The Biden-Harris administration proposes expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for costly anti-obesity medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, sparking debate over drug pricing and accessibility. The move aims to address the high cost of these life-changing medications, currently priced as high as $1,000 per month, while Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, defends its pricing strategy.
Eli Lilly’s stock price jumped after the Biden administration proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications, potentially boosting sales of drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound. The move aims to reduce healthcare costs and combat obesity.
Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination as CMS administrator presents a crucial opportunity to reform America’s broken healthcare system. This article explores key areas where Dr. Oz can make a significant impact, from reducing regulatory burdens to fostering competition and combating fraud, ultimately aiming to ‘Make America Healthy Again’.
Centene Corporation (CNC) delivered impressive third-quarter results, exceeding analysts’ expectations on both revenue and earnings. The company attributed its success to strong growth in its commercial marketplace business, Medicaid rate increases, and operational efficiencies. Centene also reaffirmed its full-year earnings outlook and raised its revenue guidance, indicating a positive trajectory for the healthcare giant.
Major insurers are facing unexpected medical cost increases, particularly within their Medicaid plans. This surge is linked to the end of pandemic-era enrollment policies, leading to a gap between state payments and rising medical expenses. This article explores the impact on leading insurers like Elevance Health, CVS Health, and UnitedHealth Group, and examines the reasons behind the rising costs.
Elevance Health (ELV) reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter earnings, with revenue slightly exceeding estimates but profit falling significantly. The company cited challenges in the Medicaid business and adjusted its full-year guidance downwards. Despite the miss, several analysts remain optimistic, maintaining their ‘Buy’ or ‘Overweight’ ratings, but with lowered price targets.
Elevance Health reported third-quarter revenues that beat expectations but missed on earnings per share guidance due to higher-than-anticipated medical expenses. The company’s stock plummeted as a result, and Evolent Health, which offers services to managed care organizations, also saw its stock decline. This news highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers in navigating the complexities of Medicaid utilization and pricing.
Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to pay $106.8 million to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to government healthcare programs. The settlement resolves accusations that the pharmacy chain billed for processed prescriptions but never actually dispensed them to beneficiaries. The alleged fraudulent activity spanned from 2009 to 2020, with Walgreens collecting tens of millions of dollars for medications that never reached patients. As part of the settlement, Walgreens has implemented updates to its electronic pharmacy management system to prevent similar issues in the future.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s efforts to deter illegal immigration have resulted in a significant decrease in Medicaid spending for immigrants in the state. Following the implementation of a law requiring hospitals to collect data on the healthcare costs of undocumented immigrants, Florida’s Emergency Medical Assistance program spending has dropped by over 50%. DeSantis’s policies, which include banning ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions, increasing border enforcement, and transporting migrants to other states, have drawn criticism from immigration advocates who argue they are cruel and anti-immigrant. However, DeSantis maintains that these measures are necessary to protect Florida’s resources and deter illegal immigration.
This article argues that Republicans should prioritize fixing the issues within the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) rather than seeking a full replacement. It proposes a series of patient-centric reforms, including increased price transparency, modernized subsidies, and work requirements for Medicaid.
