CMS on Friday rolled back Medicaid work requirements in Arizona and Indiana, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Arizona/Indiana, Kentucky, and New York.

• Arizona/Indiana: As part of the Biden administration's efforts to expand health coverage, CMS on Friday rolled back Medicaid work requirements in Arizona and Indiana. The requirements would have required some beneficiaries to be employed, be in job training, or complete other activities to keep their health care coverage. In letters sent to the two states, CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said the work requirements—originally approved under the Trump administration—would be particularly burdensome and potentially unfair amid the pandemic, when many Medicaid beneficiaries may lack access to economic opportunities, transportation, or affordable childcare. (Brady, Modern Healthcare, 6/25)

• Kentucky: Humana's pilot food delivery program boosted participants' health and quality of life, a study found. For the initiative, Humana, in conjunction with Mom's Meals, delivered 14 fully prepared, diabetes-friendly meals once a month to 367 participants who had diabetes and who screened positive for food insecurity. At the end of the year-long program, 86% of participants said that the meal deliveries were essential to their well-being. Jennifer Spear, head of population health strategy at Humana, said, "The research-intensive design for this pilot translated to a successful and sustainable program that allowed for the support of vulnerable members year-round." (Green, Fierce Healthcare, 6/22)

• New York: Jones Memorial Hospital has named James Helms as president and CEO, effective July 16. Helms has served as VP and CFO of the hospital since 2016, and CFO of St. James Hospital since 2019. Helms will succeed Eva Benedict, who is retiring (Drury, Buffalo Business First, 6/23).