Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Shiny and clear blue skies are enveloping the noisy Pharmalot campus this morning, where commuter traffic is motoring by and the official mascot is scurrying about for creatures. As for us, we are busy foraging for interesting items and, of course, quaffing some cups of stimulation. Our choice today is Mardi Gras, which goes nicely with hamentaschen. Feel free to join in. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits. We hope you have a grand day or, at least, survive. And if you do, by all means, keep in touch. …
The White House will propose raising taxes on Americans earning more than $400,000 and reducing what Medicare pays for prescription drugs in an attempt to ensure that the health-care program for seniors is funded for the next two decades, STAT writes. The plan would give the administration authority to negotiate what price the federal government pays for more drugs than the limited number approved as part of Democrats’ legislative package last year, while also speeding up the process for negotiations. The prescription drug changes would bring in an added $200 billion for Medicare and also cap co-pays for some generic drugs to $2 per prescription per month.
Weight Watchers is buying a digital health company called Sequence, marking the diet company’s move into the market for diabetes and obesity drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, The Wall Street Journal writes. Sequence is a subscription service whose members pay $99 a month for services that include telehealth appointments with doctors, who can prescribe Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other weight-loss medications. Weight Watchers, which has long promised to help customers lose weight through food-tracking and lifestyle changes, is moving to also offer customers a medical weight-loss approach.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect