Wakely Wire
September 11, 2025
New Insights
Whitepapers, briefs, press releases and more
Week in Washington 09/11/25
Budget Bill Latest Congress’ energy continues to be focused on a budget bill. Congress has until the end of the month to pass a budget. One of the largest points of contention is the extent to which an extension of enhanced premium tax credits for the individual market are included. It’s also possible that the ... Continue reading
Newsworthy Findings
Mayo Clinic to Close 6 Clinics, Consolidate Service Lines
The nonprofit provider said low patient volumes and persistent staffing shortages motivated the decision.
AHA Accuses Drug Companies of Colluding to Impose 340B Rebate Plans
The hospital lobby wants the Trump administration to investigate Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb, citing the suspicious timing of their 340B rebate proposals.
Health Benefit Cost Increases Expected to Hit 15-Year High, Mercer Warns
The cost of health benefits per employee could climb an average of 6.5% next year, with the outsized increases signaling a mounting pressure on employers’ healthcare budgets.
Medicare Advantage Penetration Doesn’t Translate to Lower Hospital Margins: MedPAC
Higher Medicare Advantage enrollment isn’t associated with a change in hospital margins, with the findings throwing cold water on hospital allegations that the privatized Medicare plans are contributing to shrinking margins, especially for cash-strapped rural facilities.
CMS Delays Medicare Advantage Unused Benefits Policy: Impact on Healthcare Providers
CMS delayed the Medicare Advantage unused benefits notification policy, scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2026, in response to industry concerns and practical challenges. It affects over 33 million Medicare Advantage Plan subscribers and is a significant policy reversal on which healthcare stakeholders must be very clear.
Bonus Article
Bee Stingers Inspire Superior and Comfortable Continuous Drug Delivery
Just for Fun
Math Joke:
What did the acorn say when it grew up?
Prior Week
Q: Why don’t mathematicians argue?
A: Because they always sum things up.
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