Health Equity News – May 26, 2025
- A report from the Make Our Children healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, initiated by the Trump management, highlights a growing crisis in childhood health.
- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is moving forward with the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing model, aiming to lower prescription drug costs.
- Evernorth, a division of Cigna, has launched a program capping monthly co-pays at $200 for weight loss medications semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (zepbound).
The Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) report issues a stark warning: a childhood health crisis is escalating, demanding immediate government intervention. This edition of health Equity News—powered by News Directory 3—digs deep into the key strategies proposed by the Trump management to combat rising chronic illnesses. We examine HHS efforts to slash drug costs using the Most Favored Nation pricing model, perhaps saving patients up to 80% on vital medications, and how Evernorth is capping co-pays to broaden access to weight loss drugs. Plus,explore SCAN Group’s expansion of senior care via their PACE program,offering thorough support to aging populations,specifically in under-resourced areas. What innovative health policies will shape our future? Discover what’s next in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
Health Policy: Drug Pricing, Childhood Health, adn Senior Care Access
updated May 27, 2025
A report from the Make Our Children healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, initiated by the Trump management, highlights a growing crisis in childhood health. The report cites rising rates of chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, autism, and mental health disorders. The commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, calls for a extensive government strategy focusing on prevention and food quality, emphasizing autonomous science to address the childhood health crisis.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is moving forward with the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing model, aiming to lower prescription drug costs. HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr.and CMS administrator Mehmet oz, MD, MBA, project potential price reductions of 30% to 80%, particularly for drugs lacking generic options. AARP supports the initiative, while the pharmaceutical industry voices concerns about innovation and job impacts related to drug pricing.
Evernorth, a division of Cigna, has launched a program capping monthly co-pays at $200 for weight loss medications semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (zepbound). This initiative seeks to improve affordability and access, perhaps saving patients up to $3,600 annually. The move aligns with federal efforts to control prescription drug prices and provide better access to weight loss drugs.
SCAN Group has acquired full ownership of myPlace Health, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider. this expansion aims to broaden access to comprehensive, community-based care for seniors in California, particularly in underserved communities like Compton. CMS Administrator Oz supports PACE as a cost-effective choice to nursing homes, promoting senior independence and reducing hospitalizations. SCAN’s strategic partnerships are positioning PACE as a national model for value-based senior care.
What’s next
Ongoing debates surrounding Medicare and Medicaid, coupled with new initiatives in drug pricing and senior care, suggest a dynamic future for health policy. The focus remains on affordability, access, and innovative care models to address the evolving needs of the population.