The Gist Healthcare Podcast Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Jul 16, 2025
The recent Supreme Court ruling prompts the Department of Health and Human Services to resume layoffs. Physicians could see a potential pay boost as CMS unveils a new Medicare fee schedule proposal. Walgreens shareholders have given the green light for a massive $10 billion sale to a private equity firm. In addition, HealthSpring is set to relaunch nationally following Cigna's acquisition of its Medicare business. Lastly, there's an intriguing update on a court's reversal of a medical debt credit reporting rule.
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HHS Layoffs Restart After Supreme Court Ruling
- HHS resumed layoffs after the Supreme Court allowed the administration's restructuring to proceed.
- Employees received termination notices effective July 14, 2025, though some remain covered by other injunctions or were reinstated.
Proposed Medicare Pay Bump For Physicians
- CMS proposed a Medicare physician pay increase by setting the conversion factor at $33.42 for 2026.
- The bump reflects a mandated 2.5% adjustment plus a 0.55% RVU change and contrasts with prior years' proposed cuts.
Comment On CMS Rule By Sept. 12
- Submit comments on the CMS proposed physician fee schedule before the September 12th deadline.
- Engage on telehealth eligibility, shared savings risk changes, and skin substitute spending reductions in your comments.