Unpacking the 25% HHS budget cut proposed by the Trump administration

By Noah Tong - A recent budget document prepared by the White House is giving new clarity over how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could operate for fiscal year 2026. The document closely mirrored other budgetary insights from earlier this year. Under the wishes of President Donald Trump’s staff, the department’s discretionary budget would be nearly $95 billion, a $32 billion decrease amounting to a one-fourth slashing. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Significant restructuring and funding shifts across HHS: The administration proposes major changes to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including consolidating offices, cutting 5,000 contracts, and reducing NIH funding by up to $18 billion. A new $14 billion "Administration for a Healthy America" would absorb multiple agencies, while many programs—especially in public health and disease prevention—face substantial funding reductions or elimination.

2. Preventive and public health programs targeted for cuts: Funding for several key public health initiatives—including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the ACA Prevention and Public Health Fund, and HIV prevention efforts—would be slashed or restructured. Critics warn these reductions could increase disease burden and healthcare costs, though some services (e.g., Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and 988 Suicide Line) would retain or gain funding.

3. New initiatives prioritize lifestyle and chronic disease management: The budget introduces the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative with $500 million allocated to prevention efforts including broadband expansion, nutrition access, physical activity promotion, and chronic care telehealth programs. These programs reflect a shift toward reducing medication dependence and addressing upstream social and behavioral health determinants.

CMS's “Significant Expansion” of Audits Has Made UnitedHealth’s Bad Year Even Worse

By Wendell Potter - The insurance conglomerates that dominate America’s privatized Medicare Advantage plans, including UnitedHealth Group, the $400 billion colossus that is still reeling from a series of setbacks, just received fresh bad news — this time, straight from the federal government. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. CMS Audit Expansion: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is undertaking a major overhaul of its Medicare Advantage (MA) oversight by significantly expanding its audit program. This move involves hiring nearly 2,000 auditors—up from just 40 previously—and aims to systematically review every MA plan in operation, including those run by major insurers like UnitedHealth. The scale and scope of this initiative suggest a more aggressive regulatory stance than seen in prior years.

2. Focus on Overpayment Concerns: The intensified auditing effort comes in response to long-standing concerns about excessive payments to private MA insurers. Both government and independent analyses have raised red flags, with some estimates indicating overpayments could total as much as $43 billion per year. The expansion is seen as a direct effort to address these systemic billing issues and ensure that taxpayer funds are used appropriately.

3. Impact on UnitedHealth: UnitedHealth, the largest MA insurer, is one of the most prominently affected companies amid this increased scrutiny. While the company has publicly supported audit transparency, it is currently facing multiple challenges—including a criminal investigation, investor anxiety, and a nearly 50% decline in stock value since April. The timing of CMS’s move adds pressure to an already turbulent period, raising broader questions about accountability within the Medicare Advantage market.

Hospital violence cost more than $18 billion, and the price tag could be higher

By Ron Southwick - Hospitals are losing staff members who are tired of being assaulted when they try to care for patients, and they’re finding that it’s costing them a great deal of money as well. The cost of hospital violence was estimated at $18.27 billion in 2023, according to a report released Monday morning by the American Hospital Association. Researchers at the University of University of Washington School of Medicine’s Harborview Injury and Prevention Research Center performed the analysis. Read Full Article… 

HVBA Article Summary

1. Hospital violence is a growing and costly crisis: A new report reveals U.S. hospitals spent an estimated $18.27 billion in 2022 due to violence against healthcare workers—$14.65 billion in post-incident costs (like medical care for victims, lost productivity, and facility repairs) and $3.62 billion on prevention efforts (such as training and security upgrades). However, the total impact is likely higher, as the report excludes costs related to recruitment challenges, emotional trauma, and disruptions to patient care.

2. Violence against healthcare workers is widespread and worsening: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, hospitals have experienced a sustained increase in assaults and threats toward staff. In 2022 alone, nearly 17,000 hospital workers missed work due to violent incidents. Emergency department nurses report particularly high rates of recent assaults, and nursing leaders say the frequency and severity of attacks have not improved—and may be getting worse.

3. Hospitals and professional organizations are urging stronger protections: Healthcare leaders are calling on Congress to pass federal legislation imposing tougher penalties for assaulting healthcare workers—similar to laws protecting airline staff. While such bills have received bipartisan support in the past, none have been enacted. At the same time, hospital leaders are encouraged to take internal action by assessing security risks and prioritizing staff wellness and safety, even in the absence of regulation.

Wegovy use among US teens up 50% as obesity crisis worsens

By Chad Terhune and Robin Respaut - American teens are increasingly turning to the weight-loss drug Wegovy as more families and their doctors gain confidence in its use for young people with obesity, new data shared with Reuters shows. The average rate of teens beginning treatment with the highly effective Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), drug grew 50% last year to 14.8 prescriptions per 100,000 adolescents, according to an analysis by health data firm Truveta. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Prescription Rates for Teens Are Rising but Remain Limited: First-time prescriptions for Wegovy among U.S. adolescents ages 12–17 increased from 9.9 per 100,000 in 2023 to 17.3 in early 2025. Despite the growth, uptake remains minimal compared to the estimated 23,000 per 100,000 teens with obesity. Experts emphasize that while this is promising progress, access remains extremely limited, especially considering the severity and prevalence of adolescent obesity.

2. Access Barriers Include Insurance Limits, Safety Concerns, and Uneven Medical Support: Many teens and families face hurdles such as lack of insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs, limited long-term safety data, and hesitance from providers. While some clinics report positive outcomes, such as 15–30 pounds of weight loss, others remain cautious due to unknown long-term effects on growth and metabolism. The medical community is still divided, and many primary care providers lack training or resources to support safe use.

3. Policy and Clinical Debate Continues Around Use in Youth: Public health leaders and federal officials, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have raised concerns over the "overmedicalization" of youth, highlighting the need for more research before wide adoption. Drugmakers defend the safety profile of GLP-1s, but experts stress the need for close monitoring, better education for providers, and more comprehensive obesity care beyond just medication.

Live from LIMRA: Life insurance execs ponder ways to boost sales to meet need

By John Hilton - When the life insurance industry gathered in New Orleans for LIMRA’s big spring conference, there was plenty to celebrate — as well as some lingering hurdles. The LIMRA and LOMA Life and Annuity Conference featured a heavy technology focus, particularly on artificial intelligence and big data, as well as regulatory changes and efforts to guard against fraud. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. Consumer Misconceptions and Education Gaps Remain a Barrier to Life Insurance Uptake: The 2025 Life Insurance Barometer study revealed that many consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, significantly overestimate the cost of life insurance, sometimes by six to ten times. Additionally, 41% of respondents reported lacking knowledge about life insurance, with women and younger generations showing larger knowledge gaps. Education—whether through advisors or online platforms—was identified as a major factor influencing whether individuals purchase coverage.

2. Social Media Is a Growing Influence, but Professional Guidance Still Matters: Social media plays a central role in how consumers learn about life insurance, particularly among Gen Z (80%) and millennials. However, the quality of information on these platforms can vary, leading to confusion or misinformation. Despite digital influence, meeting with a financial advisor significantly increases the likelihood of purchasing coverage, with 90% of survey respondents emphasizing the need to understand life insurance before buying.

3. Life Insurance and Annuity Markets Show Strength Amid Structural Challenges: The life insurance industry recorded its fourth straight year of record-high premium revenue in 2024, totaling $15.9 billion, though policy counts remained flat. At the same time, annuity distribution remains active but is challenged by an aging producer workforce, recruitment gaps, and pricing competition. Concerns were raised over “irrational pricing” practices in the annuity space and the sustainability of aggressive rate offerings. Meanwhile, group life mortality rates showed gradual improvement compared to prior studies, even when adjusting for the COVID-19 pandemic years.

States take aim at PBMs with new reforms: 4 notes 

By Alexandra Murphy - Lawmakers in states across the country are advancing legislation to regulate pharmacy benefit managers. New bills in North Carolina and Illinois aim to curb practices critics claim inflate drug prices and threaten survival of independent pharmacies. Read Full Article…

HVBA Article Summary

1. North Carolina Takes Dual Approach to PBM Reform: The state's House and Senate passed separate bills targeting pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices. While both emphasize greater transparency and oversight, the House bill proposes stronger measures, including a ban on spread pricing and mandatory minimum reimbursements to pharmacies. The Senate version focuses primarily on transparency and monitoring the drug supply chain.

2. Illinois Passes Broad PBM Reform with Funding Support: The Illinois General Assembly approved legislation banning PBMs from steering patients to affiliated pharmacies and requiring full rebate pass-throughs to insurers. It also includes a per-member PBM fee to fund up to $25 million annually in grants aimed at supporting independent and rural pharmacies. Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed intent to sign the bill into law.

3. Pharmacies Report Losses While PBMs Defend Role: Pharmacists in both states cite significant financial losses tied to PBM reimbursement rates, with examples of being paid below drug acquisition costs. In response, PBM industry representatives argue that PBMs play a critical cost-containment role, claiming they help patients save over $1,000 annually on prescriptions.

States with the most employer-provided health insurance

By EBN Staff - Employer-provided health insurance coverage can vary by industry, company size and even location, with differences in plan offerings, premiums and the number of residents covered by employer insurance across states. America's Health Insurance Plans' report on employer-provided coverage reveals how coverage varied in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2024. Read Full Article… ^{_{(Subscription required)}}

HVBA Article Summary

1. Utah leads in employer-provided health insurance coverage: Utah has the highest percentage of residents (60%) covered by employer-sponsored health plans. While 82% of workers in the state are employed by companies offering insurance, the state also reports one of the lower average employer contributions for single coverage at $5,016.

2. Florida ranks lowest despite employer offerings: Only 40% of Florida residents are covered by employer-provided insurance, the lowest in the country. This is despite 84% of workers having access to employer-sponsored plans. Florida employers contribute an average of $5,942 toward single coverage—more than Utah, but with significantly less overall coverage.

3. Coverage rates do not always align with access or contributions: Some states, like Louisiana and Arkansas, also show low coverage rates (41%) despite over 80% of workers having access to employer-sponsored insurance. Conversely, top-performing states such as North Dakota and New Hampshire have higher coverage levels and employer contributions exceeding $6,000, indicating multiple factors—beyond availability—affect actual enrollment.