July 2, 2026

A coalition of 26 states is challenging the CMS' Medicaid work requirements rule, claiming it imposes stricter eligibility standards and implementation requirements than Congress intended. The states argue the rule could increase administrative complexity, make exemptions harder to obtain for vulnerable enrollees, and jeopardize Medicaid coverage for eligible individuals.

Rick Pollack, the longtime CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA), announced his plans to retire this fall. As Pollack steps down, AHA has named Steve Walsh as its next president and CEO. Walsh has served as president and CEO of the Massachusetts Hospital Association since 2017.

Patrick Alan Bucknum, former CEO, CFO, and COO of a Washington-based nonprofit clinic network, pleaded guilty to embezzling about $24.4 million in funds from Community Clinic Network between 2017 and 2023 to support personal stock and options trading, much of which was driven by losses from risky, social-media-influenced investments. He also used misappropriated funds for personal purchases such as vehicles, a boat, and precious metals, and now faces sentencing after admitting to wire fraud.

A federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit brought by major pharmacy benefit managers (Express Scripts, Caremark, and Optum Rx) against the FTC after the PBMs reached settlements over allegations that they contributed to rising insulin prices. The case was dropped following individual agreements requiring changes to PBM practices such as compensation structures, drug formulary incentives, and transparency requirements.

CMS is testing a temporary, federally funded access pathway for weight-loss GLP-1s in Part D, signaling continued momentum toward broader obesity drug coverage while leaving longer-term pricing and plan participation questions unresolved.