Susan Morse

Changing the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 years old would actually increase the nation's total healthcare spend since that two-year gap would be covered by private insurers that charge more for services than the federal government, according to a new report in Health Affairs.

ACO Partner takes on upfront costs of services and technology for physician practices, other providers to transform to value-based payments.

The plan takes into account feedback from 60 individuals and 150 organizations.

Healthcare is top of mind for U.S. voters, with worries ranging from the fate of the Affordable Care Act to the out-of-pocket burden patients face in seeking medical care, according to a Kaiser Health Tracking Poll that examined the role of healthcare issues in the presidential election.

In the 2017 open enrollment period, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will pilot a program on Healthcare.gov to pair results of a 5-star care rating with health plans on the federal marketplace.

A surging interest in Medicare Advantage among the retirement-aged population and the fast-consolidating ranks of private payers has some experts asking whether the program might be the future of Medicare overall.

Aetna expects its proposed $37 billion acquisition of Humana to close during the second half of 2016, Chairman and CEO Mark Bertolini said during an investor call Thursday while commenting on the insurer's first quarter financial results.

The criticism of the drug company's price increases are valid, said new board member William Ackman.

The more flexible Quality Payment Program for physicians is aimed at reducing the reporting burden and offers financial incentives.

For the first time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is adding Medicare claims data submitted by hospitals to quality measures posted on its consumer-based website, Nursing Home Compare.