CMS released 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings on Oct. 8, giving more insight into the MA landscape beyond health plans’ marketing materials.  Contracts receive a rating each year, ranging from one to five stars. The ratings help beneficiaries compare plans,…

While many hospitals and health systems are zeroing in on expanding their use of AI, Jason Hinkle, CFO of Marion-based Deaconess Illinois, said some finance leaders are not focused enough on the work that determines whether these tools can succeed. …

Greensboro, N.C.-based Cone Health is sunsetting its Hospital at Home program, according to an Oct. 14 statement from the health system shared with Becker’s.  Cone Health made the decision following a comprehensive review of its priorities and the model’s sustainability. …

CMS can now exclude individual providers and entities from participating in federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delegated the authority to the CMS administrator in a notice that took effect immediately. Here are…

CMS ended subsidies in 2026 for 189,000 people with federally subsidized marketplace coverage who also had Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage, or who were deceased, HHS said Oct. 14. Here are five things to know: 1. The…

Optum Health’s earnings from operations climbed to $735 million in the third quarter, up from $41 million a year earlier, as UnitedHealth Group’s care delivery arm continues to recover from a challenging 2025. The unit’s operating margin rose to 3.2%…

Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is at risk of losing Medicare funding after CMS found the hospital out of compliance with three of the program’s conditions of participation. Inspectors conducted an unannounced complaint survey at the hospital in late…

The American Hospital Association is challenging a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association analysis that estimated rising hospital coding intensity added $942 million in costs and linked the trend to AI-enabled billing tools. The AHA argued in an Oct. 5 blog…

UnitedHealth Group executives outlined several artificial intelligence initiatives during the company’s Oct. 13 earnings call.  “AI-enabled capabilities are beginning to help clinicians spend more time with patients, improve service speed and experience, streamline administration and reduce friction for both consumers…

Montrose (Colo.) Regional Health has eliminated 77 positions as part of an organizational restructuring, citing flat insurance payments and rising operating costs. The cuts, effective Oct. 12, include 34 employees who were laid off and 43 vacant positions that will…