Small businesses can deploy big data to improve understanding of customers and uncover hidden patterns, writes Ludwig Makhyan, co-founder of Mazeless Enterprise SEO. "By embracing the power of big data and staying abreast of emerging trends, small businesses can position themselves to thrive in the evolving marketplace," Makhyan writes.

A KFF survey found that about 23% of adults who were dropped from Medicaid are now uninsured. The survey found 47% of adults who were disenrolled regained Medicaid coverage and 28% have coverage through an employer, Medicare, Affordable Care Act marketplace plan or another source.

Using gender-neutral language at a company, such as swapping out "chairman" for "chair," took off in 2022, but DEI backlash is slowing that trend, according to an analysis of company titles at S&P 500 companies. Out of those 500 companies, only 185 companies currently use gender-neutral titles.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell to 211,000 last week, signaling the labor market remains robust despite rising borrowing costs. Continuing claims, however, rose by 28,000 to reach 1.817 million. Combined with recent inflation data, the latest figures could prompt the Federal Reserve to delay or pause future interest rate reductions.

Demand for interim finance leaders jumped 46% last year, according to a report by Business Talent Group. Companies also increasingly sought on-demand audit, accounting and financial control talent, as well as those with skills in financial planning, analysis and modeling. Experts attribute the surge to evolving ways of work and a slowing pipeline of accounting talent.

An end-of-year expiration date on certain pandemic-era flexibilities has Congress looking at ways to expand future telehealth access. Fifteen related bills are currently under consideration, and some trade groups and health care systems have said they want to see restrictions permanently waived post-deadline. "Elimination of the waivers will have a profound ripple effect across the health care ecosystem, especially for vulnerable populations," said Dr. Lee Schwamm of the Yale New Haven Health System during testimony.

Dr. Leana Wen writes on the emergence of a Common Health Coalition to work toward better public health outcomes. The group of physicians, hospital professionals and insurance company representatives has the common purpose of preventing severe illness and keeping hospital patient volumes manageable. Coalition chair Dave Chokshi discusses how the effort will build on infectious disease successes, bolster data collection and improve communication among stakeholders.

Last month SmartBrief health and life sciences readers clicked on hot-button stories involving care costs and risks, including the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident and how patients are affected by rising medical expenditures. Issues in obtaining and affording GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss captured readers' attention as well.

Health equity means ensuring every American achieves their best health, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or location. And it's the driving force behind the work of LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH, AHIP's senior vice president and chief health equity officer. In the latest episode of AHIP's The Next Big Thing in Health, we discover how together we can create better systems of care for everyone. Watch now.

Stay on top of the day-to-day while broadening your scope of knowledge in the health insurance industry. With 40+ online courses, 15 designations, webinars, opportunities for CE credits, and other professional resources, see why AHIP is the right choice for your professional development needs. Learn more and enroll today!