Dear John,

UnitedHealthcare Pays Optum Providers More Than Non-Optum Providers

Daniel R. Arnold and Brent D. Fulton

Researchers report that UnitedHealthcare’s payments to Optum physicians are markedly higher than market norms.

Interventions To Automate Medicaid Renewals Reduce Procedural Denials And Increase Coverage

Pamela Herd et al.

A federal initiative to expand automated Medicaid renewals increased ex parte renewals and overall retention while reducing procedural denials in four states, underscoring how easing administrative burdens helps eligible people stay covered.

Value-Based Payments Associated With Improved Quality Of Care At Federally Qualified Health Centers, 2014–23

Kun Li et al.

Using national data from 2014–23, researchers found that while value-based and capitation payments remain a small share of FQHC revenue, participation is linked to improvements in key primary care quality measures.

Three Ways CMMI Is Applying Evidence To Protect Patients, Providers And Taxpayers

Gita Deo and Abe Sutton

With collaboration and evidence-based approaches, a patient-centric health care system is achievable, the authors write.

The Real Fraud, Waste, And Abuse: Medicare And Medicaid Privatization

Adam Gaffney et al.

Although the One Big Beautiful Bill Act aims to reduce health care spending, key contributors to excess costs—like Medicare Advantage overpayments and Medicaid managed care payments—remain unaddressed.

What Would Happen To Americans In A Bird Flu Pandemic?

Stephanie Psaki and Beth Cameron

Bird flu cases in the United States are increasing following a summer pause, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and response systems.

Purchasing Power Under Pressure: Employers, Unions, and Health Care Costs

Health Affairs held a virtual event with a panel of experts exploring insights and perspectives on rising prices.

Speakers included: 

• Patrick Pine, Robert F. Kennedy Medical Plan, Juan De La Cruz Pension Plan (retired)
• Andrea Caballero, Catalyst for Payment Reform
• Katie Gudiksen, UC Law in San Francisco 

Health Benefits in 2025: Insights from the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey

Health Affairs and KFF’s Matthew Rae held an exclusive Insider virtual event exploring the findings from the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey, reporting on benefits in 2025. 

Become an Insider today to get access to this exclusive event.

Population Health Costs Of Exclusionary And Criminalizing Immigration Policies

Nolan Kline et al.

Mitigating The Health Impacts Of Exclusionary Immigration Policies: An Evidence Review

Nicole L. Novak et al.

Health Affairs This Week: How Are States Even Affording Health Care Costs?

A Health Podyssey: How Employers Are Navigating Rising Health Care Costs

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