AACR Announces 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
oncodaily - The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Service Awards, recognizing individuals whose work has shaped the direction of cancer research, policy, and […]
AI Summary: The American Association for Cancer Research announced its 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients, honoring leaders for exceptional contributions to cancer research, advocacy, and public engagement. The prizes celebrate scientific leadership across academia, clinical practice, and patient advocacy, reinforcing AACR’s priorities while handing the field a roster of role models to admire—and occasionally envy.
- Awards & grants: Distinguished Service, Trailblazers, scholar honors (4)
- Clinical highlights: Trials, company data, and therapeutic developments (5)
- On-site coverage: Live updates, press conferences, and recaps (4)
- Other: Attendee reflections and unrelated items (5)
- All Other Stories
Awards & grants: Distinguished Service, Trailblazers, scholar honors
Clinical highlights: Trials, company data, and therapeutic developments
On-site coverage: Live updates, press conferences, and recaps
Other: Attendee reflections and unrelated items
All Other Stories
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan to exit Medicaid, individual markets; cut 321 jobs
Jakob Emerson / beckershospitalreview - Baylor Scott & White Health Plan said April 14 it will exit the Texas Medicaid managed care market and discontinue its individual marketplace plans, affecting roughly 225,000 members and eliminating 321 jobs statewide, according to the Dallas Morning News…
AI Summary: Baylor Scott & White announced it will leave Medicaid individual markets, a move that will shed hundreds of jobs and reshape coverage options for affected enrollees. The decision highlights ongoing financial pressures in public‑program participation and raises practical concerns about access continuity for people reliant on those plans.
New Bill Seeks to Lower Out-of-Pocket Drug Costs
Marissa Plescia / medcitynews - Rep. Greg Murphy introduced a bill that would require out-of-pocket prescription drug spending to count toward patients’ deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums regardless of where the drugs are purchased.The post New Bill Seeks to Lower Out-of-Pocket Drug…
AI Summary: Lawmakers introduced legislation to reduce out‑of‑pocket drug costs by allowing patients' direct drug purchases to count toward their insurance deductibles. The proposal aims to ease financial strain for people buying costly medications out‑of‑pocket, but would require insurers and pharmacy systems to change longstanding accounting and benefits practices.
American Cancer Society Announces New Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Journal; Names Editor-in-Chief
cancer - The publication will provide a platform to share discoveries and advance knowledge across the field of pediatric and AYA oncology
AI Summary: The American Cancer Society launched a new open‑access journal dedicated to pediatric, adolescent and young adult oncology and named its inaugural editor‑in‑chief. The journal aims to centralize research, clinical guidance and policy discussions for younger patients, speeding dissemination of age‑specific evidence and, one hopes, improving outcomes for a frequently overlooked group.
- ACS launches open‑access journal centralizing pediatric and AYA oncology research (7)
- Adolescents and young adults: awareness, survivorship, transition and community (9)
- Global pediatric oncology gatherings spotlight collaboration, training and innovation (14)
- Other pediatric oncology news: research, partnerships, advocacy and care (24)
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ACS launches open‑access journal centralizing pediatric and AYA oncology research
Adolescents and young adults: awareness, survivorship, transition and community
Global pediatric oncology gatherings spotlight collaboration, training and innovation
Other pediatric oncology news: research, partnerships, advocacy and care
All Other Stories
High-dose Wegovy debuts at $399 for self-paying patients
Paige Twenter / beckershospitalreview - Novo Nordisk’s recently approved high-dose Wegovy formulation has entered the U.S. market and is available for $399 per month for self-paying patients, the drugmaker said April 7. In March, the FDA approved Wegovy HD, a 7.2-mg injection of semaglutide, as…
AI Summary: Novo Nordisk has introduced a higher‑dose formulation of Wegovy (semaglutide) in the U.S., offering self‑pay patients access at a $399 monthly price. The rollout reflects growing demand for GLP‑1 therapies and fuels ongoing debates about affordability, access and how much of weight‑management care should depend on out‑of‑pocket spending.
- On scene: industry shifts, IPOs, stigma and miscellaneous reports (4)
- On site: Novo rolls out Wegovy HD, sparking access debates (7)
- Regulators press for more GLP-1 safety data and oversight (4)
- Reporting from clinics: GLP-1s vary in effect, risk muscle loss (9)
- All Other Stories
On scene: industry shifts, IPOs, stigma and miscellaneous reports
On site: Novo rolls out Wegovy HD, sparking access debates
Regulators press for more GLP-1 safety data and oversight
Reporting from clinics: GLP-1s vary in effect, risk muscle loss
All Other Stories
What are motor skills? Evidence‑based ways to support children's fine and gross motor development
medicalxpress - Motor skills are foundational for a lifetime of movement. For children, they play a vital role not only in facilitating physical activity levels but also for cognitive and socio-emotional development and school readiness.
AI Summary: New guidance summarizes evidence-based strategies to strengthen young children's fine and gross motor development, offering practical activities, screening cues and professional supports for parents and educators. The reporting emphasizes early intervention, play-based approaches and simple at-home exercises that can set the stage for healthier development without expensive gadgets or miracle fixes.
Orlando Health fleshes out Alabama footprint with another acquisition
fiercehealthcare - The $10 billion nonprofit plans to acquire RMC Health System from the City of Anniston, building on 2024's big-ticket purchase of five Alabama hospitals from Tenet Healthcare.
AI Summary: Orlando Health continued its regional growth by acquiring an Alabama health system, extending its clinical and operational footprint into the state. The move aims to integrate services, expand care access and consolidate regional networks as health systems seek scale to manage costs and enhance specialty offerings.
Cancer Risk Is Significantly Higher for Adults Who Never Married, Large Study Finds
oncodaily - Analysis of 4 million cases finds higher cancer rates across most types, especially for preventable cancers. Adults who have never been married face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer […]
AI Summary: A large observational analysis found that adults who never married have a significantly higher cancer risk compared with married peers, after adjusting for common confounders. Researchers highlight social, behavioral and access‑to‑care factors as possible contributors, suggesting that relationship status may serve as a marker for targeted prevention and support interventions.
- Lifestyle, sleep and fertility linked to cancer risk (3)
- Never-married adults face significantly higher cancer risk (3)
- Place, education and loneliness drive cancer disparities (3)
Lifestyle, sleep and fertility linked to cancer risk
Never-married adults face significantly higher cancer risk
Place, education and loneliness drive cancer disparities
UCLA Researchers Develop Low-Cost Blood Test to Detect Multiple Cancers And Other Diseases From a Single Sample
oncodaily - The new method analyzes genome-wide methylation of DNA circulating in the bloodstream to detect liver, lung, ovarian and stomach cancers, as well as several non-cancer conditions. UCLA scientists have developed […]
AI Summary: Researchers at UCLA introduced a low-cost blood test capable of detecting multiple cancers and other diseases from a single sample, promising broader screening reach and earlier detection. If validated at scale, the technology could lower barriers to multi-cancer screening, reshape diagnostic pathways, and offer cheaper, simpler surveillance—assuming the usual caveats about follow-up testing and false positives.
- Frontline: ctDNA and cfDNA - monitoring, screening, and reliability questions (4)
- On location: early-detection debates, AI risk stratification and screening value (4)
- On the ground: UCLA’s inexpensive blood test expands multi-disease detection (4)
- All Other Stories
Frontline: ctDNA and cfDNA - monitoring, screening, and reliability questions
On location: early-detection debates, AI risk stratification and screening value
On the ground: UCLA’s inexpensive blood test expands multi-disease detection
All Other Stories
Too young for the MMR shot, babies become 'sitting ducks' in measles outbreaks
medicalxpress - With baby Arthur too young for the measles vaccine and a sibling due in June, the Otwells grew nervous when the threat of the highly contagious virus started factoring into their grocery run.
AI Summary: Health reporting highlights that infants below the eligible age for the MMR vaccine remain highly vulnerable during measles outbreaks, effectively "sitting ducks" until immunization is possible. Public-health experts warn that gaps in community immunity and outbreak control measures disproportionately endanger these youngest children, underscoring the need for stronger herd-protection and targeted outbreak responses.
AbbVie sues HHS over 340B patient definition
Ella Jeffries / beckershospitalreview - AbbVie has filed a lawsuit challenging federal guidance on how “patient” is defined under the 340B program, according to an April 8 press release. The company said the current definition, based on guidance issued in 1996, allows covered entities to claim …
AI Summary: AbbVie has filed suit challenging HHS’s interpretation of the 340B program, arguing the agency’s “patient” definition and related guidance are outdated and legally flawed. The company seeks judicial clarity that could reshape who qualifies for discounted drugs and how hospitals and manufacturers navigate the program — yes, the pricing drama continues.
Disruption expected as six-day doctors' strike begins
bbc - The NHS is advising patients in England to only use emergency services when necessary but attend any confirmed appointments.
AI Summary: A coordinated six‑day doctors' strike has caused significant disruption across hospitals and clinics, leading to postponed appointments, diverted emergency visits and heightened anxiety among patients awaiting care. Health leaders urge targeted communication and contingency staffing while negotiators and striking doctors trade barbs — and patients try not to become collateral damage.
- Cancellations provoke fury as doctors warn of staffing crisis (3)
- Healthcare labour unrest: unions, petitions and declining staff morale (3)
- NHS urges patients: attend confirmed appointments, avoid A&E (3)
- Other: research inclusion debate and volatile crypto markets (3)
- All Other Stories
Cancellations provoke fury as doctors warn of staffing crisis
Healthcare labour unrest: unions, petitions and declining staff morale
NHS urges patients: attend confirmed appointments, avoid A&E
Other: research inclusion debate and volatile crypto markets
All Other Stories
Rabi Hanna: First-in-Human CRISPR/Cas12a Therapy in Sickle Cell Disease
oncodaily - Rabi Hanna, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program Director, and Chairman at the Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and BMT at Cleveland Clinic, shared a post on LinkedIn: “I am excited […]
AI Summary: A first‑in‑human CRISPR/Cas12a therapy for sickle cell disease has treated initial patients, building on preclinical gene‑editing successes that reversed severe disease in models. The advance underscores rapid translation from lab to clinic and renews hope for durable cures—while reminding everyone that the safety and long‑term durability questions remain firmly on the table.
CHS sells 180-bed hospital for $459M: 6 things to know
Alan Condon / beckershospitalreview - Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems on April 1 sold Crestwood Medical Center — a 180-bed hospital in Huntsville, Ala. — to Huntsville Hospital Health System for $459 million. Six things to know: 1. The deal includes all of the assets tied to th…
AI Summary: Community Health Systems has finalized the sale of a 180‑bed Alabama hospital for $459 million, concluding a transaction that reshuffles local care ownership and may prompt operational changes. The closing marks a notable consolidation step in regional hospital markets and raises questions about continuity and access as the new owner assumes control.
Why 131 Hospitals Are Suing HHS Over Alleged Underpayment
Katie Adams / medcitynews - A group of 131 hospitals has sued HHS over a CMS policy they say improperly reduces Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. The lawsuit is the latest in a decade-long legal battle over how the agency counts patient days and calculates pay…
AI Summary: One hundred thirty‑one hospitals have filed suit challenging HHS’s 2023 Disproportionate Share Hospital calculation, arguing the agency’s formula undercounts uncompensated care and systematically underpays safety‑net providers. The plaintiffs seek to overturn the rule and recover alleged shortfalls, warning that ongoing underpayment threatens hospital finances and patient access.
CMS finalizes Medicare Advantage star ratings overhaul, sending billions of dollars more to insurers
Rebecca Pifer Parduhn / healthcaredive - Regulators cut almost a dozen metrics that factor into the quality ratings and reverted back to an older and more generous bonus system. MA plans will get more than $18 billion in additional payments over the next decade as a result.
AI Summary: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services locked in a sweeping overhaul of Medicare Advantage star ratings that will shift billions of dollars in payments and alter plan incentives. The ruling adjusts rating calculations and enrollment provisions, prompting industry and provider concerns about downstream effects on access, plan behavior, and provider-network stability.
Group sues CMS for details on Medicare AI prior authorization pilot
Andrew Cass / beckershospitalreview - Digital rights advocacy organization the Electronic Frontier Foundation has filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against CMS seeking information on how the AI algorithms work in its traditional Medicare prior authorization pilot. CMS’ Wasteful and I…
AI Summary: A coalition of tech and privacy groups has sued CMS seeking detailed records about a Medicare pilot that uses AI to automate prior authorization decisions. Plaintiffs argue the agency failed to provide transparency on algorithms, data inputs and patient safeguards, demanding documents to assess legal, safety and fairness risks before the program expands.
CMS: This year's open enrollment brought fewer signups, higher premiums
fiercehealthcare - The administration's official numbers on the 2026 Open Enrollment Period outlined drops in new customers and automatic re-enrollment, the latter of which CMS said stemmed from its crackdown on improper enrollments. Average monthly premiums also increased …
AI Summary: CMS data show this year's ACA open enrollment produced fewer new signups while benchmark premiums climbed, nudging many consumers into higher‑deductible plans. Enrollment sits near 23.1 million for 2026, but the mix of coverage is tilting toward cost‑sharing over comprehensiveness, raising concerns about affordability and surprising out‑of‑pocket shocks for vulnerable families.
The new cholesterol guideline: What to know
medicalxpress - For the first time since 2018, a clinical guideline from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association for screening and managing blood cholesterol levels has been updated and jointly published in the Journal of the American Colleg…
AI Summary: Updated cholesterol guidance proposes shifts in testing strategy and risk assessment that may change timing and targets for lipid screening. Clinicians and patients should expect revised thresholds and more personalized testing intervals as the guideline aims to better align prevention with individual cardiovascular risk—so yes, your testing schedule might get a makeover.
- Diet and Upstream Prevention — Community diets and upstream prevention fight heart disease (3)
- OTHER — Triglyceride drug failed to reduce arterial plaque (1)
- Screening and Risk Tools — Earlier screening, personalized risk: guidelines meet AI (3)
- Treatment Advances and Intensive LDL — Aggressive LDL and new drugs reshape prevention strategies (3)
- All Other Stories
Diet and Upstream Prevention — Community diets and upstream prevention fight heart disease
OTHER — Triglyceride drug failed to reduce arterial plaque
Screening and Risk Tools — Earlier screening, personalized risk: guidelines meet AI
Treatment Advances and Intensive LDL — Aggressive LDL and new drugs reshape prevention strategies
All Other Stories
Teens are driving the demand for online abortion pills via telehealth
medicalxpress - Teens in the U.S. are obtaining medication abortion pills through telehealth, and young people aged 18 to 24 are ordering medication abortion at much higher rates than older adults.
AI Summary: Telehealth provision of medication abortion has surged, reducing travel for many and prompting a noticeable uptick in online requests from teenagers. Reports show virtual care is reshaping access patterns and forcing healthcare systems and regulators to confront new realities around remote prescribing, confidentiality, and youth access to reproductive services.