Birmingham 205-631-5969

Montgomery 334-277-6201

Client Login

Request Demo

Author: Lauren Brown

CMS Launches Medicare GLP-1 Bridge to Expand Access to Weight Loss Medications

Posted on

CMS has introduced the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, a new initiative that allows eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries to access certain GLP-1 medications for $50 per month. The program is designed to improve affordability for qualifying individuals while evaluating how expanded access to these medications impacts health outcomes and the Medicare program. The initiative will run through December 31, 2027 and is intended for Medicare beneficiaries who meet specific eligibility requirements. Not everyone with Medicare will qualify, including individuals who…
Read Full Article

Jackson Hospital Faces Uncertain Future Amid Reimbursement Negotiations

Posted on

Jackson Hospital in Montgomery continues to face an uncertain future as negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama over reimbursement rates remain ongoing. Hospital leadership has indicated that without a sustainable financial agreement, the organization may be forced to cease operations. The hospital’s board is expected to review the latest proposals before making a final decision. Hospital leaders have emphasized that reaching a reimbursement agreement would provide the opportunity to stabilize operations, restore services,…
Read Full Article

Jackson Hospital Investigating Network Security Incident

Posted on

Montgomery-based Jackson Hospital is investigating a recent network security incident after detecting suspicious activity within its computer systems on June 8. According to hospital officials, the organization immediately launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity and digital forensic specialists. At this time, the incident appears to be limited in scope, and the hospital has reported no evidence of data loss. Jackson Hospital also stated that patient care operations have not been affected and…
Read Full Article

Medicare Advantage by the Numbers: 10 Trends Shaping 2026

Posted on

A recent analysis from KFF highlights continued growth in Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment, although expansion has slowed compared to previous years. The data also shows increasing participation in Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and shifting enrollment among major insurers. 1. More Than Half of Medicare Beneficiaries Choose Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage now covers 55% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries, a significant increase from 19% in 2007. 2. Enrollment Growth Continues, but at a Slower Pace Between…
Read Full Article

ADA Accessibility Standards for Medical Equipment: Key Compliance Deadlines Approaching

Posted on

Healthcare organizations should be aware of new accessibility requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule establishes enforceable accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE), helping ensure patients with disabilities have equitable access to healthcare services. The requirements apply to state and local government healthcare entities and address equipment commonly used during patient care, including examination tables, weight scales, imaging equipment, and other diagnostic devices. The…
Read Full Article

CMS Updates: Enrollment Changes, Chronic Care Support, Coding Revisions & More

Posted on

CMS recently announced several updates that may affect provider enrollment, chronic care management, opioid treatment programs, and coding requirements. Here’s what healthcare organizations should know. Medicare Enrollment Application Changes Take Effect August 3 Clinics, group practices, and other suppliers that submit paper Medicare enrollment applications should be aware of upcoming changes to Form CMS-855B. Medicare Administrative Contractors will accept both the current and revised forms through August 2, 2026. Beginning August 3, providers must use…
Read Full Article

Medicare Highlights Resources to Support Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Posted on

CMS is encouraging healthcare providers to review available Medicare services that support patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The reminder follows findings from a recent Office of Inspector General report that highlighted the benefits of medication-assisted treatment, particularly the use of buprenorphine. According to the report, buprenorphine can help reduce opioid use and lower the risk of overdose, contributing to improved patient outcomes and long-term recovery success. As opioid-related health concerns continue to…
Read Full Article

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Named One of America’s Best Employers for 2026

Posted on

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for 2026. The annual ranking, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluates large employers across the United States based on employee feedback and public recommendations. The recognition is based on survey responses from more than 217,000 U.S. employees working for organizations with at least 1,000 employees. The study considered millions of evaluations, with the greatest emphasis placed on…
Read Full Article

8 GLP-1 findings to know

Posted on

A wave of new research is expanding what clinicians and health system leaders know about GLP-1 medications, covering new territory from liver disease to male fertility to a blood pressure safety signal.  Resource: 8 GLP-1 findings to know

8 New Drug Shortages Healthcare Providers Should Monitor

Posted on

Drug shortages continue to impact healthcare organizations nationwide. According to recent data, active shortages increased again during the first quarter of 2026, with more than 220 medications currently affected. The FDA continues to update its shortage database as manufacturers discontinue products, adjust production, or work to restore supply. Below are eight recent drug shortage and discontinuation updates providers should be aware of: 1. Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection Slayback Pharma has discontinued certain 4 mcg/mL presentations of…
Read Full Article

UnitedHealth Group Updates: Key Developments Healthcare Organizations Should Monitor

Posted on

UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries have been involved in several notable developments across healthcare, pharmacy benefits, leadership, and regulatory matters. Here are ten updates healthcare organizations may want to monitor: 1. Fairview Health Services to End Certain Medicare Advantage Scheduling Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services announced it will stop scheduling patients enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans beginning January 1, 2027, signaling ongoing challenges in payer-provider contracting. 2. Optum Rx Appoints New Health Plan Market President…
Read Full Article

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Launches July 1: What Practices and Patients Should Know

Posted on

Beginning July 1, Medicare beneficiaries may see significant savings on certain GLP-1 medications through the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. The initiative was established through agreements with major drug manufacturers and is designed to improve access to popular weight management and diabetes medications while reducing out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients. Several large pharmacy providers are preparing to support the program. CVS Health announced expanded patient services that include lower copay options for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries,…
Read Full Article