Trump says ‘major’ pharmaceutical tariffs on the way

By Gregory Svirnovskiy - President Donald Trump said Tuesday that pharmaceutical imports will soon be hit with “major” tariffs as part of his efforts to drive manufacturing back to the U.S. Drug imports evaded the first round of tariffs that Trump imposed on countries around the world, but the president said they will not be spared. Read Full Article… 

HVBA Article Summary

1. Trump Plans Pharmaceutical Tariffs: Former President Donald Trump announced that his administration will soon unveil a significant tariff on imported pharmaceuticals. He argued that this move would compel drug manufacturers to shift production out of China and other countries, bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the U.S., where most of their products are ultimately sold.

2. Tariffs Amid Global Trade Shake-Up: The pharmaceutical tariffs are part of a broader package of aggressive trade measures, including a sweeping 10% global tariff and a minimum 104% levy on Chinese imports. These actions have roiled global markets, triggered economic uncertainty, and signaled a major shift in U.S. trade strategy.

3. Political and Economic Fallout: While Trump frames the tariffs as a catalyst for revitalizing American industry and attracting factory investments, the initiative has sparked growing opposition—even within his own party. A bipartisan group of senators has proposed curbing presidential tariff powers, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the administration’s trade agenda ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

BREAKING: Medicare Advantage Plans to See Major Rate Increase Under CMS

By Mark Hagland - Just four days after Mehmet Oz, M.D. was confirmed as the new Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency announced a major victory for Medicare Advantage plans, boosting their benchmark payment rate from the 2.23 percent annual increase announced by the Biden administration in January, to 5.06 percent, an increase of 2.83 percentage points. Read Full Article… 

HVBA Article Summary

1. CMS Finalizes 2026 Medicare Advantage Payment Policies: On April 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final 2026 Rate Announcement for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Prescription Drug Programs, confirming a 5.06% average increase in payments to MA plans. This marks a 2.83 percentage point rise over the earlier Advance Notice, largely driven by a higher effective growth rate based on updated Medicare cost data. CMS emphasized that these changes aim to strengthen program integrity while maintaining access to high-quality, affordable care.

2. Support for Medicare Advantage Signals Favorable Outlook for Insurers: The substantial rate increase, along with the finalization of policies such as the continued phase-in of risk adjustment reforms and the rollback of a Biden-era drug coverage proposal, underscores the Trump administration’s backing of the MA program. Analysts view this support as a strategic pivot likely to benefit large insurers like UnitedHealth, Humana, and CVS Health, who had faced mounting pressure from rising medical costs and regulatory uncertainties.

3. Insurer Stocks Surge on CMS Announcement: The CMS decision triggered a sharp rally in health insurer stocks, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Humana, the most Medicare Advantage-exposed insurer, saw shares spike over 11%, while UnitedHealth and CVS Health gained more than 7% and 9%, respectively. The market reaction suggests that investors view the rate increase as a meaningful step toward restoring profitability and stability in the MA segment after a challenging year.

Health Execs Criticize Trump Administration for Not Expanding Coverage of Obesity Drugs

By Marissa Plescia - Late last week, the Trump administration’s CMS announced that it is not finalizing a provision proposed by the Biden administration that would expand coverage of anti-obesity drugs under Medicare and Medicaid. Currently, Medicare and Medicaid are required to cover GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy for conditions like diabetes, but Medicare is prohibited from covering them for weight loss and only some state Medicaid programs do. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Disappointment Over Rejected Rule: Healthcare advocates, including Millicent Gorham of the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, expressed strong disappointment in the CMS decision not to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include obesity medications, despite a proposed rule that would have done so. Advocates argue the change would have been transformative for millions living with obesity and related health complications.

2. Concerns About Health Equity and Disease Recognition: Leaders from digital health companies like Vida Health and knownwell highlighted that the decision reinforces health disparities and undermines recognition of obesity as a serious, chronic disease. They stress that GLP-1 medications, effective in managing obesity and chronic conditions, are essential but remain inaccessible to many due to lack of coverage.

3. Push for Policy Change Amid High Costs: With over 42% of U.S. adults affected by obesity and out-of-pocket drug costs reaching up to $1,500 per month, there is growing pressure on CMS and lawmakers to reconsider coverage policies. While some legislative proposals aim to expand access, skepticism from officials like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may complicate future policy shifts.

How to Support Employee Financial Literacy — And Why You Should

By Kathryn Mayer - Financial stress is often in the background for employees in one way or another: having low — or no — savings, not saving enough for retirement, struggling to pay out-of-pocket medical costs, dealing with child care or caregiving costs, and more. But the pandemic and high inflation have undoubtedly exacerbated that stress, said Ted Kane, wealth and financial security practice leader at insurance brokerage firm Brown & Brown in Southborough, Mass. “People know it, they feel it,” he said. “The people in HR know it, too. And they personally feel it.” Read Full Article… ^{_{(Subscription required)}}

HVBA Article Summary

1. Financial Literacy Gaps Are a Workplace Issue: Many employees lack basic financial knowledge, which can lead to stress, lower engagement, and mental health challenges. While employers aren't solely responsible for fixing this, supporting employee financial well-being is increasingly seen as vital to maintaining a healthy, productive workforce.

2. Personalized Financial Education Makes a Difference: Financial literacy should be integrated into onboarding and tailored to different generations and cultural backgrounds. Employers that proactively educate new hires—especially younger employees—on topics like benefits, retirement plans, and budgeting can empower them to make smarter financial decisions early on.

3. Communication Is Key to Financial Wellness Programs: Despite offering valuable financial benefits—such as student loan repayment support or coaching—many companies fail to see high engagement due to poor communication. Employers should continuously promote these resources and work with vendors to ensure benefits are accessible, understood, and effectively utilized year-round.

Primary Care Practices See Steady Rise in Patients With Diabetes

By Jennifer Larson - Around 38 million people in the United States — or slightly over 11% of the population — have diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report. Experts only expect that number to increase, and research suggests that the burden will be especially significant in low to low-middle socioeconomic areas. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Diabetes Prevalence and Regional Disparities: The Mississippi Delta, marked by high poverty and limited healthcare access, has one of the nation's highest diabetes rates. But the problem is widespread—across the U.S., physicians report growing numbers of patients with diabetes or prediabetes, often linked to obesity and lifestyle factors.

2. Obesity as a Central Driver: The national obesity epidemic, fueled by sedentary habits, poor diet, and socioeconomic barriers, is closely tied to the rise in type 2 diabetes. Many low-income communities, including rural and urban areas, face obstacles like food deserts and limited opportunities for effective physical activity, complicating prevention efforts.

3. Urgency of Screening and Early Intervention: Nearly 9 million U.S. adults have undiagnosed diabetes. Expanded screening guidelines aim to catch more cases early, particularly among at-risk populations. Early diagnosis and management—including access to newer medications—are crucial to preventing complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

20 Questions To Ask When Deciding Employee Health Benefits

By Forbes Councils Expert Panel® - Health and wellness benefits have become a critical part of the employee experience in recent years. With benefit offerings affecting how well a business attracts potential employees and retains current ones, determining the right selection of perks directly impacts the workforce a company is able to cultivate. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Align Benefits with Company Values and Evolving Needs: Leaders should ensure that all benefit offerings reflect the organization's core values and culture, reinforcing what the company stands for. At the same time, benefits should adapt to meet employees’ evolving needs—such as increasing demand for flexibility, mental health resources, or hybrid work support—to remain both relevant and meaningful.

2. Use Data and Feedback to Guide Decisions: Instead of relying on assumptions, leaders should use concrete data—such as utilization rates—and gather regular feedback through surveys or focus groups to understand what employees truly value. This helps identify which benefits are underused or unnecessary and which ones drive engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.

3. Prioritize Impact Over Quantity: A smaller number of high-impact benefits is often more effective than offering a long list of perks that go unused. Leaders should focus on delivering practical, accessible support that truly enhances employees’ daily lives—such as financial wellness tools, mental health services, or flexible work arrangements—to improve retention and performance.

Medicare Spends Billions on Oncology Drugs Offering Little Added Benefit

By Mike Bassett - In an analysis of Medicare's top-selling brand-name oncology drugs, researchers found that while the vast majority provided high added therapeutic benefit, 10 were classified as providing low or no added benefit. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Misalignment Between Drug Costs and Clinical Benefit: In 2022, Medicare spent an estimated $6.7 billion post-rebate on cancer drugs rated as offering low or no added therapeutic benefit—more per beneficiary than higher-benefit drugs—highlighting a disconnect between clinical value and cost.

2. Opportunity for Value-Based Pricing: Drugs with low or no added benefit, including nine top-selling cancer treatments and one with no therapeutic advantage, accounted for billions in Medicare spending, underscoring the potential for cost savings through better price alignment based on therapeutic value.

3. Call for U.S. Health Technology Assessment: Researchers advocate for a national HTA agency to guide value-based pricing, noting that international HTA ratings (e.g., from France and Germany) could help inform Medicare negotiations and reduce spending on low-value drugs.