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Behind the Bill

Behind the Bill
07/10/2026
Hannah Musick
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 Home Health Prospective Payment System rule goes beyond a routine payment update, introducing changes to reimbursement, quality reporting, provider oversight, and program...
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 Home Health Prospective Payment System rule goes beyond a routine payment update, introducing changes to reimbursement, quality reporting, provider oversight, and program...
The Centers for Medicare &...
07/10/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
07/02/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
The US House of Representatives (House) unanimously approved H.R. 5347, bipartisan legislation that would provide greater flexibility for Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) transitioning to digital quality reporting.
The US House of Representatives (House) unanimously approved H.R. 5347, bipartisan legislation that would provide greater flexibility for Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) transitioning to digital quality reporting.
The US House of Representatives...
07/02/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
06/26/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
The Medicare Cost Cap Act would establish the first annual out-of-pocket spending limit in traditional Medicare, a change that could reshape beneficiary affordability and the competitive landscape across Medicare coverage options.
The Medicare Cost Cap Act would establish the first annual out-of-pocket spending limit in traditional Medicare, a change that could reshape beneficiary affordability and the competitive landscape across Medicare coverage options.
The Medicare Cost Cap Act would...
06/26/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
06/19/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
Federal and Ohio regulators allege OhioHealth used anticompetitive contracting provisions that limited insurer network design and increased health care costs.
Federal and Ohio regulators allege OhioHealth used anticompetitive contracting provisions that limited insurer network design and increased health care costs.
Federal and Ohio regulators...
06/19/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
06/12/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intensifies its review of Medicaid demonstration waivers and state-directed payments, managed care stakeholders are assessing what heightened federal scrutiny could mean for program...
As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intensifies its review of Medicaid demonstration waivers and state-directed payments, managed care stakeholders are assessing what heightened federal scrutiny could mean for program...
As the Centers for Medicare &...
06/12/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
05/29/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized updates to the federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process under the No Surprises Act, lowering administrative fees, creating a centralized dispute portal, and...
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized updates to the federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process under the No Surprises Act, lowering administrative fees, creating a centralized dispute portal, and...
The Centers for Medicare &...
05/29/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
05/22/2026
Hannah Musick
A bipartisan bill aims to strengthen enforcement of the No Surprises Act amid growing concerns that some health plans are failing to comply with binding payment decisions in the federal dispute resolution process.
A bipartisan bill aims to strengthen enforcement of the No Surprises Act amid growing concerns that some health plans are failing to comply with binding payment decisions in the federal dispute resolution process.
A bipartisan bill aims to...
05/22/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
05/15/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a new Medicare demonstration program that will cap eligible beneficiaries’ monthly GLP-1 medication costs at $50 beginning in July 2026.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a new Medicare demonstration program that will cap eligible beneficiaries’ monthly GLP-1 medication costs at $50 beginning in July 2026.
The Centers for Medicare &...
05/15/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
04/23/2026
Grace Taylor, MS, MA
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reclassified certain US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved marijuana products as Schedule III substances, a shift that may expand research and influence future clinical and coverage decisions in...
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reclassified certain US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved marijuana products as Schedule III substances, a shift that may expand research and influence future clinical and coverage decisions in...
The US Department of Justice...
04/23/2026
First Report Managed Care
Behind the Bill
04/17/2026
Danielle Sposato
State attorneys general outline support and recommendations for a proposed federal rule on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency, with implications for employer plans and state oversight.
State attorneys general outline support and recommendations for a proposed federal rule on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency, with implications for employer plans and state oversight.
State attorneys general outline...
04/17/2026
First Report Managed Care