Wakely Wire
December 5, 2024
New Insights
Whitepapers, briefs, press releases and more
Potential Election Impacts on the Individual Market
During the Biden administration there has been a dramatic increase in enrollment in the individual market, specifically the Marketplace. Marketplace enrollment increased from 11.4 million in 2020 to nearly double that amount to 21.4 million in 2024. This has happened as a result of numerous factors including legislation and operational changes since the Biden Administration ... Read more
Week in Washington 12/5/24
Congress End of Year – Congress is currently focused on end of year packages. This week Republicans sent a health care related offer according to Politico. The package would include a three-year extension of current Medicare telehealth rules, a 2.5% bump to Doctor Medicare payments, funding for federally qualified health centers, and extending telehealth coverage ... Read more
Newsworthy Findings
CMS Recalculates Medicare Advantage Stars for UnitedHealth, Centene
After both insurers challenged the agency in court, the CMS improved scores for 12 UnitedHealth contracts and seven Centene contracts.
CMS Proposes New Guardrails on Medicare Advantage Prior Authorizations, Marketing
The Biden administration is attempting to push through a slew of reforms to the controversial MA program in its final months in power.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield To Cap Anesthesia Coverage After Certain Time Frame
Those who use Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance will likely soon have to pay out of pocket for anesthesia services should their surgeries fall outside a specific time limit.
CMS Enters Agreement With Vertex, Bluebird To Improve Access To Gene Therapies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said on Wednesday it had entered into agreements with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and bluebird bio to help increase patient access to their gene therapies.
9 States Poised To End Coverage for Millions if Trump Cuts Medicaid Funding
More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage should the GOP reduce the extra federal Medicaid funding that’s enabled states to widen eligibility.
Bonus Article
Spray-on ‘e-Tattoos’ Are Easily Attached for Making Brain Scans, Replacing Outdated EEGs
Just for Fun
Math Joke:
Why did the boy refuse to drink the water with eight ice cubes in it?
Prior Week
Q: Which king loved fractions?
A: Henry the ⅛.
Sign up for the
Wakely Wire,
our industry newsletter.