Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify before Congress today for the first time since taking the role of U.S. health secretary, and will face questions over the firing of thousands of health agency employees and a fast-growing measles outbreak.
CMS said on Monday that it would announce a list of 15 drugs eligible for a third round of Medicare price negotiations by early February next year. For the first time, the list would include drugs payable under Medicare Part B - which covers medicines administered in a doctor's office or hospital - in addition to prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D, CMS said.
UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty is stepping down for personal reasons and the nation's largest health insurer suspended its full-year financial outlook due to higher-than-expected medical costs. Chairman Stephen Hemsley will become CEO, effective immediately, the Minnesota company said.
Mark Bertolini, formerly the CEO of Aetna (CVS), says narrow networks and lower cost options in the ACA marketplace are better for individuals, but that Aetna's exit isn't good for the market. Still, Aetna's exit bodes well for Oscar, which had 'significant overlap' with them, Bertolini says.
Gov. Kay Ivey has signed into law a bill to allow the Alabama Farmers Federation to offer a health care plan for its members that will not be subject to the same laws and regulations as health insurance programs. The legislation had strong bipartisan support, passing the House 98-1 and the Senate 30-2. Supporters say the plan would provide an affordable alternative for farmers and self-employed people who are ALFA members and who struggle to pay for health insurance.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont has lost over $150 million in the past four years. If it fails, the state's entire healthcare apparatus could fall apart, officials say.