Will Congress get another shot at PBM reform?

January 2, 2025

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Number of stomach worm infections on cruise ships reaches highest level in 12 years: CDC

More people experienced gastrointestinal illness while on a cruise ship in 2024 than in any year since 2012, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports there were 16 outbreaks of stomach illness on cruise ships last year, affecting 1,894 passengers and 245 crew members. Data shows that in 2012 there were also 16 cases of gastroenteritis;

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Broccoli sold at Walmart recalled in 20 states

Broccoli sold at Walmart stores in 20 states has been recalled. Last week, Braga Fresh issued a voluntary precautionary advisory regarding 12-ounce bags of market-side broccoli florets that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The pathogen can cause “serious and sometimes fatal infections” in young children, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which issued an advisory Tuesday.

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In other news

Branch on another read.

Medicare's new drug price caps begin January 1st

A major cost-saving provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will go into effect in the new year, capping Medicare recipients' annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000. Starting January 1, 2025, an estimated 19 million Medicare beneficiaries will have their Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs capped at $2,000 per year. This annual cap will be linked to the inflation rate each year from now on.

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all over the country

Local and state headings for healthcare:

Medicaid expansion: What are the chances of that happening in 2025? (Mississippi today)
Mental health advocates ask: texas Replacing members Expired COVID-19 Relief Fund (texas tribune)
Call from state health department syracuse A “community of concerns” surrounding high lead levels (central china)

what we are reading

Health news reported by other media outlets:

How do health insurance companies save money? Billions of dollars in additional payments From Medicare Advantage (wall street journal)
A healthcare startup is looking to open its doors. Ann old law stand in front of them. (washington post)
Turn patients into profit: How Steward Embodies the Risks of the Push for Private Equity in American Healthcare (boston globe)

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