Maximus, Inc. (MMS) saw its stock price rise after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) withdrew its early re-procurement of a major contract. This allows Maximus to continue its work supporting Medicare and the Federal Marketplace until 2031, boosting investor confidence and the company’s projected revenue.
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’.
Retirees in the United States are set to receive a modest 2.5% increase in their Social Security payments for 2025, but this increase may be overshadowed by rising Medicare Part B premiums, leaving some with less disposable income. Experts warn that the increase may not fully address the impact of inflation, particularly on healthcare expenses.
Teva Pharmaceuticals has agreed to a $450 million settlement with the U.S. government to resolve allegations of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act. The settlement stems from accusations that Teva engaged in two unlawful kickback schemes involving the multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone and price-fixing of generic drugs. This settlement is the largest among a series of cases targeting pharmaceutical companies for unlawfully paying patient copays through third-party foundations.
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a new Medicare benefit aimed at providing at-home care for seniors. This proposal seeks to expand the coverage of Medicare, which currently only covers hospital services, to include home-based care under specific circumstances. The plan highlights the challenges many families face in providing long-term care and aims to offer a solution within the existing Medicare system.
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.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, used her acceptance speech at the DNC to attack Republican nominee Donald Trump, accusing him of plans to cut Social Security and Medicare based on a policy document called Project 2025. However, Trump has repeatedly stated he will protect these programs and has distanced himself from Project 2025, which is not officially endorsed by his campaign. Harris also criticized Trump’s stance on abortion, claiming he would seek a nationwide ban, though the Trump campaign has affirmed its commitment to leaving abortion policy to the states.
Despite Medicare’s decision to cover Wegovy, a weight-loss drug, for seniors with obesity and heart disease, many doctors report difficulty in obtaining coverage for their patients. While Medicare prohibits coverage for weight-loss medications, the drug’s high cost and limited coverage raise concerns about access for older Americans.
