On February 14, 2026, CMS released a dataset with provider-level spending data that the agency suggests could be used to identify unusual billing patterns for specific services, states, or providers. This policy watch describes what the data include, what they exclude, and how they could potentially lead to mistaken conclusions given the limitations of the…
Intrauterine devices (IUDs), along with implants, are known as long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) because they can be used to prevent pregnancy for several years. This fact sheet reviews FDA-approved IUDs, as well as use, availability, and key issues in insurance coverage and financing of IUDs in the U.S.
This brief describes the Managed Care Program Annual Report (MCPAR), a relatively new, comprehensive report on state Medicaid managed care programs that includes plan-level data. It is used with other managed care reports to improve state and federal managed care program monitoring, oversight, and transparency.
The PERM program measures improper payments in Medicaid through cyclical audits of state Medicaid programs. This brief explains the PERM program and its three component error rates as well as upcoming changes to PERM and possible state impacts.
KFF’s latest Health Information and Trust Tracking Poll shows trust in the CDC for vaccine information is at its lowest point since the pandemic began. Findings are available on KFF’s new polling dashboard. New evidence also finds no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, though confusion may persist as officials question the drug’s safety.
This data note analyzes the extent to which hospital spending has contributed to the growth in national health expenditures in recent years and over the long term using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) National Health Expenditures Accounts (NHEA).
The Medicare drug price negotiation program could improve coverage of drugs selected for negotiation for Medicare beneficiaries because the law requires all Medicare Part D plans to cover each of the selected drugs, including all dosages and forms, when negotiated prices take effect. This analysis examines 2026 Medicare Part D formulary coverage of drugs selected…
On January 1, 2026, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) launched the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model that establishes new prior authorization requirements in traditional Medicare. This analysis explores the potential impact of the WISeR model by examining recent spending and utilization trends in traditional Medicare for services selected for prior…
This interactive tool tracks public opinion on the Affordable Care Act, from the inception of the law to the present. It highlights key moments when views shifted and trends based on party identification, income, age, gender, and race/ethnicity.
This issue brief explains why it can be misleading to compare the first year of Rural Health Transformation Program allocations with estimated Medicaid cuts, which will be implemented on a gradual basis and not fully take effect until 2027, after the rural health fund is exhausted.