Healthcare Policy
Watchdog Warns Psychiatry May Thwart Federal Antidepressant Deprescribing Plan
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights warns that psychiatry's history of downplaying drug risks could undermine HHS's May 2026 plan to address overprescribing and support safe antidepressant deprescribing.
Hospitals Tackle Health Care Access and Affordability Amid Rising Public Concern
Hospitals are taking proactive steps to address health care access and affordability as public concern reaches unprecedented levels, according to the American Hospital Association.
Proposed HHS Rule Changes Could Reshape AI Regulation in Health Care, Sparking Debate on Innovation vs. Safety
The Department of Health and Human Services is considering easing AI health care safeguards, which could accelerate innovation but raise patient safety concerns.
Growing Momentum for Single-Payer Health Care in Massachusetts Could Reshape National Policy
Massachusetts is at the forefront of a grassroots movement pushing for a single-payer health care system, driven by rising costs, with potential implications for federal health policy.
House Hearing Scrutinizes Hospital CEOs Over High Facility Fees
A House Ways and Means Committee hearing put hospital CEOs on the spot for excessive facility fees, raising questions about healthcare affordability and insurer challenges.
American Heart Association Warns Health Care Affordability Reaches Crisis Level, Outlines Principles for Reform
The American Heart Association's new Presidential Advisory declares U.S. health care affordability a crisis, citing nearly $5 trillion in annual spending and proposing five core principles to guide policy changes.
Senate Democrats Agree to Government Funding Deal Without Healthcare Subsidy Guarantees
Senate Democrats have reached an agreement to temporarily reopen the federal government through January without securing Republican commitments on healthcare insurance subsidies, leaving healthcare sector companies like Astiva Health closely watching future legislative developments.
Medical Marijuana Uncertainty Persists Despite Patient Success Stories
Despite compelling patient testimonials about cannabis providing relief where traditional medications failed, medical professionals and lawmakers remain divided on medical marijuana's role in healthcare, creating ongoing uncertainty in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
Federal Funding Changes Threaten Rural Healthcare Access Amid Existing Health Disparities
Recent federal healthcare funding changes are expected to disproportionately impact rural communities that already face significant health challenges and limited access to care.
Medicaid Shouldered Over Half of Firearm Injury Treatment Costs, Study Reveals
A new study shows Medicaid was billed for more than half of firearm injury treatment costs in America, highlighting the financial burden on public healthcare systems as safety-net hospitals struggle with emergency care funding.
Maryland Joins Multi-State Health Alliance as State Leaders Chart Independent Course
Maryland is taking significant policy actions that diverge from federal approaches, including joining a 15-state health alliance and issuing police guidance, while new polling shows economic concerns and political dynamics shaping the state's future.
Medicaid Cuts Threaten Healthcare Access for Millions, Warns Medical Leader
Dr. Susan Reynolds warns that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could leave 1.8 million rural residents without coverage and jeopardize hundreds of rural hospitals, representing a moral crisis affecting vulnerable populations.
Alameda Health System Nursing Homes Earn National Recognition Amid Medicaid Funding Crisis
Alameda Health System's skilled nursing facilities received Newsweek's America's Best Nursing Homes 2026 designation while facing severe Medicaid funding cuts that threaten essential community healthcare services.
Soligenix Appoints Former White House Economic Advisor Tomas Philipson to Guide Rare Disease Drug Development
Soligenix's appointment of healthcare policy expert Tomas Philipson signals strategic positioning to navigate regulatory pathways for its lead rare disease treatment HyBryte™, potentially accelerating market access for unmet medical needs.
Federal Health Policies Driving Up Costs for American Families
Recent federal policy decisions are increasing health care costs for American families, creating significant financial pressure on households and the broader health care system.
Kennedy's Child Health Initiative Sparks Mixed Reactions from Healthcare Sector
HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr.'s new MAHA plan proposes sweeping policy changes to address rising chronic diseases in children, drawing varied responses from healthcare stakeholders including companies like Astiva Health.
ADAP Advocacy Urges HRSA to Abandon Flawed 340B Rebate Pilot, Citing Proven Success of Existing Model
ADAP Advocacy calls on HRSA to implement a proven 340B rebate model immediately rather than conducting a pilot program, highlighting how rebates have successfully funded HIV/AIDS programs and criticizing hospitals for profiting while providing minimal charity care.
Adams & Reese Strengthens Tennessee Government Relations with Key Hire of Former Health Department Official
Adams & Reese has hired Holt Whitt, a former Tennessee Department of Health official with extensive legislative experience, to enhance its government relations capabilities during a period of significant healthcare industry growth in the state.
Maryland Faces Economic and Healthcare Challenges Amid Recession Warning
Maryland confronts significant economic vulnerability with a high recession risk, potential Medicare Advantage plan disruptions, and ongoing infrastructure recovery while navigating political and administrative tensions.
Young Americans Face Health Insurance Challenges at Age 26 Transition
Young adults losing family health coverage at age 26 encounter complex insurance challenges, highlighting the need for specialized providers to assist this vulnerable demographic.
Annual Purple Heart Day Banquet Highlights Concerns Over Veterans' Mental Health Treatment
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights hosted its annual Purple Heart Day banquet, emphasizing the need for non-drug-based treatments for veterans with PTSD and criticizing the over-reliance on antidepressants.
Pennsylvania Bill Proposes Employers Cover Medical Cannabis Under Workers’ Compensation
A proposed bill in Pennsylvania could mandate employers to reimburse workers for medical cannabis used as part of treatment for workplace injuries, reflecting broader shifts in cannabis policy and its integration into healthcare.
ADAP Advocacy Urges HIV Medication Carve-Out in Medicare Drug Price Negotiations
ADAP Advocacy has called for an exemption for HIV antiretroviral therapies in Medicare's drug price negotiation program, highlighting the potential risks to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Increasing Number of U.S. Doctors Moving to Canada, Citing Government Policies
A growing trend of American doctors relocating to Canada highlights concerns over U.S. federal government policies, with potential implications for healthcare systems and insurance providers.
Advocacy Group Supports Legislation to Enhance Early Childhood Vision Services
The American Council of the Blind endorses two bipartisan bills aimed at improving vision screenings and support for children with vision impairments, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and intervention.
Mental Health Advocates Call for Ban on Electroconvulsive Therapy in Florida
A Florida mental health watchdog group is demanding an end to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), citing potential risks to patients, especially young children. The group highlights concerns about safety, effectiveness, and long-term neurological damage.
Trump's Executive Order on Drug Prices: Uncertainty Looms
President Trump's executive order targeting prescription drug prices raises questions about implementation and potential economic impacts. The order's effectiveness and long-term consequences remain unclear.
Advocacy Group Launches National Campaign to Reform 340B Drug Pricing Program
ADAP Advocacy initiates a nationwide campaign questioning the accountability and transparency of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, drawing parallels to pre-2008 financial market oversight and highlighting potential systemic issues in healthcare.
Local Hospital Leader Steve Sanchez Receives Rural Health Excellence Award
Steve Sanchez, Community Relations Manager at Southeast Colorado Hospital, was honored by the Colorado Rural Health Center for his exceptional contributions to rural healthcare advocacy and community service. The award recognizes his significant efforts in improving healthcare access and support in rural Colorado.
Patient Exodus Follows Hospital Exits from Medicare Advantage Plans
New data reveals that when hospitals terminate contracts with Medicare Advantage insurers, significant numbers of patients abandon their current health plans, highlighting potential systemic challenges in healthcare coverage.