Congress Moves Closer to Health Care Package with PBM Reforms
Over the holiday weekend, Congress made significant progress on negotiations for a health care package that includes reforms to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) business practices. This bipartisan, bicameral deal, which is part of HHS-funding legislation, also includes hospital billing transparency measures, funding for public programs, an expansion of Medicare telehealth flexibilities, and drug patent reforms. While not identical to a previous deal from 2024, it closely mirrors it.
Democrats had attempted to combine the health care package with an extension of the enhanced ACA premium tax credits, but this was not included in the final agreement. Even President Trump’s recent healthcare plan did not address the ACA credits.
Enrollment Numbers for ACA Marketplace Plans
Enrollment in ACA marketplace plans has seen a slight decline, but the full impact of rising health insurance costs may not be evident until later this year. While 22.8 million people have enrolled in plans for this year, down from 23.6 million in 2025, the true figures may vary due to premium payments and changes in subsidy structures.
With the expiration of enhanced credits, the number of zero-dollar premium plans has decreased, potentially leading to lower retention rates for chosen plans. Final enrollment data typically becomes available in late July.
Debating the Affordability of Dietary Guidelines
The cost of following dietary guidelines has become a topic of discussion, particularly after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested that Americans could create a healthy meal for three dollars. Food economist William Masters challenged colleagues to design affordable, healthy meals in line with the guidelines. The affordability and practicality of healthy eating remain important considerations for many.
Behind-the-Scenes of Developing Dietary Guidelines
A replacement committee faced a tight deadline to develop dietary guidelines, offering a glimpse into the process behind these important recommendations. Despite the time constraints, the guidelines are based on rigorous scientific review and independent oversight, according to HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard.
OMB Seeks Greater Control Over Grant-Making
The Office of Management and Budget is pushing for changes in grant funding, advocating for multi-year grants to be fully funded in the year they are awarded. This shift could result in fewer grants and provide the White House with more control over impounding funds or influencing budget allocations for agencies like the NIH.
Recent News and Developments
- The Supreme Court will review issues related to ‘skinny labeling’ and generic drug access.
- A controversial vaccine study funded by HHS has come under scrutiny, with emails shedding light on the grant process.
- FDA delays reviews for two drugs in a new voucher program.
- President Trump encourages Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy in the upcoming election.
As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the possibilities for innovation seem endless. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is the field of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
One of the most exciting developments in AI is the creation of deep learning algorithms. These algorithms are modeled after the human brain’s neural networks and are capable of learning from large amounts of data to make predictions or decisions. Deep learning has been used in a wide range of applications, from self-driving cars and facial recognition technology to natural language processing and medical diagnosis.
Another area where AI has made significant strides is in the field of robotics. Robots powered by AI are becoming increasingly common in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. These robots are capable of performing tasks that are too dangerous, repetitive, or complex for humans, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
AI has also revolutionized the healthcare industry. Machine learning algorithms are being used to analyze medical images, predict patient outcomes, and personalize treatment plans. AI-powered devices have the potential to improve patient care, reduce medical errors, and lower healthcare costs.
In the world of finance, AI is being used to detect fraud, automate trading, and assess credit risk. These applications have the potential to make financial institutions more efficient and secure, while also providing consumers with more personalized financial services.
Despite the many benefits of AI, there are also concerns about its impact on society. Some worry that AI will lead to job loss as machines take over tasks that were previously performed by humans. There are also concerns about privacy and security, as AI algorithms have the potential to collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data.
As AI continues to evolve, it is important for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to work together to address these challenges and ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically. By harnessing the power of AI for good, we can create a future where technology enhances human capabilities and improves the quality of life for all.
