Also known as: CMS
HHS and CMS issued a proposed rule to codify the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, largely formalizing existing guidance. The rule includes new provisions, such as clarifications for new drug formulations. The proposal is now open for public comment.
UCLA-led research finds telemedicine has not significantly increased healthcare visits or costs across all payer types from 2019-2023, published in JAMA Network Open. A separate study of Medicare patients reveals nearly half of telehealth visits are for non-mental health conditions, particularly chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Both findings address questions about telehealth's role and impact since the COVID-19 pandemic.
CVRx announced first-patient enrollment in the BENEFIT-HF trial, a 2,500-patient heart failure study across about 150 U.S. and German centers. The trial will evaluate all-cause mortality and heart failure decompensation events through 2032.
A UK trial found continuous glucose monitoring improved HbA1c and time in range for adults with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin. Dexcom is also awaiting a Medicare decision on broader CGM coverage for non-insulin users.
More than 30 approved cell and gene therapies carry prices from nearly $1 million to over $4 million, creating fiscal pressure for Medicaid. A federal access model launched in 2024 aims to centralize outcomes-based contracting.
US health policy activity this week included HHS FY 2027 budget hearings, a House review of Medicare fraud and bipartisan discussion of PBM reform. President Trump also issued an executive order on mental illness treatments, and CMS and FDA announced the RAPID pathway.
DexCom reported fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of US$1.26 billion and net income of US$267.3 million, with full-year sales of US$4.66 billion. The company reaffirmed 2026 revenue guidance of US$5.16–US$5.25 billion and targeted a non-GAAP operating margin of about 22–23%.
Q1 2026 sleep medicine trends include broader use of AI, expanding obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy treatments, and policy changes affecting reimbursement and access.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces major reorganization centralizing department operations under CMS leadership, while Duke University telehealth program shows 66% reduction in repeat ER visits for older adults who fall.
AbbVie reported Q4 earnings that beat consensus estimates with $16.62 billion in revenue, while facing competitive setbacks in psoriatic arthritis and Medicare pricing challenges for Botox.
