Explore

Springfield News-LeaderSpringfield News-Leader
Medicare's hidden surcharge: Every retiree should know about IRMAA

Medicare's hidden surcharge: Every retiree should know about IRMAA

Medicare surcharges can catch retirees off guard. Learn how to manage your income to avoid paying extra costs.
ReutersReuters
Lilly says Foundayo has captured over 30% of new US patients on oral weight-loss drugs

Lilly says Foundayo has captured over 30% of new US patients on oral weight-loss drugs

By Mariam Sunny Sept 14 (Reuters) - Eli Lilly on Monday said it has captured more than 30% of new patients in the U.S. market for oral obesity treatments, narrowing the early lead gained by Danish rival Novo Nordisk with its Wegovy pill.
TheStreetTheStreet
Cramer's Costco warning could cost retirees thousands

Cramer's Costco warning could cost retirees thousands

The membership fee looks wasteful until you price one particular healthcare purchase without it.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
U.S. Citizens Over 65 Moving Abroad Face Complex International Health Insurance Decisions

U.S. Citizens Over 65 Moving Abroad Face Complex International Health Insurance Decisions

U.S. citizens aged 65 and older who are considering living abroad must carefully evaluate their international health insurance options, as Medicare generally provides limited coverage outside the United States. While some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited emergency coverage during travel, routine healthcare overseas is typically not covered. This necessitates a thorough review of international health insurance plans, which vary significantly based on factors such as age, destination, medical needs, travel patterns, and budget. Decisions regarding whether to maintain Medicare Part A and Part B while living abroad are also critical, as delaying enrollment can lead to penalties and affect future access to U.S. healthcare services. The complexity is further compounded by age-related underwriting, pre-existing conditions, and the cost of international medical care, all of which influence available options and premiums.
TrendlineTrendline
American Hospital Association Urges Regulators to Broaden Scope in Hospital Merger Reviews

American Hospital Association Urges Regulators to Broaden Scope in Hospital Merger Reviews

American Hospital Association Urges Regulators to Broaden Scope in Hospital Merger Reviews
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Representative John Joyce Co-Introduces SECURE 340B Act to Address Drug Discount Program Concerns

Representative John Joyce Co-Introduces SECURE 340B Act to Address Drug Discount Program Concerns

U.S. Representative John Joyce from Pennsylvania, alongside Representative Scott Peters, has introduced the SECURE 340B Act. This legislative effort aims to bring greater transparency and oversight to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The program, established in 1992, requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs to eligible healthcare organizations and pharmacies at significantly reduced prices. The SECURE 340B Act seeks to address concerns regarding the program's rapid growth and the reported $100 billion in annual 340B purchases. The legislation is designed to ensure that the discounts provided through the program are directly benefiting vulnerable patients, as originally intended. It also looks to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various entities involved in the 340B program, including covered entities, contract pharmacies, and drug manufacturers, to prevent potential abuses and ensure compliance with federal guidelines. The introduction of this act signals a bipartisan effort...
Nashville TennesseanNashville Tennessean
What to know when your insurer asks for an extra clinical review

What to know when your insurer asks for an extra clinical review

A doctor explains why insurance companies use prior authorization and how they are working to speed up the process.
ReutersReuters
FDA holds public hearing on psychedelic drugs as Trump-driven push gathers pace

FDA holds public hearing on psychedelic drugs as Trump-driven push gathers pace

By Puyaan Singh and Kamal Choudhury Sept 14 (Reuters) - The U.S.
TheStreetTheStreet
Suze Orman flags the Medicare gap retirees are missing

Suze Orman flags the Medicare gap retirees are missing

What Medicare leaves out costs more than most save for it
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Consumers Navigate Diverse Health Insurance Options for Coverage in the U.S.

Consumers Navigate Diverse Health Insurance Options for Coverage in the U.S.

U.S. consumers have several avenues to obtain health insurance, with the most common and often most affordable being employer-provided plans. These group health insurance plans typically offer better deals due to employer contributions. For individuals with low incomes, Medicaid serves as a crucial government program providing free or very affordable coverage, though eligibility varies by state. Seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions can access Medicare, another government program with various parts covering hospital costs, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and additional benefits through private plans like Medicare Advantage. Self-employed individuals or those without employer-sponsored coverage can utilize marketplace plans, often referred to as 'Obamacare' or Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, available through HealthCare.gov or state marketplaces. These plans come in different metal tiers (Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) with varying costs and coverage l...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Georgetown Analysis Reveals No Surprises Act Arbitration Awards Increase U.S. Healthcare Costs

Georgetown Analysis Reveals No Surprises Act Arbitration Awards Increase U.S. Healthcare Costs

A recent report from Georgetown University indicates that the federal arbitration process, established under the No Surprises Act to resolve out-of-network medical billing disputes, has led to a significant increase in U.S. healthcare costs. The analysis found that these arbitration awards have resulted in over $22 billion in additional expenses. The No Surprises Act, enacted to protect patients from unexpected medical bills, intended to create a fair process for providers and insurers to settle payment disagreements. However, the Georgetown study suggests that the arbitration mechanism designed to facilitate these settlements is instead contributing to higher overall healthcare expenditures. This finding raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Act's implementation in controlling costs, despite its primary goal of consumer protection.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
FDA Approves Simtriyo, a New ADHD Medication for Adults and Children Aged 6 and Older

FDA Approves Simtriyo, a New ADHD Medication for Adults and Children Aged 6 and Older

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Simtriyo (centanafadine), a new once-daily extended-release capsule for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 and older. Simtriyo is classified as a central nervous system stimulant but operates differently from traditional ADHD stimulants by acting on three neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Traditional stimulants primarily target dopamine and norepinephrine, while serotonin is involved in mood and emotional processing. Clinical trials demonstrated that Simtriyo improved core ADHD symptoms, though it has not been directly compared to other ADHD medications. The drug's manufacturer, Otsuka, suggests Simtriyo may help with emotional dysregulation and executive function, benefits that were observed in exploratory post hoc analyses of trial data. Simtriyo is not yet commercially available as it awaits controlled substance scheduling by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrat...