House Democrats are sounding the alarm and demanding more information about a new HHS demonstration they say will increase red tape by adding prior authorization requirements in Medicare. A group of 17 Democrats questioned why HHS would want to test adding PA requirements in traditional Medicare when the Trump administration is touting efforts to reduce the practice in Medicare Advantage.
UnitedHealthcare won't allow RedBud Surgery Center in Austin, TX, to join their in-network provider list. The clinic is owned by Elisabeth Potter, MD, an outspoken critic of the payer. Potter herself remains in network, meaning she can perform surgeries in a hospital, but because the facility is out of network, she can't operate there.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday signed a directive ordering Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services to step up outreach about the upcoming ACA open enrollment period. Whitmer said the goal is to make Michigan residents, especially those in rural areas like Northern Michigan, know their options.
Of the 10 insurers planning to participate in the state's individual market next year, all have proposed 20% or higher rate increases from 2024. In July, President Donald Trump signed the 'big, beautiful bill' despite experts warning that the bill could raise health insurance premiums.
Obstetrics is one of the most expensive services provided by hospitals, especially in rural areas, which often see a larger portion of Medicaid patients. Nationwide, the program pays for about 40% of all births. With financial hits looming, hospitals are primed to close maternity wards first, and rural areas are particularly vulnerable.
A recent filing by two insurance companies for rate hikes in Arkansas brought a call from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for the changes to be rejected by the Insurance Commissioner. According to Sanders, Centene Corporation and Blue Cross Blue Shield filed to raise premiums by 54% and 25.5%, respectively. The governor called for the Insurance Commission's disapproval of the increases based on Arkansas statute.