In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down key changes in the CY 2027 MA & Part D Proposed Rule, highlight federal action on the Hospital-at-Home waiver, share a story of community-building through health care book clubs, showcase new insights from our ACCESS model analysis and MSSP risk guide, and feature timely readings on tech-enabled care, ACO participation, CMS’ OPPS/ASC final rule, and shifting ACA Marketplace premium burdens.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we highlight new policy proposals and CMMI model design principles, feature community-based public health efforts in Philadelphia, share events we’re attending and watching, introduce a new caregiving resource, and spotlight recent research on value-based care, primary care transformation, Medicare quality trends, payer-provider dynamics, and CMS’ interoperability work.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we unpack how federal disruptions and affordability debates are shaping the post-shutdown landscape, alongside a spotlight on community impact through a life-saving doula network. We also highlight what we’re writing, reading, and watching, from state rural health transformation themes to pressures on MSSP starters, shifts in remote monitoring coverage, rural hospital funding challenges, and a new resource on strengthening rural primary care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down key federal updates, including the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, new Medicaid directives, and standout stories like how an Iowa Medicaid pilot is transforming access to care. We also spotlight what we’re writing, attending, reading, and watching, from behavioral health model guidance to rural primary care insights and timely analysis on Medicare Advantage.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we’re following new momentum in federal and clinical innovation, from HHS recalling staff to advance the Rural Health Transformation Program to fresh insights on midwifery care and harm reduction. We’re also unpacking what Paragon’s reform agenda means for the Innovation Center and exploring how digital health, AI, and evolving CMS models are shaping the next chapter of value-based care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we’re tracking how federal funding debates and regulatory shifts are shaping coverage, care delivery, and workforce innovation, from the ongoing shutdown’s impact on ACA subsidies to CMS’s evolving Medicare flexibilities and new OIG findings on “ghost networks.” We’re also highlighting promising rural and community health solutions, including ChristianaCare’s investment in local health workers and our latest insights on bridging Medicaid and public health.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, CMS directs contractors to hold Medicare claims as key payment provisions expire, while the shutdown halts hospital-at-home programs and pressures safety-net hospitals facing DSH cuts. We also look at stabilized Medicare Star Ratings prompting new strategies at Humana, highlight a community initiative improving health through food access, and share resources on rural Medicaid innovation. Don’t miss our latest Pop Health Podcast on how states can align stakeholders for lasting rural health transformation.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we cover how the government shutdown is disrupting health programs, shifting dynamics in Medicare Advantage ahead of 2026, and new policy action on rising skin substitute spending. Plus, learn about a grant expanding mental health care in Mid-Michigan, upcoming NAACOS events, and our latest Pop Health Podcast on rural health transformation.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we look at how the government shutdown is affecting health programs, while noting that Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans are expected to remain stable in 2026. We cover Evolent’s divestiture of its value-based primary care business and highlight the survival of a key geriatrics training program serving aging Americans. This issue also features an explainer on Medicaid provider taxes, a CMMI resource on preventive care, and a recap of Coral’s annual retreat in Baltimore. Plus, don’t miss our Pop Health Podcast episode on rural health transformation and how states can align stakeholders for lasting change.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we cover the latest policy debates shaping health care. Highlights include negotiations over ACA tax credits in the government funding talks, a Ways and Means Committee bill to simplify ACO quality reporting, and state actions to cut Medicaid provider payments in advance of expected federal reductions. We also spotlight New Mexico’s pioneering move to offer universal childcare for all families.

In this week's Health Care Matters, we spotlight the launch of CMS’s Rural Health Transformation Program, Innovaccer’s acquisition of Story Health, and the rise of integrative care alongside workforce and payment hurdles. In What We Are Writing, we share insights on CMMI’s GLP-1 model and takeaways from the Heartland Conference. In What We Are Reading, explore new perspectives on primary care, ACO REACH performance results, and how patients choose doctors. Plus, NCQA names new leadership and the Pop Health Podcast tackles drug pricing and access.

In this week's Health Care Matters, we cover MAHA’s push on drug repurposing, No Surprises Act updates, and ongoing scrutiny of the WISeR Model, plus a look at Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S.’ 72-hour outreach. We also explore the Medicare Advantage regulatory outlook, rural health transformation, site-neutral payment research, and more.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down the newly released MSSP Performance Year 2024 results and the latest changes to CMS’s AHEAD model, and highlight the leaders who are stepping up to make a difference in health care. We also spotlight UT Southwestern’s innovative culinary medicine program, share our perspective on the rural health crisis, and look ahead to the NAACOS Fall Conference.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we highlight CMS’s newly introduced Accountable Care Prospective Trend (ACPT) and review findings from CMS’s first evaluation of the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM). We also feature a discussion with Coral’s Kate Freeman and Trevor Abeyta, alongside Megan Burns and Carol Sakala, on CMS’s Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) model.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we take a closer look at major developments shaping the health policy landscape, from a leaked MAHA report to GoodRx’s new collaboration with Novo Nordisk aimed at expanding access to Ozempic and Wegovy. We spotlight how community health paramedics are transforming care delivery and highlight the upcoming “FDA in Flux” discussion on leadership and policy shifts. You’ll also find timely insights on whether MA risk adjustment is due for a revolution, CMMI’s evolving strategic direction, and the role of AI in primary care

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we cover physician pay declines, looming premium hikes, and innovations advancing women’s health, plus what we’re attending and reading, from caregiver support forums to Medicaid policy shifts. Check out a featured job opportunity and a new Pop Health Podcast on what ACOs and specialists need to know about the 2026 PFS and Ambulatory Specialty Model.

In this week’s Health Care Matters we’re tracking key developments from CMS, including a proposed test to cover weight loss drugs and early steps toward a national provider directory. On the ground, Illinois is training local residents as crisis responders through a community-led initiative. We’re also following what’s next for the GUIDE Model to improve dementia care, and reading up on the latest trends in Medicare VBP participation and caregiving in the U.S. Plus: rural health funding applications open next month, and our latest Pop Health Podcast breaks down what ACOs and specialists need to know about the 2026 PFS and Ambulatory Specialty Model.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we mark Medicare and Medicaid’s 60th anniversary, examine how AI policy and digital health are reshaping care, and review 2026 Medicare Part D bid updates. Our Look for the Helpers feature highlights a historic Austin hospital reborn as a respite center for people recovering from homelessness. Plus, insights on accountable care competencies, rural health funding, and USofCare’s new AHEAD messaging toolkit.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down a flurry of major Medicare updates, explore the FDA’s new proposal linking drug pricing to review speed, and spotlight a powerful AI program improving end-of-life care conversations. We also share a hiring update from CMMI and highlight new research on rising Medicare spending, Medigap protections, the value of integrated ACOs for duals, and the urgent need to support unpaid caregivers.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we explore a sharp rise in U.S. health care spending and record-high clinician participation in Advanced APMs. We cover new developments in Medicare drug negotiations and highlight efforts to break down access barriers through school-based care. You’ll also find key takeaways from the CMS Quality Conference, insights into the WISeR model, and a closer look at reform efforts in ACO REACH. Plus, we share recommended reads on clinical guideline equity and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and offer a quick pulse check on the latest budget bill.