Study Reveals Gaps in Care for Medicare Beneficiaries Following Nonfatal Overdoses
A recent federal study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that Medicare beneficiaries who experienced nonfatal overdoses faced a high risk of subsequent overdoses and mortality. The study emphasized the importance of interventions like medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone, and behavioral health services in preventing overdose-related deaths. However, the study also highlighted significant gaps in care, with delays in treatment initiation and low rates of medication provision. The lead researcher stressed the urgent need to improve access to these lifesaving interventions to reduce the risk of future overdoses and fatalities.
CVS Health Faces Share Drop Due to Higher Medical Costs Impacting U.S. Insurance Industry
CVS Health faces a drop in shares as it revises profit outlook due to higher medical costs impacting the U.S. insurance industry. The surge in medical costs, particularly in Medicare Advantage services, has led to a challenging financial outlook for the company. With shares plummeting by nearly 18%, CVS Health aims to enhance its Medicare Advantage margins to mitigate the impact of rising medical costs.
Medicare Part D Expands Coverage to Include Weight-Loss Medication Wegovy
Medicare Part D is expanding its coverage to include the weight-loss medication Wegovy for patients at risk of heart attacks or strokes. While efforts have been made to amend Medicare Part D to cover GLP-1s for obesity treatment, the legislation has not been enacted. Cost remains a significant barrier, with monthly list prices exceeding $1,000, despite Medicare receiving rebates to reduce costs.
Cigna to Sell Medicare Business for $3.3 Billion in Cash to Health Care Service Corp.
Health insurer Cigna (CI) has reached an agreement to sell its Medicare business for a staggering $3.3 billion in cash to Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC), a prominent nonprofit health insurer, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday….