a buzzword manufactured by Democrats whose policies helped cause inflation. “They’ve got one good line of bullshit,” Trump said in his first speech yesterday, delivered at a Florida retirement community known as The Villages. Thanks for reading Dan Diamond's newsletter! Subscribe for free to stay up-to-date on my work. Subscribe Speaking of Trump’s speeches… I’m down in Florida because it’s my “duty week” as a White House reporter — basically, I follow the president wherever he goes. (And then hand the baton off to one of my Washington Post colleagues next week.) As part of my duty week, I’ve spent a few days covering the White House’s reaction to Saturday’s attempted shooting, including officials’ review of the security protocols to protect the president. Trump was restrained in the wake of the incident, addressing the nation from the White House briefing room about the need for peaceful dialogue and trying to lower the temperature. But he’s clearly been itching to get back out of the White House, and I was curious to hear how his Florida speeches would go. And — to my ears — it was an unburdened Trump. Not the one we saw Saturday night in the White House briefing room, but the one we witnessed on the campaign trail in 2024. Loose, dropping profanities, mocking everyone, including members of his team. “We have a man here who knows more about Medicaid, Medicare, medical crap than any human being. Where’s Dr. Oz? Where the hell are you, stand up,” Trump said, referring to Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “It’s the most boring trip I’ve ever made. He’s telling me about Medicare, Medicaid. All I want to do is take care of you, I don’t care. I said, ‘You work out the details.’” I wrote up the speech, as Trump headed to West Palm Beach to deliver more remarks a few hours later. The White House didn’t like my story. Their rapid-response team called it the work of a “total loser”4 and “a miserable TDS-ridden moron.” You can be the judge of whether it’s a fair story or the product of someone afflicted with “TDS.” (The White House’s shorthand for “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”) I’ve pasted the story below with a gift link, meaning that you don’t need to be a Washington Post subscriber to read it. It might prompt you for an email address, though. Meanwhile, I’ll be down in Florida for the rest of the weekend, covering the president. It’s TBD whether those stories will be deemed TDS-afflicted, too. 1 Jonathan details the past six months of ballroom fallout, reactions and the implications for executive authority here. I also had a great time talking about Trump’s ballroom and other projects with Australia’s ABC News Daily on a podcast this week. 2 The judge allowed underground construction and national security-related work to continue. But that hasn’t been enough for Trump, who says the ballroom itself is essential for his protection. 3 The ballroom donors include companies like Palantir, Google and Amazon. For transparency, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post, where I work. No one has ever interfered with our team’s coverage of the ballroom or our mentions of Amazon or Bezos, and if that changed, I’d speak out. 4 To be fair, I’ve spent the morning working on stories and writing this Substack post rather than enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. So they may be onto something about who’s winning and who’s losing.
Kennedy, Oz announce new health care advisory committee
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday announced the formation of a new expert advisory panel that will make recommendations…
Elevance Health sues CMS in latest challenge to Medicare Advantage star rating methodology
The complaint accuses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of failing to properly recalculate its grades for Medicare Part C plans, something it promised to do in June.
States Race To Launch Rural Health Transformation Plans
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services judged the “quality” of their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing "Make America Healthy Again" initiatives.
CMS Administrator Oz Joins Governors and NGA to Advance Rural Health Transformation and Address Medicaid Program Integrity
OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Governors Association (NGA) today welcomed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for discussion to advance the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and address Medicaid program integrity in states across the country. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee facilitated the wide-ranging conversation during NGA’s annual Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City. “With […]
Leaving the world better: Chris Klomp on what government owes the next generation
Chris Klomp, chief counselor, Health and Human Services, and deputy administrator and director of Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, spoke at
Guest column: Bringing health care concerns directly to policymakers
Mountain Family Health Centers hosted a roundtable discussion Sept. 27 with attendees holding tremendous influence over our health care system. Those who joined the discussion were Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet...
HHS Secy. Kennedy, Dr. Oz & Others Announce New Mental Health Initiative
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and others announce "Action for Progress," an initiative addressing mental health and addiction.
Here's Why Health Insurance Stocks Are Sinking Tuesday
Several health insurer stocks tumbled Tuesday following a proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would raise payments to insurers less than expected next year.
Omaha community health expert talks Pillen's new Medicaid work requirements
Nebraska is the first state require proof of work for those using expanded Medicaid services. One health expert shares what the changes could mean for
CMS projects national health spending grew to $5.7 trillion in 2025
National health spending is projected to have reached $5.7 trillion in 2025, up 7.3% from 2024, according to an analysis by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published yesterday by Health Affairs. It marks the third consecutive year of growth greater than 7%. CMS projects growth to continue in 2026 due to continued demand for high-cost retail prescription drugs, mostly from individuals with Medicare and private insurance.
Dr. Oz highlights political patronage as a 'major concern' regarding fraud
Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses recent Anti-Fraud Task Force crackdowns and highlights massive fraud schemes on 'Varney & Co.'
CMS Releases Medicare Home Health Payment Proposed Rule for 2027
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule updating the Home Health (HH) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for calendar year (CY) 2027.
Bipartisan group of senators urges CMS to improve Rural Health Transformation Program implementation
A bipartisan group of senators June 18 urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to improve implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program.
CMS Launches First Wave of Health Tech Ecosystem Health Information Sharing and Access Tools
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the first wave of Health Tech Ecosystem The CMS has launched the first wave of Health Tech Ecosystem tools under its initiative to improve interoperability and patient access to their own health information.
Delta Health Center Receives Funding
Delta Health Center, Inc. has received four awards totaling $4,660,331.59 through the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program, a state initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Governor Tate Reeves announced the four RHTP awards on September 14, as part of 167 awards totaling more than $104 million statewide. The awards announced will […]
DOJ announces $6.5B healthcare fraud takedown with record Medicaid enforcement
The Department of Justice unveiled charges against 455 people, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in healthcare schemes that involved mor | Law enforcement unveiled charges against 455 defendants for their alleged participation in healthcare schemes, among which fraudulent amniotic wound allografts and undelivered Medicaid services were spotlighted.
Novant Health drives $4.33B in regional economic impact, study says
Novant Health Coastal Region generates an annual overall economic impact of $4.33 billion in the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), according to a new report. Commissioned by Novant Health and conducted by Mouhcine Guettabi, associate professor of economics at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and the area’s regional economist, the report evaluates population growth in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties and whether the area’s healthcare infrastructure is positioned to meet the region’s demand. According to the study, while healthcare employment has kept pace with population growth in New Hanover and Pender counties, it has not kept up with the rapid population growth in Brunswick County, which is skewed toward an older population. “It points very clearly to Brunswick County being the bottleneck, or being the place where investment is most needed,” Guettabi said to the Business Journal Friday, “because the growth is the fastest, the composition of the growth is older (adults) and demand for healthcare is much higher for the subpopulation.” The Novant Health Coastal Region employs 8,295 full-time equivalent workers, according to the report, and is the region’s largest employer. Overall, through direct, indirect and induced impacts, the Novant Health Coastal Region supports 19,573 jobs, the report said. Using data collected from internal payroll, financial and capital reports, the report estimates that Novant Health Coastal Region pays approximately $1.15 billion in total compensation to its employees. According to the study, the provider’s annual operating expenditures, or direct economic impact, total $2.36 billion. That direct impact ripples through the regional economy through spending at its suppliers, or indirect impact, and household spending by staff and its suppliers’ workers, or induced impact. The report estimates the Novant Health Coastal Region’s indirect economic impact is $786 million, reflecting the multiplying effect of the provider’s operating expenses on expenditures like medical supplies, facilities, food, IT and professional services. Because 86.9% of Novant Health Coastal Region employees live within the tri-county region, the report estimates that wages paid by Novant circulate into the regional economy, creating an induced economic impact of $1.17 billion. “That money just doesn’t go into thin air,” Guettabi said of the wages paid to Novant Health Coastal Region employees. “Some of that money is being re-spent, and therefore it’s supporting grocery stores, hiring, restaurants and bars, and there are a lot of other companies or organizations whose employment, whose activity partially depends on that.” The combination of direct ($2.36 billion), indirect ($786 million), and induced ($1.17 billion) impacts totals an estimated $4.33 billion, according to the report. A study commissioned by Novant Health in 2024 and conducted by FTI Consulting’s Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy found that Novant Health generated nearly $2 billion of direct impact, with $628 million in indirect impact and $857 million in induced impact. Healthcare investments in the pipeline for Brunswick County Additionally, the study found that while healthcare employment has kept pace with population growth in New Hanover and Pender counties, it lags in Brunswick County. “Once you go below the metro level and you decompose the three counties that make up the Wilmington Metro,” Guettabi said, “it becomes fairly clear that Brunswick is the standout. And not only that, but clearly the growth there is fully domestic migration and largely retiree-driven migrants.” Using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on per-capita healthcare spending among age groups, Guettabi estimates that adults aged 65 and older demand 2.44 times the healthcare of working-age adults. “The share of the population in Brunswick County that’s over the age of 65 is 33%,” Guettabi said, “which is so much higher than the average share of people over the age of 65 within the state or within the country.” The report emphasizes that Brunswick County is the “strongest candidate” for new healthcare investment, adding that patient discharge records show Brunswick residents rely heavily on facilities in New Hanover County for inpatient care. “Investments in Brunswick County would not only meet the demand for those residents, but it would also relieve pressure for New Hanover County residents,” Guettabi said. Laurie Whalin, president of the Novant Health Coastal Region, told the Business Journal Friday that the provider plans to expand services at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, in addition to other investments in the area. In April, the state granted conditional approval to both Novant Health and Columbus Regional Healthcare System to build new hospitals, just miles apart, on either side of the Columbus County and Brunswick County borders. Columbus Regional’s $214 million 30-bed hospital would be located at the former Acme-Delco Middle School in Delco, according to the application. The project’s approved timetable has construction slated to finish in May 2029, with the hospital open for service by October 2029. The Whiteville-based provider, which Atrium Health manages, broke ground on an Advanced Care facility in December 2025 and operates four specialty clinics in Leland. Meanwhile, Novant Health’s proposed $251 million 20-bed hospital would be built just miles from Columbus Regional’s proposed hospital, near the Compass Pointe community in Leland. The provider estimates the hospital will open by 2030. State officials also approved Novant Health in March to build a freestanding emergency department in Carolina Shores, near U.S. 17. The project is estimated to cost $24 million, according to the application, and will operate under the Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center license. Additionally, Novant Health’s 16,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center is slated to open in Leland by year’s end, officials said.
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