FDA Introduces Biosimilar Action Plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration introduced its Biosimilar Action Plan to help speed up approvals to enhance access to lower-cost biologics.
HHS Loosens Restrictions on Short-Term Health Plans
A final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allows insurers to once again sell short-term health insurance for up to 12 months, as well as makes the plans renewable for up to three years.
CMS Restores Risk Adjustment Program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services adopted an interim final rule to restore $10.4 billion in funding to insurers to help them provide coverage to sick and
costly enrollees.
Redfield Named Head of CDC
HIV/AIDS researcher Robert Redfield, MD, has been named the next head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CMS Issues Final 2019 Payment Notice Rule
The Health and Human Services Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019 aims to increase state flexibility, improve affordability, strengthen program integrity, empower consumers, promote stability and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
CMS Finalizes Medicare Advantage Rates for 2019
The finalized 2019 Medicare Advantage plan rates will rise an average of 3.4 percent, with other changes being implemented as well.
Work Requirements Can Be Used as a Basis for Medicaid Eligibility
New guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services allows work requirements to be used as a basis for eligibility for certain Medicaid beneficiaries.
New Policy Guidance Issued to Improve Medicaid Beneficiary Enrollment
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing new policy guidance to help states design demonstration projects that promote the objectives of the Medicaid program and are consistent with federal statutory requirements.
HHS Forms Conscience and Religious Freedom Division
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has formed a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division in the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to restore federal enforcement of U.S. laws that protect the fundamental and unalienable rights of conscience and religious freedom.
New Secretary of Health and Human Services Confirmed
Alex Michael Azar II was confirmed the 24th Secretary of Health and Human Services.
