Tag

Telehealth

All articles tagged with #telehealth

business2 hours ago

Lilly and Novo Accused of Blocking Telehealth to Suppress Cheaper GLP-1 Versions

A lawsuit filed by Strive Specialties alleges Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk blocked telehealth partners to curb compounded GLP-1 therapies, potentially impacting about 1.5 million U.S. patients who rely on cheaper, personalized versions of Wegovy/Ozempic. The plaintiffs say these agreements limit prescriber choice and patient access, while the drugmakers argue the deals target mass-produced copies. Novo Nordisk has highlighted the past Hims & Hers partnership ended after compounded Wegovy issues, and Lilly labeled the suit a bid to divert attention from Strive’s own conduct. The case underscores ongoing tensions between compounded vs. branded GLP-1 drugs, access, and pricing in the weight‑loss market.

health1 day ago

Medicare to Narrow Telehealth Coverage After Jan 2026

Medicare will end broad telehealth coverage on Jan. 31, 2026, generally requiring beneficiaries to be in a medical facility in a rural area for telehealth visits, with exceptions for ESRD home dialysis, acute-stroke evaluations, and certain home-based behavioral health services. Through Jan. 30, 2026, telehealth remains nationwide; after the deadline, many seniors may need in-person visits or rely on a Medicare Advantage plan that continues coverage in some cases.

politics1 day ago

Bipartisan health package looms, but ACA subsidies stay in dispute

Lawmakers from both parties are negotiating a broader health package tied to a government funding bill, aiming to renew expired ACA subsidies, but GOP opposition makes a clean subsidy extension unlikely. Separately, a Senate PBM overhaul appears to be gaining momentum, while abortion-funding audits and other divisive issues keep prospects for a deal uncertain—suggesting any agreement may not include subsidies.

healthcare2 months ago

UnitedHealthcare Ends Remote Monitoring Coverage Despite Medicare Policies

Starting in January, UnitedHealthcare will cease paying physicians for remote monitoring of chronic conditions like hypertension, citing insufficient evidence of efficacy, which impacts many members and follows recent criticism over coverage decisions; exceptions include monitoring for heart failure and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

healthcare3 months ago

Telehealth's Shift to Drug-First Approaches in Treating Common Conditions

Telehealth has evolved from a tool for accessible medical consultations to a major marketing platform for direct-to-consumer drug sales, with ads for various medications like erectile dysfunction and weight loss drugs becoming ubiquitous in city environments, reflecting a shift towards drug-first approaches in digital healthcare.

health3 months ago

Government Shutdown Threatens US Health Programs and Services

The government shutdown will not stop core health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, but it may disrupt services such as telehealth for seniors and impact funding for community health centers and public health surveillance. The continuation of Obamacare subsidies is uncertain, which could lead to higher premiums and reduced enrollment. Overall, the shutdown poses risks to public health services and vulnerable populations if it persists.

government3 months ago

Government Shutdown Impacts Healthcare and Insurance Costs

The U.S. government shutdown began on October 1 due to failed budget negotiations, affecting healthcare services like telehealth and hospital-at-home programs, with significant furloughs at HHS and potential disruptions in healthcare oversight and funding. Healthcare leaders are concerned about program lapses and workforce impacts, with no immediate resolution expected until Congress reconvenes.

healthcare3 months ago

Senior Telehealth Services at Risk During Government Shutdown

The government shutdown has temporarily halted some telehealth and hospital-at-home services for seniors on Medicare, with programs expiring due to lack of congressional funding, leading to discharges and reduced access, though most other Medicare and Medicaid services continue as normal. Congress needs to pass new legislation to restore these services, which have bipartisan support but are costly to make permanent.

health3 months ago

RFK Jr. Initiates Safety Review of Abortion Pill Amid Federal Investigations

The FDA announced it will study the safety of mifepristone, an abortion pill, which could lead to new restrictions such as requiring in-person dispensing, potentially limiting access via telehealth, especially in states with abortion bans. The move has sparked controversy, with pro-choice advocates arguing it is political interference, while officials claim it is a necessary safety review.

health-and-policy3 months ago

Weekly roundup: Kimmel suspension, vaccine policies, and global protests

The CDC's vaccine advisory committee is meeting to discuss vaccine recommendations, with potential policy impacts, amid recent changes in committee membership. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to support the job market despite inflation concerns. ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial comments about the Charlie Kirk shooting, amid political backlash. Additionally, telehealth's benefits and limitations are explored, and Bad Bunny leads Latin Grammy nominations, with other cultural updates included.

health4 months ago

FDA intensifies crackdown on telehealth and direct-to-consumer drug advertising

The FDA has begun cracking down on telehealth companies like Hims & Hers for promoting unapproved and misleading versions of prescription drugs, including weight loss medications, as part of a broader effort to ensure truthful pharmaceutical advertising. The agency sent over 100 cease and desist letters to companies making false claims, highlighting concerns over online drug promotion and advertising practices that may mislead consumers about drug safety and efficacy.