March 19, 2026

Last summer, RFK Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and subsequently reconstituted the panel. Since then, the committee has revisited several vaccine recommendations related to childhood diseases and respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The court’s ruling reflects concerns about whether established scientific and procedural standards were followed.

CMS is exploring the use of AI tools to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate care, including selecting providers and health plans, with the broader goal of improving access and managing healthcare spending. However, adoption may be limited by low levels of trust among seniors - only 31% of Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older report trusting AI for healthcare-related tasks, according to a recent KFF survey.

Sutter Health and Allina Health plan to combine into a $26 billion, 39-hospital nonprofit system, with Allina operating as a regional division while keeping its brand. The deal aims to expand access, invest in care and technology, and improve recruitment, with a targeted close by the end of 2026 pending approvals. The combined system would serve over 5 million patients annually and leverage strengths in AI, digital health, and clinical expertise to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Moody's Investors Service says the health insurance industry’s 2026 outlook is negative due to rising medical costs and limited opportunities for profitable growth. Insurers are expected to focus on improving margins through actions like benefit cuts, plan redesigns, and scaling back in weaker markets, while facing added pressure from regulation and lagging reimbursement rates.

While CMS issued this proposed policy with the aim of reducing overall health care costs, the opposing groups believe that non-network plans cannot offer comprehensive coverage that is required for a Qualified Health Plan.