Jeff Lagasse
Many patients are skipping medical care due to fear of surprise bills, with a quarter saying they've hesitated to seek care or skipped it altogether.
The proposed rule seeks to expand behavioral healthcare access, Accountable Care Organizations, cancer screenings and dental care.
HHS framed the move as a means of strengthening the oversight and transparency of Medicaid and CHIP managed care programs.
State-licensed pharmacists will still be advised to refer the patient to a physician if there isn't enough info on potential drug interactions.
Under the legislation, HHS would select 10 drugs eligible for negotiation in 2026, with the number of drugs increasing in subsequent years.
The data may shed some light on the demographics most affected by the virus and help healthcare providers target treatments for those age groups.
Cigna chairman and CEO David M. Cordani said the transaction allows the insurer to focus on growing its global health portfolio.
The potential end of pandemic-related public policies may also shrink enrollment and worsen the risk pool, causing premiums to rise.
Data indicates a corresponding 4.9% increase in public coverage and a roughly corresponding decline in private coverage.
The move increases the number of residents training in community health centers and other outpatient community clinics.