Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a few more days until the weekend arrives. So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a delightful cup of stimulation. Our choice today is crème brûlée. Meanwhile, we have assembled a new list of items of interest to help you on your journey today. Best of luck and, as always, do keep in touch. …
Authorizing Medicare to cover weight loss drugs would increase federal spending by about $35 billion from 2026 to 2034, according to an analysis by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. The total direct federal costs would increase from $1.6 billion in 2026 to $7.1 billion in 2034. At the same time, the CBO estimated that relative to the direct costs of the medications, the total savings from improved beneficiary health would be small — less than $50 million in 2026, and rising to $1 billion in 2034. Expanding coverage of weight loss drugs from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk would make 12.5 million more people in the program eligible for them by 2026, according to the analysis. About 52 million older or disabled Americans get retail prescription drug coverage through Medicare, which does not cover drugs specifically for weight loss.
The drugmaker responsible for bringing the controversial abortion pill to the U.S. is now pursuing a new use that could widen women’s access: treating miscarriages, The Wall Street Journal reports. Danco Laboratories is preparing scientific data and taking other steps to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve use of the abortion pill regimen Mifeprex for management of miscarriages. A small number of doctors and women already use Mifeprex, or its generic equivalent mifepristone, without official signoff to treat miscarriages. Such use has become enmeshed in fights over abortion. Supporters say doctors are avoiding prescribing the drug to women facing dangerous complications so as not to run afoul of red-state abortion restrictions. Abortion opponents say state abortion limits are not meant to impede miscarriage care. An application for official FDA dispensation will heighten the controversy around the drug, while placing agency deliberations under a political microscope.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in