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When your client has diabetes, what does (and doesn't) Medicare cover? We talk about how diabetes treatments, supplies, and services are covered by the different parts of Medicare so you can help your clients know what to expect. Read the text version Get Connected:
Welcome back to a special encore presentation of Turn on the Lights! As we continue our transition series, our new host, Dr. Philip, is revisiting some of the most impactful conversations from the archives. For this episode, he selected a standout discussion with Dr. Michelle Schreiber and Brenna Rabel, exploring how quality measures are developed, adopted, and implemented across Medicare and Medicaid programs. Summary: How do we decide what “good care” looks like, and who gets to choose the scorecard? In this episode of Turn on the Lights, Kedar Mate speaks with Dr. Michelle Schreiber of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Brenna Rabel of Battelle about how quality measures are developed, adopted, and applied across Medicare and Medicaid programs. They explore why measurement is essential for accountability, patient choice, and improvement, while also acknowledging its vulnerability to politics, feasibility constraints, and “teaching to the test.” Using diabetes and sepsis as examples, they explain how performance cutoffs are established, why “all-or-none” measures often face resistance, and what makes complex measures difficult to report and score. The conversation also addresses efforts to reduce reporting burden, including CMS's shift from broader MIPS reporting toward MIPS Value Pathways and the expansion of digital quality measurement through FHIR-enabled eCQMs. They conclude with a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence could reduce manual chart abstraction and advance quality measurement, particularly as patient-reported outcomes play a larger role in shaping the future of value-based care. Tune in to hear how measures shape what health systems prioritize, what gets improved, and what “value” could look like in the future. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Michelle Schreiber on LinkedIn. Follow CMS on LinkedIn and explore their website! Connect with and follow Brenna Rabel on LinkedIn. Follow Battelle on LinkedIn and explore their website! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 - Do the Republicans finally have a leg to stand on by standing up to communism? Why does Dom love what Mike Johnson is saying? 1210 - Side - fictional character that deserves a statue 1215 - Who's more dangerous to Americans? Immigrants or Americans? 1230 - Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz is back on the show. Did he think he'd be dealing with this much fraud in his position? Why are people upset at Medicaid qualifications when the bar is on the floor for coverage? Can Josh Shapiro stand up to this? What does Dr. Oz have to say about Lindsey Graham and how something like that can be prevented? 1250 - Do Democrats care about fraud? Your calls.
12 - Do the Republicans finally have a leg to stand on by standing up to communism? Why does Dom love what Mike Johnson is saying? 1210 - Side - fictional character that deserves a statue 1215 - Who's more dangerous to Americans? Immigrants or Americans? 1230 - Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz is back on the show. Did he think he'd be dealing with this much fraud in his position? Why are people upset at Medicaid qualifications when the bar is on the floor for coverage? Can Josh Shapiro stand up to this? What does Dr. Oz have to say about Lindsey Graham and how something like that can be prevented? 1250 - Do Democrats care about fraud? Your calls. 1 - Did Patti LeBelle mess up the anthem last night? 110 - Sunny Hostin doubles down again and even equates the American flag to the Confederate one. 115 - How much should dry cleaning be? 120 - Has bowling become unaffordable? 130 - Who is Kathy Hochul blaming for business leaving New York? 140 - Your calls. 150 - Dom Giordano Presents: Progressive Women Gone Wild! Why are locals railing against the Bensalem School District? 155 - Are you calling Benny? 2 - What is the Philadelphia Public Schools problem? 210 - Your calls. 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 225 - Who will be AG? Todd Blanche? What do you think about the The Philly Parallel Parking Championship? 230 - How many miles of bike lanes are in the city? 235 - Your calls. 250 - The Lightning Round!
This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning discusses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed decision memo regarding the national coverage analysis for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:17 TAVR National Coverage 06:05 JANS 1, EPOCH CardioLink-10 Trial 10:20 JANS 2, Dacron Ross Autograft Analysis 12:23 JANS 3, Mech vs Biopros Valve Outcomes 15:53 Video 1, Ross Procedure I/E Reduction 19:18 Video 2, Hemi-Commando Procedure 22:14 Video 3, Left VATS Enucleation Leiomyoma 24:15 Dr. Meguid, Intraop Molecular Imaging 35:52 Closing He outlines crucial deadlines, actionable steps for surgeons, the importance of submitting public comments, and the necessity of data collection. Additionally, he spoke with Dr. Robert Meguid, Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA, about intraoperative molecular imaging. They explore how this technology identifies small nodules, the functionality and use cases of the specialized camera, the associated learning curve, and other available systems. The conversation also touches on robotics, lymph node staging, and cost. Furthermore, Dr. Meguid shares insights on his frequency of use of this technique. Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on a systematic review and meta-analysis on how complete Dacron reinforcement of Ross autograft does not increase neo-aortic valve regurgitation, a randomized trial on superficial parasternal intercostal plane block with ropivacaine vs placebo for opioid exposure after cardiac surgery, and outcomes after conversion from mechanical to bioprosthetic valves for anticoagulation-related complications. In addition, Joel explores the Ross procedure with internal and external reduction annuloplasty using autologous tissue rings, hemi-commando procedure for bioprosthetic aortic valve endocarditis, and left-sided uniportal VATS enucleation of a large esophageal leiomyoma. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery. JANS Items Mentioned Complete Dacron Reinforcement of Ross Autograft Does Not Increase Neo-Aortic Valve Regurgitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block With Ropivacaine Versus Placebo for Opioid Exposure After Cardiac Surgery (EPOCH CardioLink-10): A Multicentre, Double-Blind, Randomised Trial Outcomes After Conversion From Mechanical to Bioprosthetic Valves for Anticoagulation-Related Complications CTSNet Content Mentioned Ross Procedure With Internal and External Reduction Annuloplasty Using Autologous Tissue Rings Hemi-Commando Procedure for Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis Left-Sided Uniportal VATS Enucleation of a Large Esophageal Leiomyoma Other Items Mentioned Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Database—TAVR Career Center CTSNet Events Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
Did you know that CMS estimates three million Medicare beneficiaries aren't enrolled in the government's Medicare Extra Help program but could benefit from it? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we see what this program is and how it can help your clients. Read the text version Get Connected:
Staying safe during extreme heat Dangerous, record-breaking heat has hit much of the nation this week, with the National Weather Service issuing an Extreme Heat Warning for the state of Ohio lasting until Thursday night. Many outdoor events have been canceled due to safety. The City of Cleveland canceled all youth outdoor sports through Friday, a Wade Oval Wednesday concert was canceled in University Circle, and the Cleveland Orchestra's free concert at Cain Park has been postponed, all due to dangerous conditions. This week, temperatures have hit the mid-to-high 90s, and Thursday the humidity will make the temperature feel as high as 107 degrees. To try to combat the heat, many cooling centers have opened around the region. We'll start Thursday's "Sound of Ideas" talking about how can to protect ourselves from heat-related injuries this week and throughout the summer. And, ahead of one of the most injury-prone holidays in the U.S., we'll ask our experts about staying safe this Fourth of July holiday. Guests: - Ellen Kazimer, Administrative Commander & Public Information Officer, Cleveland EMS - Tamanna Singh, M.D., Director, Sports Cardiology Center & Co-Founder & Co-Director, Women's Integrated Sports, Exercise, & Research Center, Cleveland Clinic & Volunteer, American Heart Association Medicare Pilot Program Ohio is one of six states testing out a Medicare pilot program that the federal government hopes will reduce fraud or waste in the system. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services program WISeR, or Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction, adds prior authorization for certain services that the government deems costly and unnecessary, and it operates using artificial intelligence. The government says the program will save money at the federal level and protect patients from unneeded care, but critics say its rollout since January has been rocky, leading to errors or delayed care, and reimbursement delays of up to 8 weeks to healthcare providers. An audience member inspired us to look more into this program on a show last week about aging well. Anita in Cleveland Heights called and said she was a senior on traditional Medicare and was shocked to discover after the fact that she needed pre-approval from her insurance to see certain doctors, and was facing a hefty bill that she would now need to appeal. Guests: - Gary Katz, M.D., President, Ohio State Medical Association - Darius Tahir, Correspondent, KFF Health News Ohio Revolutionary War graves As America approaches its 250th birthday, Americans are paying a bit more attention the country's founding, and the events surrounding 1776. Over the last year, more than 500 Ohioans volunteering their time took part in collecting data about those who actually served in the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War Graves Identification Project was an undertaking from the Ohio History Connection with the purpose of verifying and documenting the final resting places of those veterans buried in Ohio. Ideastream's Drew Maziasz spoke with Krista Horrocks from the Ohio History Connection about the graves project. The final public release of the grave survey will come out on July 4. Guest: - Krista Horrocks, Project Manager, Ohio History Connection
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Forvis Mazars, “CMS Rule Signals Shift in Medicaid State-Directed Payments,” June 11, 2026, https://www.forvismazars.us/forsights/2026/06/cms-rule-signals-shift-in-medicaid-state-directed-payments. Medicaid.gov, “State Directed Payments,” https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/managed-care/guidance/state-directed-payments. Sturgis Hospital, “Sturgis Hospital Closure,” https://sturgishospital.com/sturgis-hospital-closure/. The Association of American Medical Colleges, “AAMC Statement on Proposed Rule on Medicaid Supplemental Payments,” May 21, 2026, https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/aamc-statement-proposed-rule-medicaid-supplemental-payments. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Proposed Rule: Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-For-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments (CMS-2449-P),” May 20, 2026, https://www.hhs.gov/guidance/document/proposed-rule-medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-and-medicaid-fee-service. Michigan Health & Hospital Association, “CMS Releases FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule,” April 17, 2026, https://www.mha.org/newsroom/cms-releases-fy-2027-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-proposed-rule/. Federal Register, “Medicaid Program; Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments,” May 22, 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/22/2026-10292/medicaid-program-medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-and-medicaid-fee-for-service-targeted. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-For-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments Proposed Rule (CMS-2449-P,” May 20, 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-medicaid-fee-service-targeted-medicaid-practitioner. Andrea Hooten, “New Rural Health Hub Connects Arkansans to Healthcare Resources, Opportunities,” June 15, 2026, https://news.uams.edu/2026/06/15/new-rural-health-hub-connects-arkansans-to-healthcare-resources-opportunities/, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences News. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
The Friday Five for June 19, 2026: Certification for AEP 2027 Coming June 22 Microsoft Teams Location Tracking Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Starts July 1 CMS to Codify Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Federal Judge Vacates Several CMS ACA Provisions Get Connected:
The Friday Five for June 12, 2026: Apple WWDC 2026 Takeaways Instagram Grid Arrangement Feature IntegrityCONNECT Annuities & What's Coming Soon KFF MA Enrollment Stats & Trends for 2026 CMS Medicaid Work Requirements Get Connected:
In the first episode of this two-part 20-Minute Health Talk, Chethan Sathya, MD, sits down with Don Berwick, MD — former Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator (CMS) and founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Dr. Berwick traces his path from early harrowing medical experiences to a career dedicated to improving patient care and healthcare delivery. The conversation moves to how patient solidarity could become a force for change and why simplifying to a single, public payer could create conditions that could fix the delivery of health care while actually improving patient choice and lowering costs. Northwell is New York State's largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, 890 outpatient facilities and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. We're making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Get the latest news and insights from our experts in the Northwell Newsroom: Press releases Insights Podcasts Publications Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit our career site and explore our many opportunities. Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
1 - What is the craze about NYC? What will happen at the Knicks game tonight regarding Trump? 105 - Dom agrees with Madeleine Dean? Why do people support a literal Nazi? 110 - Why does this WNBA player oppose wearing “America 250” on her uniform? 130 - Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, joins us today. Does he think Kensington is getting better after his visit last month? What's the biggest problem in a neighborhood like that? What is being done about Medicare and eBT fraud? What kind of people is Dr. Oz and his office going after? What does Dr. Oz think of Trump attending the NBA Finals tonight? Dr. Oz played in the Celebrity All-Star Game? 150 - Dom Giordano Program Presents: Progressive Women Gone Wild!
12 - Does Scott Pelley really believe there's no media bias? Is his service as a journalist on par with our soldiers that served? 1205 - Is Larry Krasner going after Cherelle Parker? Is something fishy going on with California's vote counting? 1215 - Side - song that is summer 1220 - Did Dom really get off at Trenton on his way back from Hempstead? What else did he encounter? 1240 - Bestselling author, Contributing Editor at National Review & Former Chief Asst. U.S. Attorney during “The Blind Sheikh” trial Andy McCarthy is here. With The Blind Sheikh's defense attorney running and likely winning a Congressional seat in New Jersey, what can Andy tell us about that case years ago? How are candidates like this propped up by craziness like we see on college campuses? 1250 - Your calls to round out the hour. 1 - What is the craze about NYC? What will happen at the Knicks game tonight regarding Trump? 105 - Dom agrees with Madeleine Dean? Why do people support a literal Nazi? 110 - Why does this WNBA player oppose wearing “America 250” on her uniform? 130 - Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, joins us today. Does he think Kensington is getting better after his visit last month? What's the biggest problem in a neighborhood like that? What is being done about Medicare and eBT fraud? What kind of people is Dr. Oz and his office going after? What does Dr. Oz think of Trump attending the NBA Finals tonight? Dr. Oz played in the Celebrity All-Star Game? 150 - Dom Giordano Program Presents: Progressive Women Gone Wild! 2 - This substack on the Philadelphia Republican Party should be an eye opener for the establishment, but puts into context how much the party cannibalizes itself. 205 - Your calls. 210 - Dom's Money Melody! 220 - More of your calls. 235 - What are Guy Ciarrocchi's 10 Commandments of The Left? More calls. 250 - The Lightning Round!
The Friday Five for June 5, 2026: Certification Reminder Pod Rec: Before Breakfast TRICARE Resources for Agents Clover Health Star Ratings 2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions Get Connected:
Trump administration cabinet members and other federal and state officials denounced fraud in Medicaid and various government programs during a news conference in central Ohio. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche was joined by FBI Director Kash Patel, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other officials. They announced the indictment of 14 people accused of schemes involving Medicaid providers, behavioral health services for people with autism and a romance fraud operation. More than 100 cameras at the Cuyahoga County Jail were found to be malfunctioning in January 2022. Officials were aware of the problem, but it took four years to replace them, according to reporting by The Marshall Project Cleveland. County officials said the project required more than $220,000 and that the funding did not become available until late last year. Properties used as short-term rentals through services such as Airbnb and Vrbo must now register with the city and comply with other new regulations approved by Cleveland City Council this week. The new wave band Devo performed at the Akron Civic Theatre on Wednesday. To commemorate the band's first show in Kent, state Rep. Michele Grim, D-Toledo, has introduced House Bill 866, which would designate April 18 as Devo Day in Ohio. These stories and more will be part of this week's discussion on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Gabriel Kramer, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said on Tuesday that the Trump administration is increasing transparency on drug prices by adding 160 more medications to TrumpRx. He added that his agency is aggressively going after states for fraud in the Medicaid and Medicare programs.Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says that the Trump administration is scrapping plans to create a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate victims of government weaponization. Blanche says during a House hearing, "We are not moving forward with the fund, period."Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the State Department's budget request. He answers questions on the Trump administration's approach to Iran and Cuba.
Multiple Minnesota disability and addiction recovery services providers are scrambling to figure out what's next after they received notice on Monday they were removed from 14 high-risk Medicaid programs.The removal came from a state Department of Human Services process to revalidate 5,000 providers by May 31. DHS was required to do so through an agreement between the state and the federal government's Center for Medicaid Services, which was part of the Trump Administration's campaign to address fraud in Minnesota.Jordan Hansen, CEO of YourPath, an addiction recovery services provider and Cari McCann, executive director of Great River Homes, which provides care to individuals with disabilities, say their organizations were kicked off of the Medicaid programs. They joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what comes next.Read more at MPRnews.org.
A must-listen episode: Host Dr. Jay Anders welcomes Kimberly Brandt, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Together they discuss slow value-based care adoption in Medicare, CMS's data quality push through FHIR APIs and USCDI, and how AI will help flag fraud across millions of daily claims. Brandt also discusses what it means for CMS to pay for 'outcomes rather than transactions'. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/
The 2027 Marketplace Final Rule from CMS is here! Join Sarah as she pulls out takeaways for insurance agents selling ACA plans. Get Connected:
From WEDI's Spring Conference, Amy Gleason (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and Ryan Howells (CARIN Alliance, Leavitt Partners) explore the vision behind the CMS Health Tech Ecosystem and its potential to transform how health data is accessed, exchanged, and used across the healthcare system. The discussion examines the value this approach could deliver for patients, providers, and innovators, while also highlighting how industry stakeholders can help build a more connected, interoperable, and consumer-centered digital health landscape.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, 17th Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss the scope of fraud in healthcare services, explaining how half of the fraud in the federal government could be originating from Medicaid and Medicare services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Mehmet Oz, 17th Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss the scope of fraud in healthcare services, explaining how half of the fraud in the federal government could be originating from Medicaid and Medicare services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Friday Five for May 8, 2026: Quick Hits & Headlines CMS Admin Dr. Oz on Prior Auth Audio to Help You Sleep Cigna to Exit ACA for CY 2027 AHIP & NABIP Dates for CY 2027 Get Connected:
While Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services does not explicitly define a strict “12-month rule,” its guidance does require that the physician’s involvement reflect ongoing, active participation in the patient’s course of treatment. That said, legal and compliance experts consistently caution that if a physician has not personally seen a patient within 12–24 months, billing subsequent non-physician practitioner (NPP) visits as “incident to” may present elevated audit risk. Terry breaks down the lack of clear regulatory thresholds and outlines practical steps to help protect your practice if an audit inquiry occurs. Subscribe and Listen Find all of Terry’s official links in one place: https://www.terryfletcher.net/links The post Incident to Physician Participation Rules appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Host Radell Lewis sits down with Laura, candidate for Ohio's 7th Congressional District, to break down one of the most flippable Republican seats heading into 2026. Once a R+15 district, OH-7 is now R+5 after redistricting, and incumbent Max Miller squeaked by at 51 percent even in a friendlier map. With recent child abuse allegations surfacing against Miller and a brand new county (Ashland) full of farmers no one has bothered to talk to, this race has every ingredient for a flip. Laura brings 23 years of federal public service to the conversation, including work at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights in Cleveland (an office that no longer exists thanks to this administration). Growing up between Cleveland and rural Athens County, she served patients, families, children, workers, veterans, and communities across seven federal agencies before being purged by DOGE last year. She has shown up in Northeast Ohio for years through boards, commissions, task forces, and community work. She is not running because politics is a career move. She is running because too many people in this district are being priced out, pushed aside, and told to expect less. In this conversation we cover: the unconstitutional war in Iran and why ending it lowers prices, Medicare for All as a today-not-tomorrow policy, the fifteen dollar minimum wage fight, why corporate capture of farmland and homes is the real threat, the Mamdani playbook for transparent representation, the loss of plausible deniability when this administration finds money for Argentina and Iran but not for working families, the dangers of party hypocrisy and the politics of exclusion, a humanist take on faith communities and the loneliness epidemic, and an honest assessment of Gaza, Israel, and the case for a two-state solution rooted in diplomacy rather than blank-check military aid. This is local politics done right: nuanced, honest, and built around results for actual constituents. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in the middle, this episode is for anyone who believes that the person we send to Congress should have the spine, the ethics, and the experience to challenge corruption on both sides of the aisle. Learn more about Laura's campaign at https://LauraforUs.com New episodes of Purple Political Breakdown drop weekly. Political solutions without political bias.Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKCheck Out the Podcast Website: www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.comALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now)Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9
The Friday Five for May 1, 2026: [00:44] Staying Caffeinated on the Road [03:26] Healthcare or Health Care? AP Stylebook Makes it Official [05:24] Spotify Spins Fitness into the Mix [08:41] Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 [12:16] CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Events & Webinars for Insurance Agents Get Connected:
Health Affairs Publishing's Jeff Byers welcomes Senior Editor Michael Gerber back to the pod to discuss recent federal action on prior authorization, including CMS's proposal to expand response-time requirements to prescription drugs. The conversation also covers insurer efforts to reduce prior auth volume, the promise of AI and prior authorization, and what increased transparency could reveal about costs.To learn more, check out our recent Insider trend report on the current prior authorization landscape. And if you haven't already, join Insider today to get access to exclusive events, newsletters, cheat sheets, and reports.Related Links:CMS proposes new deadlines for prior authorizations for drugs (Healthcare Dive)2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule (CMS)A Rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on 02/08/2024 (Federal Register)Health Plans Reduce Prior Authorization, Support Continuity of Care and Enhanced Consumer Communications (Blue Cross Blue Shield)AI speeds up prior auth, coding while driving higher costs for health systems: PHTI report (Fierce Healthcare)Sign up for our free Health Affairs newsletters to stay up to date on health policy news and analysis.
The Friday Five for April 17, 2026: [00:57] CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule [02:09] Google Announces New Chrome Features [04:56] March 2026 CPI/2026 FOMC Calendar [07:03] Protective Life Corporation Study on Gaps in Medicare Knowledge [10:17] CMS 2026 Prior Authorization Proposed Rule Get Connected:
Tap the link to hear how Senior Citizens in Louisiana and nationwide will see a win in 2027 thanks to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has agreed to a 2.48 percent rate increase, a win for 35 million Americans who rely on health programs and their families. For seniors and patients with disabilities who depend on Medicare Advantage, the change in the rate means seniors who rely on MA benefits and supplemental services can continue to count on them.
CMS recently published the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule. Don't miss the ASG Podcast top takeaways for insurance agents. Get Connected:
Senior Associate Editor Steve Hallo discusses his BestWire story detailing how The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services intends to suspend enrollment in Elevance Health Inc.'s Medicare Advantage Part D over persistent noncompliance with risk-adjustment data reporting rules.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Lauren Weber, “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have a plan to save rural health care. Here's the catch.,” March 24, 2026, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2026/03/24/rfk-jr-dr-oz-plan-save-rural-health-care-heres-catch/89297731007/, The Detroit News. The Washington Post, “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have a plan to save rural health care. Here's the catch.,” March 24, 2026, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/03/23/rural-health-ai-medical-tech/. Bridget Early, “Providers urge CMS to scrap ACA exchanges overhaul,” March 25, 2026, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-cms-aca-exchanges-rule-providers/, Modern Healthcare. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “CMS Proposes Regulations to Lower Health Care Costs, Expand Consumer Choice, and Protect Taxpayers,” https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-regulations-lower-health-care-costs-expand-consumer-choice-protect-taxpayers. Madeline de Figueirdo, “Virtual Crisis Care Helps Rural Communities Access Mental Health Resources in Emergencies,” March 2, 2026, https://dailyyonder.com/virtual-crisis-care-helps-rural-communities-access-mental-health-resources-in-emergencies/2026/03/02/, Daily Yonder. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
Learn about the value of Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) and how to get started selling! Read the text version Learn how you can get started selling D-SNPs by calling Ritter Insurance Marketing today at 800-769-1847. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
The Friday Five for March 27th: Macbook Neo & WWDC26 Gas Buddy for Fuel Savings The Great Nee-Doh Shortage KFF State Health Facts Resource CMS Final Rule on Fax & Snail Mail Get Connected:
A rural Minnesota hospital system could be forced to close within weeks as millions of dollars in Medicare payments have been delayed. The Mille Lacs Health System is at risk of closing its hospital and rural health clinics that serve multiple counties. That's because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has withheld about $2.5 million dollars in Medicare payments since January.A new lawsuit is challenging the Trump Administration's move to fast-track deportations of Somalis. The Advocates for Human Rights — a Minneapolis nonprofit — is suing the Justice Department over its effort to speed up deportations of non-citizens from Somalia. The government had already targeted many for removal, but the plaintiffs allege that the administration is fast-tracking court hearings for Somalis after President Donald Trump called them "garbage."
In this episode of Cloud Wars Live, Bob Evans speaks with Seema Verma, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Oracle Health and Life Sciences, about how AI is reshaping the healthcare industry. Drawing on her experience leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Verma explains how Oracle is tackling one of the world's most complex sectors with an end-to-end, AI-driven approach. The conversation explores how automation, modern electronic health records, and intelligent agents can reduce administrative costs, improve patient care, and unify fragmented healthcare systems into a more efficient and responsive ecosystem. Oracle Healthcare Vision The Big Themes: AI as Healthcare Backbone: Oracle is not approaching healthcare transformation as a collection of isolated tools but as a unified, AI-driven ecosystem. Unlike past efforts that layered technology onto outdated systems, Oracle is rebuilding infrastructure from the ground up with AI at its core. This allows automation to flow across the entire system rather than remaining siloed. The result is a more cohesive healthcare environment where decisions, processes, and outcomes are interconnected, enabling true industry-wide transformation rather than incremental improvements. Clinical AI Agents in Action: One of the most compelling innovations discussed is Oracle's clinical AI agent, which listens to doctor-patient interactions and automatically generates notes, recommendations, and workflows. This technology goes beyond documentation — it initiates next steps such as prescribing medications, ordering tests, and suggesting billing codes. Physicians benefit from reduced administrative workload, allowing them to focus on patient interaction. Clinical Trials Transformation: Clinical trials are another area ripe for disruption, with only 1–2% of eligible patients participating due to outdated recruitment methods. Oracle is addressing this by matching patients to trials using real-time health data. Instead of manual processes like bulletin board sign-ups, AI can identify eligible participants and notify both clinicians and patients. The Big Quote: “Fifty percent, sixty percent of the costs are labor-oriented. And if we look at the growth in healthcare, that's not changing, we see high prices in drugs, one of the fastest-growing areas. And so here's where AI has an incredible opportunity here to really transform the industry and get rid of a lot of that repetitive, manual work and increase efficiency." More from Seema Verma: Connect with Seema on LinkedIn or learn more about Oracle, health, and AI. Visit Cloud Wars for more.
Dr. John Whyte has spent his career at the intersection of medicine, media and public policy. Now, as CEO of the American Medical Association, he hears firsthand what physicians, patients and health leaders are most concerned about and what they expect from the future of healthcare. That perspective makes him an ideal guest for Season 11 of Fixing Healthcare with cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. This season's guests bring more than impressive résumés and large social-media followings. They bring insight into what people across the country are actually talking about: the fears they express, the questions they ask and the expectations they carry into exam rooms, boardrooms and online conversations. Whyte has held leadership roles at the FDA and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He later became chief medical officer at WebMD and chief medical expert for Discovery Channel. In each position, he has focused on translating complex medical issues into clear, actionable information. In this conversation, he shares what he is hearing now and why the answers will require both cultural and structural change. Key highlights include: Three concerns dominate for physicians. Whyte opens by identifying what he hears most often across the country: frustration with prior authorization and payment incentives in Medicare and Medicaid, anxiety about scope-of-practice changes, and uncertainty about how physicians should lead (rather than react to) the rapid rise of digital health and generative AI. Medicaid disruption and impact on children. Whyte explains that policy changes at both federal and state levels could leave vulnerable populations without coverage or access to care. He emphasizes that nearly half of U.S. children rely on Medicaid. Payment models and physician autonomy. The discussion explores tensions between fee-for-service, Medicare Advantage and value-based approaches. Whyte argues that physicians must retain meaningful choice in how they practice and get paid, even as consolidation and employment models reduce autonomy. Generative AI as “augmented intelligence.” Whyte notes that more than 80% of physicians now use AI tools professionally, largely for documentation and communication tasks. The real opportunity, he says, lies in improving diagnosis, personalization and continuous monitoring. Home as the future site of care. From wearables to smart diagnostic devices, Whyte envisions a shift away from episodic office visits toward continuous monitoring and preventive care. Outcome-based reimbursement. Pearl asks whether paying for outcomes could unlock broader adoption of AI-enabled tools. Whyte acknowledges the promise but highlights practical challenges, including patient complexity, burnout and the risk that efficiency gains could simply lead to higher patient volumes. The evolving physician-patient relationship in the AI era. With a growing share of patients using generative AI before appointments, Whyte encourages clinicians to view digitally informed patients as partners. Open dialogue, trusted sources and shared decision-making, he argues, will define effective care in the years ahead. There's so much more to this episode. Tune in to find out what physicians and patients should expect from the future of medicine. * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn The post FHC #209: What the AMA’s new CEO is hearing from doctors & patients right now appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
The Friday Five for March 20, 2026: Rueppel Recommends Audible launches Standard Plan Universal Health Services to Acquire Talkspace Manufacturer Participation in CMS 2028 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Microsoft Announces Copilot Health Get Connected:
"When you scratch the surface, you find more fraud!". Is this talking about banking? A private business? Random scammers? NO - we're talking about FRAUD FOUND IN HEALTHCARE, specifically MEDICARE and MEDICAID!! SIMON talks about all this and more with the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, DR. MEHMET OZ. Yep, THAT Dr Oz!
Don't let the fear of compliance keep you from following up with your Medicare clients. Find out how to follow up and stay within CMS guidelines for marketing and enrollment. Read the text version Get Connected:
How do we decide what “good care” looks like, and who gets to choose the scorecard? In this episode of Turn on the Lights, Kedar Mate speaks with Dr. Michelle Schreiber of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Brenna Rabel of Battelle about how quality measures are developed, adopted, and applied across Medicare and Medicaid programs. They explore why measurement is essential for accountability, patient choice, and improvement, while also acknowledging its vulnerability to politics, feasibility constraints, and “teaching to the test.” Using diabetes and sepsis as examples, they explain how performance cutoffs are established, why “all-or-none” measures often face resistance, and what makes complex measures difficult to report and score. The conversation also addresses efforts to reduce reporting burden, including CMS's shift from broader MIPS reporting toward MIPS Value Pathways and the expansion of digital quality measurement through FHIR-enabled eCQMs. They conclude with a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence could reduce manual chart abstraction and advance quality measurement, particularly as patient-reported outcomes play a larger role in shaping the future of value-based care. Tune in to hear how measures shape what health systems prioritize, what gets improved, and what “value” could look like in the future. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Michelle Schreiber on LinkedIn. Follow CMS on LinkedIn and explore their website! Connect with and follow Brenna Rabel on LinkedIn. Follow Battelle on LinkedIn and explore their website! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Zeke Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at the Wharton School, joins the show to discuss recent reforms at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The conversation covers site-neutral payments, strengthening primary care compensation, innovation models, and efforts to address waste and Medicare Advantage risk adjustment. They also examine the broader fiscal and policy implications for the $1.7 trillion agency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Friday Five for March 13, 2026: Headline Quick Hits AI & Critical Thinking CMS Notification: 1.3 Million MBI Reassignments 2026 Medicare Part D Enrollment Stats Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Get Connected:
Don't miss the 2nd round of Medicare Part D negotiated drug prices. Get the details on the prescriptions and savings for Medicare beneficiaries in 2027. Read the text version Get Connected:
Send a textOn this episode of the podcast, host Dave Knapp breaks down the latest updates on potential GLP-1 receptor agonists coverage for people on Medicare living with obesity. With new guidance released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the episode explains how two upcoming federal programs—the Bridge Program (2026) and the Balance Model (2027)—could expand access to medications like Zepbound and Wegovy.Listeners will learn who may qualify, how the proposed $50 monthly cost could work during the temporary Bridge Program, and why coverage could change once insurance plans become involved in 2027. The episode also outlines the role of the proposed Treat and Reduce Obesity Act and why long-term Medicare coverage still depends on congressional action.If you or a loved one are on Medicare and curious about access to GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment, this episode explains the key timelines, eligibility criteria, and practical steps patients should take with their doctors.Visit TRYSHED.COM to learn more today! Use CODE OTP25 to save 25%!
After the President's State of the Union address, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) discusses his party's response to the lengthy speech and underscores the affordability crisis facing many Americans. CNBC's Eamon Javers recaps the evening's highlights, including moments of partisan- and bipartisanship. Then, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses the administration's push to lower drug prices. Plus, Anthropic has changed its safety policy. Rep. Josh Gottheimer - 21:28 Dr. Mehmet Oz - 29:44 In this episode: Josh Gottheimer, @RepJoshG Dr. Mehmet Oz, @DrOz Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After Minnesota's widespread pandemic-era fraud took center stage, federal officials have ramped up efforts to uncover similar schemes nationwide—specifically targeting stolen taxpayer funds within the healthcare industry. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, joins us to discuss his mission to root out healthcare fraud and explain how systemic corruption is impacting the most vulnerable citizens. He details how the administration is leveraging new technology to shut down hundreds of fraudulent businesses and implementing a new strategy to ensure stricter oversight of the healthcare industry.Americans are reportedly projected to wager a record $1.7 billion on this year's Super Bowl as legalized sports betting expands to nearly 38 states. Safer Gambling Strategies President Keith Whyte joins the Rundown to discuss the "seductive logic" of prop bets, the risks of unregulated prediction markets, and how parents can talk to their children about the dangers of gambling addiction. Plus, commentary by FOX News contributor, Joe Concha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Medicare and Medicaid fraud. California healthcare corruption. Constitutional crisis. California is now being called the epicenter of Medicare and Medicaid fraud, with billions of taxpayer dollars allegedly lost to fake patients, phantom billing, and sham hospice operations. In this full podcast episode, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services explains why Los Angeles has become ground zero for healthcare fraud and how these schemes drain public healthcare programs meant to serve real patients. Dr. Oz alleges that organized fraud networks are exploiting Medicare and Medicaid at massive scale. Gavin Newsom denies the claims, accusing Oz of exaggeration and discrimination — escalating the conflict into a political and legal firestorm. This episode then turns to a second crisis: federal law vs state and city governments. Across blue cities, police departments are ordered to monitor and film ICE agents, federal officers are barred from city property, and taxpayer funds are used to oppose federal immigration enforcement. Is this lawful protest — or obstruction of federal authority? Constitutional attorney Josh Hammer breaks down: • The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution • When state resistance becomes unconstitutional • The legal implications of **Don Lemon arrest • What legal remedies exist to restore order without destabilizing the country This episode covers Medicare fraud, Medicaid abuse, California corruption, federal vs state power, ICE enforcement, constitutional law, and government overreach — with facts, legal analysis, and real consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Silver and Gold – Still Going. Big week for earnings. Fed decision on Wednesday. Nat Gas price exploding higher. US Dollar drops hard over past few days. PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - What we learned from Davos - President Miyagi - tariffs on, tariffs off - January: stocks are trying to finish with gains - Small-caps flying - S&P 500: All-time highs going into earnings Markets - Silver and Gold - Still Going - Big week for earnings - Fed decision on Wednesday - Nat Gas price exploding - US Dollar drops hard over past few days Can't Keep Track Anymore -Trump has announced he is raising tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% after accusing Seoul of "not living up" to a trade deal reached last year. - In a post on social media, Trump said he would increase levies on South Korea from 15% across a range of products including automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and "all other Reciprocal TARIFFS". - South Korea is planning on voting on the "agreement" with the US in February - KOSPI hits all-time high after being down 1% on the news - S. Korea President re-affirms their commitments Davos - 2026 - What we learned - Not much - Same bifurcated view of the world - Trump backed off the Greenland threats - Framework of a "deal" / "plan" - So, no tariffs - (Going to get a boy who cried wolf ....) Gold and Silver - Off to the races - Silver was up again in a big way Monday. Fell back down to earth (up 5% from up 15% earlier in the day - Hovering around $110 - that is impressive - parabolic move - GOLD! - Proving itself as a USD hedge and safety trade (Bitcoin in the dust) - Gold above $5,000 per ounce - - Plenty of reports that central banks are buying up| - USD weakness Economy - Still Strong - The US economy expanded in the third quarter by slightly more than initially reported, supported by stronger exports and a smaller drag from inventories. - Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased at a revised 4.4% annualized rate, the fastest in two years, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data. - Consumer spending advanced at a 3.5% annualized pace last quarter, reflecting the fastest pace of outlays for services in three years, while spending on goods also accelerated from the previous quarter. Amazon - Trimming.... 30,000 jobs is plan - First half of that was in October and now trhery are laying off the remainder - CEO Jassey says that it is not financial of AI issues ---- Again - why so important to state that and make that a focal point? - Layoffs amount to 10% of the corporate workforce - Company still has 1.5 million employees Comeback? - Spirit Airlines is in talks with investment firm Castlelake for a potential takeover of the discount airline, CNBC has learned. - Remember, all started when Jetblue deal was blocked - Frontier tried - Spirit tried a few times to get head above water - nothing worked Booz Cancelled - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent canceled department contracts with the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, whose employee leaked President Donald Trump's tax records to The New York Times. - The department noted that between 2018 and 2020, Booz Allen employee Charles Edward Littlejohn “stole and leaked the confidential tax returns and return information of hundreds of thousands of taxpayers.” - Booz Allen Hamilton's stock price dropped by more than 10% on the heels of the Treasury Department's announcement. - Why does Booz have tax records in the first place? - Stock down 50% since end of 2024 Private Credit - BlackRock TCP Capital shares lower by 13% after it disclosed Friday night that net asset value declined approximately 19.0%; other private credit stocks falling in sympathy - The Company's net asset value per share as of December 31, 2025 to be between approximately $7.05 and $7.09, an anticipated decline of approximately 19.0% during the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net asset value per share of $8.71 as of September 30, 2025. - This decline is primarily driven by issuer-specific developments during the quarter. - The Company's net investment income per share to be between approximately $0.24 and $0.26 for the three months ended December 31, 2025. - Decliners: TCPC -13.40% OWL -3.07% ARES -3.30% KKR -2.08% BAM -0.41% CG -0.33% Zoom Communications - Valuation of Anthropic stake - The news is driving shares higher as analysts suggest ZM's $51 mln stake could now be worth between $2-$4 bln based on Anthropic's rumored $350 bln valuation, effectively acting as a "hidden gem" on its balance sheet. - From a fundamental perspective, the company's performance has also significantly improved, evidenced by its Q3 beat-and-raise report in late November where revenue rose 4.4% yr/yr to $1.23 bln. - This stronger financial performance is being driven by robust growth in the Enterprise segment, the rapid adoption of AI Companion features, and the scaling of adjacent growth businesses like Zoom Contact Center and Workvivo. - Consequently, the combination of high-margin operational rigor -- highlighted by a 41.2% non-GAAP operating margin -- and the massive unrealized gains from its AI investments has shifted investor sentiment firmly back toward growth. UNH and Health Stocks - DOWN 20% today - The administration's proposal (via the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS) for Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates to rise by only 0.09% in 2027. This was far below Wall Street expectations of 4-6% (or higher), following a more generous ~5% increase for 2026. - The near-flat rate aims to improve payment accuracy, curb overbilling practices, and protect taxpayers, according to CMS statements, but it sparked widespread concerns about squeezed insurer margins, potential benefit cuts for seniors, reduced plan offerings, or market exits. - UnitedHealth has significant exposure to Medicare Advantage (roughly 30% of national enrollment), making it particularly vulnerable. The proposal, announced late Monday (January 26), led to a broader sell-off in health insurers: - - Humana (HUM) plunged over 20-21%. - - CVS Health (CVS) and Elevance Health (ELV) each dropped around 13-14%. Tech Earnings Microsoft (MSFT) Reports: Wednesday, January 28 (After Market Close) - Wall Street Expectations: Earnings per share (EPS): about $3.86 and Revenue: about $80 billion - Growth: high teens year over year revenue growth - Investors are focused on Azure and broader cloud growth, particularly how much of that growth is coming from AI related demand. Microsoft has built a reputation for consistent execution, which also means expectations are high. The critical issues will be cloud growth sustainability, margin stability, and how aggressively management plans to keep spending on AI infrastructure. Meta Platforms (META) Reports: Wednesday, January 28 (After Market Close) - Wall Street Expectations: EPS: about $8.15–$8.20 and Revenue: about $58–$59 billion - Growth: roughly 20–21% year over year revenue growth - Advertising remains the core driver, with AI driven ad targeting continuing to improve returns for advertisers. While topline growth expectations remain strong, investors are closely watching expense growth. The biggest question is whether rising AI and infrastructure spending can be managed without eroding margins or spooking investors, as Meta works through the next phase of its AI strategy. Tesla (TSLA) Reports: Wednesday, January 28 (After Market Close) - Wall Street Expectations: EPS (non GAAP): about $0.40–$0.45 and Revenue: about $24.5–$25 billion - Trend: earnings expected to be sharply lower than a year ago - Tesla enters earnings with the weakest expectations among the major tech names this week. Vehicle deliveries declined year over year, and automotive margins remain under pressure. While the energy and services segments continue to grow, they are not yet large enough to offset slowing EV demand. - Investors will be far more focused on forward guidance than on the quarter itself—particularly updates on Full Self Driving, robotaxis, and the broader AI roadmap. Apple (AAPL) Reports: Thursday, January 29 (After Market Close) Wall Street Expectations - EPS: about $2.65–$2.67 and Revenue: about $138 billion Growth: approximately 11–12% year over year revenue growth - This is Apple's most important quarter of the year. Expectations call for record revenue driven by the iPhone 17 cycle and continued Services growth. The focus will be on margins, China demand, and forward guidance—particularly how higher costs (memory prices and tariffs) may impact profitability. Apple typically beats expectations, but the stock reaction will hinge on what management says about growth beyond this quarter. Company Ticker Report Date Est. EPS Key Focus Area Microsoft MSFT Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $3.92 Azure AI revenue growth & CapEx spending Meta Platforms META Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $8.17 Ad monetization of AI & 2026 CapEx guidance Tesla TSLA Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $0.45 Full Self-Driving (FSD) & Robotaxi updates Apple AAPL Thu, Jan 29 (AMC) Varies iPhone 17 demand & Apple Intelligence rollout ServiceNow NOW Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $0.88 Enterprise AI software adoption rates IBM IBM Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $4.28 Hybrid cloud and watsonx performance *AMC = After Market Close; EPS = Earnings Per Share (Consensus Estimates) Boeing - The company's airplane deliveries last year were the highest since 2018, helping drive revenue. Boeing brought in $23.9 billion in the last three months of 2025, a 57% increase over the same period in 2024 and topping analysts' expectations. Cash flow of $400 million was roughly double what Wall Street was expecting. - Boeing brought in $23.9 billion in the last three months of 2025, a 57% increase over the same period in 2024. The airplane manufacturer delivered 600 airplanes last year, up from 348 a year earlier. Another MoonShot - U.S. natural gas prices surged over 17% on Monday morning, climbing above $6 for the first time since late 2022. - It comes as Winter Storm Fern leaves hundreds of thousands without power and forces mass flight cancellations. - The National Weather Service has forecast wind chills as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45.56 degrees Celsius) across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. this week. -Up 68% YTD - Nat gas is used in a whole lot of things - electrical grid 43% is fueled by Nat Gas Government - Not Again! - Seems like Dems are threatening a shutdown again - A partial U.S. government shutdown is set to begin on Friday, January 30, 2026. - The Senate is expected to vote on a funding package to avert this shutdown, with delays from a winter storm pushing initial votes to at least January 27, 2026 - The issue is being exacerbated with the ICE / Minnesota issues This is precious - Ex-finance minister Noda currently co-heads largest opposition party - He says that Japan unlikely to get international consent for intervention - Yen, bond selloff requires Japan to be in crisis mode, he says - Government must vow to restore fiscal discipline to end yen fall, Noda says - Japan must create environment allowing for steady BOJ rate hikes, he says - THIS shows us all that the whole thing with these guys/gals is all political. - NEVER EVER if he was in the role would he say anything like this. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN CUP 2025 Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt! FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter
At age 12, Chloe Cole began identifying as male and started socially transitioning. Soon after, she was put on puberty blockers. Testosterone injections followed at age 13, and she underwent a double mastectomy at 15.Shortly after the surgery, she realized that it had all been a terrible mistake: “I didn't believe that I was a boy ... until that idea was put in my head.”When she decided to detransition, the community that once eagerly encouraged her to transition into a boy treated her like she was “subhuman,” she says.“The moment that I detransitioned, I was human garbage to them,” she says.Now she has become one of the most vocal critics of what's been dubbed “gender-affirming care” for minors.Under the Trump administration, several measures have been put in place to end the medical transitioning of minors: In January, President Donald Trump issued the executive order “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.”Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a new rule that prohibits hospitals that perform “sex-rejecting” procedures on minors from participation in Medicare and Medicaid Programs. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently spoke out against such procedures for minors and described them as medical malpractice.And days ago, the House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that could imprison health care providers for providing these procedures to minors.Cole, who is 21 years old today, supports such measures to put an end to medical transitioning of minors, but she's convinced that this is not enough: “This doesn't end with bans. We have to go all out and hold everybody who was involved accountable.”And that's what she's doing: Cole filed a high-profile lawsuit in California against her healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente, as well as her surgeon, endocrinologist, and the psychologist who referred her to surgery, alleging medical negligence, lack of informed consent, and fraud in placing her on puberty blockers, testosterone, and performing a double mastectomy.Her legal team, among them Dhillon Law Group and the Center for American Liberty, has added punitive damages claims, presenting her case as a test of whether “gender-affirming” treatment for minors will be treated as malpractice in U.S. courts.“It's something that has to be illegalized on both the state and federal level, so that no child ever is going to be hurt ever again,” she said, adding, “We have to go after the manufacturers or the drugs of the medical devices that they are giving to children.”Since 2022, Chloe has testified before multiple state legislatures. She also testified in the 2023 U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing titled “The Dangers and Due Process Violations of ‘Gender-Affirming Care' for Children.”“Testimonies of people like me, who come out of it, who speak to the truth, are so threatening to them, because it completely dismantles their ideology,” she said.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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