Insurers’ Delays in Approving Medical Care Persist, Despite Promises
Doctors and patients complain that the controversial practice of prior authorization for treatment and procedures is still widespread.
Medicare
UnitedHealth’s Move to End Cyberattack Loan Lifeline Upsets Medical Providers
The company lent roughly $9 billion to practices affected by a vast cyberattack on its payment systems last year. Medical practices are now suing the health care colossus, saying it is pressuring them to repay funds.
U.S. Prosecutors Accuse Large Insurers of Paying Kickbacks for Private Medicare Plans
The Justice Department accused large insurers of colluding with national brokers to steer older people and those with disabilities toward coverage that might not offer the best medical care.
Trump Seeks to Lower Drug Prices Through Medicare and Some Imports
President Trump directed his administration to help states import drugs from Canada. But a proposal to alter a Medicare program to reduce costs could wind up raising prices.
Elon Musk and Social Security’s Effort to Curb Illegal Immigration
As Elon Musk continues to argue that Social Security drives illegal immigration, a new effort at the agency aims to curb it.
Trump Administration Delays Plan to Limit Pricey Bandages
Medicare spending on “skin substitutes” reached $10 billion last year. A leading seller made a large donation to President Trump’s election campaign.
Medicare Bleeds Billions on Pricey Bandages, and Doctors Get a Cut
Medicare spending on “skin substitutes” made of dried placenta has soared as doctors pocket lucrative discounts from sellers.
Trump Rejects Proposal for Medicare to Cover Wegovy and Other Obesity Drugs
Administration officials reversed a decision made during the Biden presidency that would have given millions of people access to weight-loss drugs paid for Medicare and Medicaid.
Senate Confirms Dr. Oz to Ovrsee Medicare and Medicaid
The TV celebrity doctor, a cardiothoracic surgeon, will take the reins at a time when the agency is facing cutbacks, especially for the poor, and scrutiny of its missions.
Federal Health Workers Make Up Less Than 1% of Agency Spending
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggests that laying off thousands of federal workers would tame a massive budget. But nearly all of the agency’s money goes to hospitals, doctors and nursing homes.