Search

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystFeds touts $6B in potential savings from Medicare drug price negotiations

In mid-August, CMS announced that it has negotiated lower Medicare prices for ten widely used drugs, taking advantage of new authorities legislated by Congress in 2022.

Academy 360 | All-AccessWashington Update: House Committees Ramp Up Hearings on Healthcare Consolidation and Rural Access

Congress continues to host a flurry of healthcare focused hearings, including hearings on consolidation in healthcare markets and rural healthcare access.

Academy 360 | Academy 360Washington Update: RFK Confirmed HHS Secretary

On February 13, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. became the 18th Trump nominee to be confirmed by the Senate.

Academy 360 | All-AccessWashington Update: A New Site-Neutral Framework

Academy 360 | Academy 360In the News | MA Rate Increase

CMS announced that MA plans will receive a 5.06% increase in their benchmark payment rate for 2026, a significant increase over the Biden-era proposal. Separately, the agency proposed a 2.4% rate increase for inpatient hospitals.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystFederal judge sides with HRSA on 340B, but leaves door open for drugmaker rebates

A federal judge ruled that pharmaceutical companies can’t withhold upfront 340B discounts without federal approval, but also directed HRSA to reconsider Sanofi’s proposed rebate model.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystHumana and UHG will lose $1B+ with MA star ratings declines, as both sue

On Oct. 10, CMS released next year’s star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans. Overall, the share of beneficiaries enrolled in plans earning 4+ stars (eligible for bonus payments) fell from 74% in 2024 to 62% in 2025, a 12-percentage-point drop.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystThe Strategist in Brief: May 22, 2025

A brief summary of the top stories in this edition, including an audio version.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Video | Executive Insight HubSpring 2025 Revenue Cycle Officer Forum Debrief

Get an inside look at the top priorities shaping Health System RCO strategy in Spring 2025— pulled directly from our closed-door forums and tailored for industry leaders looking to align with financial decision-makers.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystBreaking news: NIH cuts indirect research costs

Major research institutions, including top academic medical centers and children’s hospitals, say the reduction could leave them with $100M+ shortfalls.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Newsletter | AI CatalystQuick Hits, Use Cases, Expert Insights: January 11, 2024

Explore how leading health systems are scaling AI in clinical, operational, and strategic ways—from custom partnerships and predictive tools to new use cases, policy changes, and growing investment in generative AI.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystArkansas passes law banning PBMs from owning pharmacies

The law primarily targets the “Big Three” PBMs—CVS Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts, and UHG’s Optum Rx—who collectively control 80% of the U.S. prescription market.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Video | Executive Insight HubSpring 2025 CIO Forum Debrief

Get an inside look at the top priorities shaping Health System CIO strategy in Spring 2025— pulled directly from our closed-door forums and tailored for industry leaders

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist  | Strategy CatalystFTC to sue major PBMs over drug rebate tactics

The FTC is preparing a lawsuit against the three largest PBMs—OptumRx, Express Scripts, and CVS Caremark—over allegations that they steered patients to more expensive drugs in exchange for manufacturer rebates.

Expert Insight | All-AccessResponse Letter for 2023 IPPS Rule

In June, 11 health system members provided feedback to CMS regarding quality program modifications and health equity-related initiatives

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystDEA proposes making telehealth prescribing flexibilities permanent, with strings attached

The DEA announced three new proposed rules to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities established during the pandemic, including a process for prescribing controlled substances without an in-person evaluation.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystPayvider roundup: UHG’s new gold card program, CVS cuts 2024 forecast

Headwinds from MA utilization and Medicaid disenrollment are continuing to put a drag on payer profits, and policymakers are increasingly focused on prior authorization.

Academy 360 | Academy 360Insights from the 2025 Strategy Catalyst Summit

The 2025 Strategy Catalyst Summit’s sessions and peer discussions provided an opportunity to explore big picture issues like the shifting political environment, and more personal issues like career development and team organization.

Contact Us to Gain Access

Strategist | Strategy CatalystThe Strategist in Brief: October 24, 2024

A brief summary of the top stories in this edition of The Strategist, now including an audio version.

May 2, 2025

Podcast | Health Impact AllianceIntermountain's Rural Hub and Spoke Model: An Interview with CSO Dan Liljenquist

Explore how Intermountain Health tackles rural healthcare disparities through virtual hospitals, policy, and innovation in this episode of the Health Systems CXO podcast.