Oklahoma medical facility fined by HHS for violating HIPAA privacy rule

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) recently marked its tenth anniversary, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighting that participation in the program has reached an all-time high. Currently, there are 45 million people currently enrolled, and HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation's (ASPE) analysis shows that the ACA's Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion is the reason behind the high numbers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a new measure designed to bolster investments in person-centered primary care. The initiative, supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to foster competition in healthcare. It includes provisions for monthly prospective primary care payments and a one-time advanced shared savings payment to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Rural Health Award. This annual program honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing health in rural communities.

The Center on Health and Families (CHF), a campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), has unveiled its policy priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. The session is scheduled to begin on January 14, 2025, and end on June 2, 2025.

President Joe Biden has recently unveiled his proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, with a focus on bolstering the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The plan aims to reduce daily costs for Americans while improving Social Security and Medicare programs.

SRI and Lisa Health have published the outcomes of a survey investigating the challenges and needs of menopausal women in the workforce. The results suggest that employers could enhance their efforts to address this occasionally neglected facet of workplace inclusivity.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced a new round of funding aimed at mitigating the impact of the opioid epidemic in rural communities. The HRSA will allocate $50 million to a program designed to provide recovery and treatment services to regions not located near an urban area.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies wishing to participate in the inaugural cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations. The drug manufacturers have responded with their own pricing propositions as HHS aims to reduce the cost of prescription medications.

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has released survey results indicating that a significant number of local pharmacies across the United States may be compelled to shut down this year. The situation could potentially worsen if lawmakers decide to postpone Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform.

In an effort to bolster the workforce caring for elderly adults and individuals living with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to implement measures in a program aimed at professional development of direct care workers. This initiative aligns with the section of the $37 billion American Rescue Plan that focuses on community-based and home services.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has announced a $100 million investment in women’s health research. The funding will be provided through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within HHS, as disclosed during his visit to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire.

Financial concerns related to unexpected medical bills and healthcare costs are the primary issues on the minds of American voters, as per a recent Health Tracking Poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The poll also revealed that these voters are eager for the 2024 presidential candidates to address these concerns.

CGFNS International has announced the establishment of the Global Health Workforce Development Institute. The institute aims to conduct research and utilize the knowledge that CGFNS International has accumulated as a credentialing service provider, in order to advance scientific understanding of health workforce roles and develop credentialing and certification programs and policies.

The Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM) has expressed disappointment over an analysis published by Avalere this week, which revealed that Medicare plans are increasing patients' costs for generic drugs. The AAM asserts that Medicare patients should not be excluded from the full savings provided by generics and biosimilars.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated a $5.1 million grant to enhance mental health services for members of the LGBTQI+ community and their families. The funds will be distributed through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).