HCA Healthcare Reaches Settlement in Antitrust Case, Pledges Community Support for Asheville’s Mission Health

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — HCA Healthcare has reached a settlement in an antitrust lawsuit that has affected the Mission Health system for the past three years. This lawsuit was initiated by four local governments in Western North Carolina, who argued that HCA’s practices led to increased healthcare costs and reduced quality in the region. The governments involved in the lawsuit—Brevard, Asheville, Buncombe County, and Madison County—raised concerns about HCA’s monopolistic behavior following its acquisition of Mission Health in 2019, which included the only hospital in Asheville and several rural facilities. The plaintiffs alleged that this consolidation … Read more

Federal Court Halts Arkansas Laws Targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Igniting Debate Over Healthcare Regulation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A federal judge has issued a ruling that temporarily halts Arkansas’ newly enacted regulations targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by a major industry player, which argued that the state’s restrictions could disrupt the healthcare market and harm consumers. The federal judge, chosen to hear the case, noted concerns that Arkansas’ law could lead to increased medication prices and fewer options for patients. The current regulations aimed to impose stricter oversight on PBMs, which negotiate prescription drug prices and manage benefits for insurers. … Read more

Washington State Unveils Major Overhaul with 333 New Laws Addressing Public Safety, Housing, and Healthcare

WASHINGTON – Starting tomorrow, Washington state residents will encounter significant changes as 333 new laws take effect. These laws encompass diverse areas such as law enforcement, housing regulations, and medical debt relief, impacting everyday life in various communities. Among the new initiatives is a $100 million grant program aimed at enhancing police departments across the state. This funding can be used for recruiting additional officers or employing behavioral health co-responders. However, municipalities looking to access these grants must either adopt a new public safety sales tax of 0.1% or have a similar tax already in … Read more

2025 NYF Health Awards Kick Off: New Categories and Visionary Leaders Set to Honor Creative Excellence in Healthcare

New Delhi, India — The 2025 New York Festivals Health Awards are now accepting submissions, celebrating excellence in healthcare, wellness, and pharmaceutical advertising. This year’s competition has introduced notable leaders to direct the Executive Jury panels. Allison Ceraso, Chief Creative Officer at Digitas Health, will lead the Health & Wellness Executive Jury. Joining her is Kathleen Nanda, Chief Creative Officer at FCB Health New York, part of IPG Health, who will oversee the Pharma Executive Jury. These experienced professionals will evaluate this year’s shortlist, which was curated by an online jury, to identify outstanding campaigns … Read more