The Federation of American Hospitals unveiled a new plan to cover the uninsured, emphasizing that it builds on the current system of coverage and won't plunge Americans into uncertainty about their health care. Read more »
The nation's governors sent a letter to congressional leaders in both parties asking them to block the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from issuing a rule in the coming months that state officials say could cost them $5 billion over five years. Read more »
Examining how Medicare pays physicians and managed care plans and giving the government the power to negotiate directly with drug makers as part of the Medicare drug program are all top legislative priorities for AARP, the powerful seniors' group said. Read more »
Fears that Medicaid spending is growing uncontrollably are unfounded and fundamental changes to the entitlement program could help eliminate interstate variations in benefits and help states cope with rising health costs, two studies find. Read more »
A hospital pay-for-performance project that has improved the quality of care delivered to patients has been extended for another three years, according to Premier Inc., a hospital consortium that is sponsoring the demonstration project. Read more »
U.S. health care spending is expected to double from today's level, reaching $4.1 trillion, or 16 percent of the gross domestic product, over the next decade, according to new government data. Read more »