A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration can continue withholding Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood and similar health centers while ongoing legal challenges are resolved. This decision affects states that rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare services, including cancer screenings and birth control. The ruling follows multiple lawsuits filed by states and…

Health systems nationwide are deepening their partnerships with Amazon’s One Medical to enhance primary care access and address physician shortages. These collaborations, now beyond pilot stages, are seen as sustainable strategies for digital-first, consumer-oriented care delivery. From Northeast Ohio to the Pacific Northwest, healthcare leaders report patient growth and improved service delivery as key benefits….

Jackson Hospital in Montgomery has filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, alleging that the insurer’s underpayment practices have led to the hospital’s financial instability and bankruptcy. The hospital claims it receives 30-40% less in reimbursements compared to other local facilities, such as Baptist Health. Jackson Hospital is seeking over $250 million…

The FDA is expediting reviews for Merck’s cholesterol pill enlicitide decanoate and cancer therapy sacituzumab tirumotecan under the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program. These drugs, with significant sales potential, are expected to be submitted for approval in 2026. The program, launched in June, aims to accelerate drug approvals with critical public health impacts, reducing review…

New Jersey has joined a 20-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, argues that the fee exceeds congressional authorization, lacks consideration for non-profit and government employers, and bypasses required rulemaking procedures. The fee, applicable only to new overseas applicants, could impact New Jersey’s healthcare…

The Trump administration plans to eliminate hundreds of unfilled positions at Chicago area VA hospitals, including over 400 at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and 200 at Lovell Federal Health Care Center. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce by cutting obsolete COVID-era roles. However, local healthcare workers express…