An analysis of Medicare claims from 2008 to 2016 did not find the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program increased mortality rates, especially among patients seen in the emergency department or under observation, researchers reported in the British Medical Journal. "This study adds to the evidence that the readmission policy is safe and is not increasing the risk of death by turning away people who need to be re-hospitalized," said senior author Dr. Harlan Krumholz.