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Many teachers are offered a subsidized Medicare plan from their school district when they retire. They are told this is a great benefit that they have contributed to their whole career. Sounds great, right? Most don't realize that what they are being offered is not traditional Medicare. It is a more restrictive form of healthcare called Medicare Advantage. They also don't realize that the choice they make at 65 can affect their healthcare options for the rest of their lives. As they get older and require more healthcare, they may not be able to switch to original Medicare. We speak with a woman who describes the ordeal she went through to escape Medicare "Advantage." What I Learned Trying to Leave an Employer-Sponsored Medicare Advantage Plan Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Medicare is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—financial decisions people face as they approach retirement. And for many, the confusion doesn't come from a lack of effort, but from a system that isn't intuitive and comes with rules, deadlines, and consequences that aren't always clear until it's too late. In this episode of The Patti Brennan Show, Patti is joined by Eric Fuhrman, Chief Planning Officer at Key Financial, for a practical, listener-driven conversation answering real Medicare questions we hear every day. From missed enrollment windows to choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, Patti and Eric break down what actually matters—and why timing is often more important than cost.
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down Kaiser Permanente's entry into Nevada, growing tensions between hospitals and Medicare Advantage plans, and how federal payment changes are squeezing major insurers while smaller, specialized plans gain ground.
If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast
SummaryThe 2026 Compliance Roundtable discusses critical issues in healthcare compliance, focusing on prior authorizations, telehealth, clinical laboratories, and incident two billing provisions. Experts (Joe Rivet, Terry Fletcher, Scott Kraft, Stephanie Allard, Jordan Johnson, and David Duhaime) share insights on the challenges faced by providers, the impact of legislation, and the evolving landscape of healthcare regulations. The conversation highlights the need for reform and the importance of understanding the complexities of compliance in the healthcare industry.TakeawaysPrior authorizations serve as a gatekeeper to control healthcare costs.The burden of prior authorizations can create barriers to timely care.Congress is considering reforms to the prior authorization process.Medicare Advantage plans often complicate access to care compared to traditional Medicare.Virtual supervision has changed the definition of direct supervision in healthcare.Incident two billing provisions pose significant compliance risks for providers.The error rate in incident two billing is alarmingly high.PAMA cuts to laboratory services could negatively impact patient care.AI in healthcare presents risks related to patient information security.The importance of understanding the nuances of healthcare regulations is critical for compliance.
Nearly 53 million prior authorization requests were submitted to Medicare Advantage plans in 2024. Enrollment on the Affordable Care Act marketplace slipped this year. Two major hospital deals also closed this week. Those stories and more on today's episode of The Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's live YouTube Chat Q&A covers the full spectrum—earnings season takeaways, the selloff-to-rebound pattern, and the big debate around Big Tech, AI, and margins. We walk through where tech and AI leadership stand now, whether AI is pressuring software profitability, and the “real world” constraint markets may be underpricing: power demand (including what ERCOT could mean for data-center expansion). We also hit the energy transition angle—why wind/solar intermittency matters, the critical minerals push, and why fundamentals still matter when narratives run hot. On the positioning side, we discuss whether metals look oversold, how to think about “rebound rallies,” and why investor discipline (process, rebalancing, and risk controls) beats chasing headlines. Finally, we shift to planning questions that come up constantly in the chat: Medicare timing (age 65 vs. later), enrolling in your 70s, key pitfalls with Medicare Advantage, and how COBRA fits into the transition. 0:00 - INTRO 0:19- Earnings Season Recap 4:05 - Markets Sell off to Rebound 9:05 - Tech Stocks & AI - Where are We? 10:17 - Is AI Destroying Software Profit Margins? 16:26 - Will ERCOT Pump the Brakes of Data Centers? 19:22 - Wind & Solar Are Not Consistent or Reliable 20:42 - The Critical Mineral Push 22:33 - Fundamentals Matter a Lot 24:19 - Are Metals Over Sold? 27:41 - Investor Discipline & Having a Plan 29:10 - This was Not a Forced Manipulation 30:45 - Leverage on Bitcoin 31:47 - Jumping on Medicare at age 65? 38:44 - Signing Up for Medicare in 70's 40:32 - Be Careful with Medicare Advantage 42:56 - The Thing About COBRA Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Danny Ratliff, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Register for our next Candid Coffee, 2/21/26: https://streamyard.com/watch/Wq3Yvn9ny5GV ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: ------- Watch our previous show, "The Trap of Chasing Returns," here: https://youtube.com/live/sKXpfWf8oRs?feature=share -------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Dip Buyers Step In" is here: https://youtu.be/EY04EexrThs ------- Visit our E-book Library (no library card required!) https://realinvestmentadvice.com/ria-e-guide-library/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #SectorRotation #RiskManagement #ReflationTrade #PortfolioRebalancing #BuyTheDip #EarningsSeason #ArtificialIntelligence #BigTech #RiskManagement #Medicare
In this episode, Scott Becker reviews 6 key developments, including Providence Mission Hospital's plan to phase out acute care, growing tension between health systems and Medicare Advantage plans, multiple hospital leadership changes, and more.
In this episode, Dr. Ria Paul, Clinical Associate Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, Santa Clara Family Health Plan discusses how the organization has strengthened Medicaid and Medicare Advantage quality scores through closer collaboration with providers, targeted incentives, and better data flow. She also shares priorities for 2026, including regulatory readiness, member retention, and using AI to enhance engagement and care coordination.
A major Medicare billing issue is emerging across 24 states, and vascular specialists are warning it could delay—or deny—time-sensitive, limb-saving care for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we are joined by two leading voices on the front lines:
In this January 30 episode of MAHA News, Jordan Sather and Nate Prince break down major developments reshaping public health policy, healthcare accountability, and food systems. The discussion opens with the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization and what that shift signals for national sovereignty and public health governance. From there, the hosts examine updates from HHS, including action on healthcare fraud, the launch of more than 100 autism-related studies, and renewed focus on chronic disease as a long-term national crisis. The episode also covers changes to Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates and their implications for insurers and patients. In the second half, attention turns to the corporate capture of the beef industry, consolidation among major meat packers, and how regulatory and market forces have distorted food production. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on transparency, accountability, and challenging systems that benefit from consolidation and illness rather than health.
If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: https://www.eseniorinsurance.com✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340
“Climate change is the biggest health threat of our century, so we need to train clinicians for a future where it will alter disease patterns, the demand on health systems, and how care is delivered,” says Dr. Sandro Demaio, director of the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health, underscoring the stakes behind the organization's first regionally-focused climate and health strategy. The five-year plan Dr. Demaio is leading aims to help governments in 38 countries with 2.2 billion people manage rising heat, extreme weather, sea-level change, air pollution and food insecurity by adapting health systems, protecting vulnerable populations, and reducing emissions from the healthcare sector itself. In this timely interview with Raise the Line host Michael Carrese, Dr. Demaio draws on his experiences in emergency medicine, global public health, pandemic response and climate policy to argue for an interconnected approach to strengthening systems and preparing a healthcare workforce to meet the heath impacts of growing environmental challenges. This is a great opportunity to learn how climate change is reshaping medicine, public health and the future of care delivery. Mentioned in this episode: WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast
This time on Code WACK! How does Medicare Advantage - also known as privatized Medicare - fail seniors … especially seniors of color? Why do many seniors find they actually have no other choice than an Advantage plan? What's the consequence of that lack of choice? And how do Medicare Advantage insurance plans actually deepen racial and income disparities? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Belinda McIntosh — an Atlanta-based psychiatrist with more than 20 years of experience, a board member of Physicians for a National Health Program, and co-author of a new PNHP report titled “No Real Choices: How Medicare Advantage Fails Seniors of Color.” This is the first episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!
Howie and Harlan are joined by Mary-Ann Etiebet of the public health organization Vital Strategies to discuss how policy, prevention, and stronger public-health systems can reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other preventable conditions. Harlan reports on the federal push toward fully autonomous clinical care for heart failure; Howie looks at proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage payments and what they mean for beneficiaries, plans, and taxpayers. Show notes: Autonomous Care SAM.gov: Agentic AI-EnableD CardioVascular CAre TransfOrmation (ADVOCATE) Proposers' Day Special Notice "ARPA-H to revolutionize cardiovascular disease management with clinical agentic AI" ARPA-H: Agentic AI-Enabled Cardiovascular Care Transformation Mary-Ann Etiebet Health & Veritas Episode 7: Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet: Saving Mothers' Lives Vital Strategies WHO: Noncommunicable diseases WHO: Global NCD Compact 2020–2030 "Health Taxes Are a Triple Win for African Countries—New Brief From Vital Strategies and Partners Provides Strategy" Mary-Ann Etiebet: "Using Health Taxes to Promote Public Good" "'Historic Public Health Victory': Vital Strategies Applauds Brazil's Approval of Selective Tax on Tobacco, Soft Drinks, and Alcohol" Vital Strategies: Partners WHO: Civil registration and vital statistics HHS: United States Completes WHO Withdrawal WHO statement on notification of withdrawal of the United States Medicare Advantage Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: "CMS Proposes 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Payment Policies to Improve Payment Accuracy and Sustainability" "Medicare Advantage in 2025: Enrollment Update and Key Trends" "Trump administration signals there's widespread desire to curb Medicare Advantage" "Medicare Rates Shock Sparks $100 Billion Selloff in Insurers" In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.
Thank you so much for listening to the Bob Harden Show, celebrating over 14 years broadcasting on the internet. On Thursday's show, we the first-ever federal tax credit program for education, and we discuss objectives in public education for the '26 legislative session with the Florida Citizens Alliance Chief Operating Officer Ryan Kennedy. We visit with Cato Institute Health Policy Director Michael Cannon about Medicare Advantage programs and how the costs are (not) managed. We visit with president of the Naples Automotive Experience Tom O'Riordan about “Cars on Fifth” next week for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity. We also discuss the upcoming City Council elections with former Mayor of Naples Bill Barnett. We have terrific guests scheduled for Friday's show including attorney William Yeatman, CEI Senior Economist Ryan Young, Landmark Legal Foundation Vice President Michael O'Neill, and Professor Larry Bell. Access this and past shows at your convenience on my web site, social media platforms or podcast platforms.
Today's Headlines: U.S. immigration enforcement is under intense scrutiny after another person was shot and critically injured during a Border Patrol–involved incident in southern Arizona. Details remain limited, with officials declining to identify the victim or explain how the shooting unfolded. Meanwhile in Minnesota, Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall after a man lunged at her and appeared to spray an unknown, foul-smelling substance from a syringe before being arrested on assault charges. Five days after the fatal shooting of Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti during an ICE encounter, the public still doesn't know who pulled the trigger — even as DHS has acknowledged that two ICE agents fired their weapons. The department is facing growing backlash after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem falsely claimed Pretti intended to “massacre” agents, a statement the White House has since tried to walk back while shifting blame internally. Minnesota is now suing the federal government for failing to preserve evidence from the shooting, with federal lawyers arguing they aren't required to do so. Criticism of ICE has also intensified following the death of 30-year-old U.S. citizen Wael Tarabishi, who relied on his father as a primary caregiver before his father was detained by ICE. Tarabishi died after weeks in the hospital, and ICE has refused to temporarily release his father to attend the funeral. Politically, Noem is facing impeachment pressure from House Democrats, while a Minnesota judge has ordered ICE's acting director to appear in court over repeated failures to comply with court orders. Internationally, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to send ICE personnel to the Winter Olympics in Milan, a move sharply criticized by the city's mayor. Separately, families of two Trinidadian men killed during U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean have filed a lawsuit accusing the administration of extrajudicial killings. On the economic front, health insurance stocks fell after the administration declined to increase Medicare Advantage subsidies, as consumer confidence dropped to a 12-year low. Ending on a brighter note, Yale University announced it will make tuition free for families earning up to $200,000 a year, expanding access amid rising college costs. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: One person in critical condition after being shot in incident involving Border Patrol in Arizona The Daily Beast: Trump Sparks Fresh Outrage With Secret Bid to Send ICE to the Olympics ABC News: Experts say the divide between Minnesota and federal authorities is unprecedented WFAA: Disabled son of ICE detainee dies after 30 days of hospitalization Axios: Jeffries' threat to Trump: Fire Kristi Noem or we move to impeachment Axios: Acting ICE director faces contempt hearing WSJ: Families of Two Men Killed in Boat Strikes Sue U.S. WSJ: Stock Market Today: UnitedHealth Weighs on Dow as Health-Insurance Stocks Slide Axios: Consumer confidence plunges to 12-year low WSJ: Yale Will Go Tuition-Free for Families Making Up to $200,000 NBC News: Man lunges at Rep. Ilhan Omar during town hall and tries to spray her with unknown substance Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson 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
The Trump administration proposes a modest pay increase for Medicare Advantage plans. The American Academy of Pediatrics releases its updated childhood vaccine schedule. And a platform billed as “ChatGPT for doctors” becomes the most valuable healthcare AI startup. Those stories and more, on today's episode of The Gist Healthcare Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to break down a brutal week for payers, marked by plunging stocks, Medicare Advantage rate pressure, and intense congressional scrutiny.
LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured Health insurance stocks took a hit after the Trump administration proposed near-flat Medicare Advantage payment rates—just a 0.09% average increase projected for 2027. Insurers say rising healthcare costs make the math impossible, markets reacted fast, and Capitol Hill is already buzzing.Expect the outrage, the lobbying, and the closed-door deals. One way or another, the industry will look to get made whole—and as always, the bill ultimately lands on the public.
Freezing temperatures and ice over the past weekend have impacted agricultural industries across the U.S. This morning, we'll learn about its effects on timber, sugar cane, crawfish, cattle, and more. But first, major U.S. insurance companies are down in premarket trading after a small projected rate increase for privatized Medicare Advantage plans. And, from Marketplace's "Make Me Smart," federal student loan borrowers in default won't experience wage or tax garnishment — yet.
Freezing temperatures and ice over the past weekend have impacted agricultural industries across the U.S. This morning, we'll learn about its effects on timber, sugar cane, crawfish, cattle, and more. But first, major U.S. insurance companies are down in premarket trading after a small projected rate increase for privatized Medicare Advantage plans. And, from Marketplace's "Make Me Smart," federal student loan borrowers in default won't experience wage or tax garnishment — yet.
Carl Quintanilla, Jim Cramer and David faber explored the sell-off in UnitedHealth and other health insurance stocks, after the Trump Administration proposed Medicare Advantage rates for 2027 that are nearly flat. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg joined the program to discuss the company's Q4 revenue beat and jump in airplane deliveries. General Motors shares get a lift on a Q4 earnings beat, upbeat profit guidance, a 20-percent dividend hike and declaration of a $6 billion stock buyback. Also in focus: More earnings winners and losers, Meta-Corning $6 billion fiber-optic cable/AI data center deal, Anthropic CEO's essay on the future of AI comes with a warning about the technology. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with Dr. Darwin Hale, founder and CEO of Advocate Health Advisors, about the critical role of brokers in the healthcare system, particularly in Medicare Advantage. Dr. Hale shares his personal journey that led him to establish his company, emphasizing the importance of localized connections and trust in helping seniors navigate their healthcare options. The conversation also explores the distinction between advocacy and sales, the value of Medicare Advantage plans, and the future of healthcare innovation.
MRKT Matrix - Tuesday, January 27th S&P 500 rises to record high, led by gains in tech (CNBC) Humana, UnitedHealth plunge 20% after Trump administration proposes keeping Medicare Advantage rates flat (CNBC) The gold rally is the new bet against Trump (Axios) UPS to Cut 30,000 Jobs This Year (WSJ) Big Tech's borrowing spree raises fears of AI risks in US bond market (FT) AI Stocks Still Face a China Risk (WSJ) --- Subscribe to our newsletter: https://riskreversalmedia.beehiiv.com/subscribe MRKT Matrix by RiskReversal Media is a daily AI powered podcast bringing you the top stories moving financial markets Story curation by RiskReversal, scripts by Perplexity Pro, voice by ElevenLabs
A look at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares the industry predictions to help you prepare for the year ahead. Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode, we're looking at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026 with our guest Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA's Health Policy Institute. The episode starts by looking back at the predicted dental trends for 2025, which were staffing shortages, insurance challenges, and rising overhead costs. When speaking about economic confidence, Vujicic notes that at the end of 2024 dentists expressed a significant rise in economic optimism about the stability of the dental sector. But, by the end of 2025 confidence levels had dipped, and practice confidence dropped as well due to tariffs, economic uncertainty, and larger national concerns. The ADA's Health Policy Institute (HPI) conducts quarterly surveys. Dentists are invited to enroll in the panel by emailing hpi@ada.org to help share their experiences and strengthen national data. Dentists were asked about their biggest expected challenges for 2026, and they reported that their core issues remain consistent with last year's, but with insurance leading the list, followed by staffing shortages and overhead cost increases. These issues remain steady across urban and rural practices, as well as with different practice modalities. About 90% of dental practices report they are still struggling with hiring staff, even though there's a growing pipeline of dental hygienist graduates, and a rebound in patient volume. The conversation explores whether technology could help with this issue, but dentistry remains a hands-on profession with limits on how much can actually be automated. Dentists shared with ADA's HPI that this year they intend to hire more staff, reevaluate their insurance networks, and invest in equipment, technology and software. Some key findings from HPI's Practice Ownership Trends report shows that today's early-career experience is very different from past generations with a delayed path to practice ownership. Data shows that most dentists will eventually become owners, just later in their careers. The major change: ownership is delayed, not disappearing. Another interesting theme that emerged from the data was the generational, cultural, and priority shifts happening in the profession. Also, HPI introduces fresh insights into gender pattens that show that even though women start with a lower rate of practice ownership than men, the ownership gender gap closes by mid- and late- career. The conversation shifts to explore the challenges and opportunities from the broader national policy forces shaping dentistry in 2026, and the impact of the economic data influencing decisions in multiple states. HPI continues their research and is focusing on tracking emerging dental policy issues, research on the impact of Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) regulations, and forthcoming analysis of oral trends within Medicare Advantage, to list a few. Resources Read ADA's Health Policy Institute's report Practice Ownership Trends in Dentistry: A New Look at Old Data. Learn more about HPI's latest studies and publications, including those mentioned in this episode. Share your experience with us! Dentists are invited to enroll in the HPI panel by emailing hpi@ada.org. For more information on the ADA's Health Policy institute, visit their website ADA.org/HPI. Connect with Dr. Marko Vujicic. Subscribe to the ADA's HPI Newsletter.
The Trump administration's announcement of holding payments for Medicare Advantage plans flat sent healthcare-tied stocks in freefall. UnitedHealthcare (UNH) traded down 20% in premarket hours. Kevin Hincks explains that while healthcare is dragging down the Dow Jones, Big Tech is holding its own with Mag 7 earnings on the horizon. As metals "trade in their own world," Kevin notes that silver and gold are taking a pause alongside natural gas. Also keep your eyes on the Fed as its interest rate meeting begins. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Join hosts Lindy Tentinger and Ike Isaacson for candid conversations about the home medical equipment (HME) industry. Each month, they tackle the biggest challenges facing providers—from competitive bidding and Medicare Advantage to annual accreditation and regulatory changes. With bold predictions, practical resources, and a focus on people-first leadership, IM: Unfiltered cuts through the noise to help HME leaders create clarity over chaos. Whether you're navigating policy changes or modernizing your operations, this podcast delivers actionable insights and reminds you that you don't have to do it alone. Brought to you by VGM.
A leading surgeon, Dr. Eric Lullove, explains how insurers, Medicare Advantage, and deregulation created America's healthcare catastrophe—and why universal care is the solution.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE
A surgeon, Dr. Eric Lullove, exposes how insurers and Medicare Advantage broke U.S. healthcare, while Swalwell reveals Republicans who privately mock Trump but publicly defend his Jan 6 lies.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE
This time on Code WACK! How does Medicare Advantage - also known as privatized Medicare - fail seniors … especially seniors of color? Why do many seniors find they actually have no other choice than an Advantage plan? What's the consequence of that lack of choice? And how do Medicare Advantage insurance plans actually deepen racial and income disparities? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Belinda McIntosh — an Atlanta-based psychiatrist with more than 20 years of experience, a board member of Physicians for a National Health Program, and co-author of a new PNHP report titled "No Real Choices: How Medicare Advantage Fails Seniors of Color." This is the first episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! Keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.
While many of you were enjoying the holidays, Kaiser Permanente wasback in the news. This time, another whistleblower case which resulted inan amazing $556 million settlement to resolve allegations that the giantprovider/payer fudged on its Medicare Advantage risk adjustment.Reporting the lead story during the next live edition of Monitor Mondays willbe Liz Soltan, a New York-based senior associate at WhistleblowerPartners. Soltan is a member of the firm's litigation team who representedDr. James Taylor in his landmark False Claims Act (FCA) case againstKaiser Permanente which resolved allegations of Medicare Advantage riskadjustment fraud. Soltan also works on a major Medicare Advantage riskadjustment fraud case against UnitedHealth Group on behalf ofwhistleblower Benjamin Poehling.Broadcast segments will also include these instantly recognizable features: Monday Rounds: Ronald Hirsch, MD, vice president of R1 RCM,will be making his Monday Rounds. The RAC Report: Healthcare attorney Knicole Emanuel, partnerat the law firm of Nelson Mullins, will report the latest news aboutauditors. Risky Business: Healthcare attorney David Glaser, shareholderin the law offices of Fredrikson & Byron, will join the broadcast withhis trademark segment. Legislative Update: Adam Brenman, legislative affairs liaison forZelis, will report on current healthcare legislation.
Thank you Michael Catlett, Steven Rosenzweig, Lynette, DavidPageYea, Richard Hogan, MD, PhD(2), DBA, and many others for tuning into my live video!* A Surgeon Explains Why U.S. Healthcare Is Failing Patients, Doctors, and Taxpayers: A leading surgeon, Dr. Eric Lullove, explains how insurers, Medicare Advantage, and deregulation created America's healthcare catastrophe—and why universal care is the solution. [Mo… To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com
Is 2026 really the new 2016? Join Sarah as she talks about this internet trend, takes the time machine back to 2016 to compare data, and explains how agents can get in on the fun while it lasts! Get Connected:
We have a special episode of Raise the Line on tap today featuring the debut of host Dr. Parsa Mohri, who will now be leading our NextGen Journeys series that highlights the fresh perspectives of learners and early career healthcare professionals around the world on education, medicine, and the future of care. Parsa was himself a NextGen guest in 2024 as a medical student at Acibadem University in Turkey. He's now a general physician working in the Adult Palliative Care Department at Şişli Etfal Research and Training Hospital in Istanbul. Luckily for us, he's also continuing in his role as a Regional Lead for the Osmosis Health Leadership Initiative (OHLI). For his first guest, Parsa reached out to a former colleague in the Osmosis family, Negeen Farsio, who worked with him as a member of OHLI's predecessor organization, the Osmosis Medical Education Fellowship. Negeen is now a graduate student in medical anthropology at Brunel University of London, a degree which she hopes will inform her future work as a clinician. “Medical anthropology is a field that looks at healthcare systems and how human culture shapes the way we view different illnesses, diseases, and treatments and helps you to see the full picture of each patient.” You are sure to enjoy this heartfelt conversation on how Negeen's lived experience as a patient and caregiver have shaped her commitment to mental health and patient advocacy, and how she hopes to marry humanity with medicine in a world that yearns to heal. If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast
In this episode of Sg2 Perspectives, host Trevor DaRin is joined by Sg2 experts Tori Richie and Karyl Kopaskie, PhD, to unpack the 2026 Insurance Coverage Forecast and major shifts expected across Medicaid, the ACA exchanges, commercial coverage and Medicare Advantage. They also discuss how this data informs Sg2's Impact of Change® forecast and supports scenario planning for demand and utilization. This conversation delivers timely insights for health system leaders preparing for shifting payer dynamics. Sg2 Perspectives Listener Feedback Survey: We would love to hear from you - Please click here We are always excited to get ideas and feedback from our listeners. You can reach us at sg2perspectives@sg2.com, or visit the Sg2 company page on LinkedIn.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE: THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE QUESTION THAT HOSPITALS WANT ANSWERED! Seven things to know about the new AI source of information: CHATGPT HEALTH. Valued client Robert shared an article: Medicare Advantage Shake-up: Who is out? I was so happy to see the first review on Amazon of my newest book...until I actually read it. Turns out the reviewer knows a thing or two about Medicare plans and seems to have a problem with my warnings about the possible consequences of Medicare Advantage plans. I, on the other hand, have a problem with the reviewer being a retard! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2026; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN: ENROLLMENT GUIDE!" (coming soon) For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.
Navigating the 2026 Insurance Landscape: Challenges & OpportunitiesWelcome to the latest episode of 'Agent Boost.' In this episode, catch up on industry updates as Dan and Mike discuss their recent break, holiday adventures, and the state of the insurance business in early 2026. Learn about the significant changes from major carriers like Humana, the evolving landscape of Medicare Advantage, and strategies to thrive amid these challenges. Whether you're an experienced agent or a newcomer, this episode offers insights into quality business practices, compliance measures, and the importance of adaptability in the current market. Stay tuned for valuable tips on recruiting, retaining agents, and expanding your insurance empire from the Caribbean to Hawaii.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Resumption00:39 Holiday Recap and Travel Adventures01:22 Challenges of Remote Work02:26 New Year Motivations and Industry Trends05:05 Carrier Changes and Agent Concerns13:25 Humana's Strategic Adjustments25:22 Carrier Perspective on Quality and Commissions26:19 Industry Challenges and Carrier Reactions27:33 Market Corrections and Business Models30:49 The End of Medicare Call Centers?32:00 Agent Boost's Approach to Tele Digital Teams37:45 Humana's Compliance Measures45:21 Trends in Agent Performance50:19 ACA Subsidies and Future Outlook
Progress on FY 2026 Appropriations President Releases “Great Healthcare Plan” as Progress on Bipartisan Compromise Stalls Senate HELP Committee Advances Four Health Bills Sen. Grassley Report Details “Gaming” of Medicare Advantage by UHG Republican Study Committee Releases Reconciliation 2.0 Framework Sen. Wyden, Rep. Pallone Question Child Immunization Data Measurement Change Florida Rep. Neal Dunn to Retire and more...
Year-End Reality Check: Public Health, Medicare Advantage, and the Limits of AI. 2025 Year-End Reflections is a candid, unscripted look at the biggest shifts shaping population health and covered lives heading into 2026. Gregg and Fred tackle the year's most consequential story first: the destabilization of public health prevention and early warning, and why those blind spots may echo for years. From there, they unpack the affordability fallout of expiring enhanced ACA premium tax credits "QHP" (Qualified Health Plan) sticker shock, the coverage implications of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," Medicare Advantage as an ongoing trust stress test, and where AI realistically helps (admin/workflow) versus where it risks hype, bias, and added burden. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. 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
With the American republic hanging in the balance, Ralph calls on Democrats to pressure Republicans in the House and Senate to impeach Trump before the midterms or suffer the consequences. Then, we welcome Dino Grandoni, co-author of a Washington Post report on the surprising ways various species of animals and plants help advance our own health and longevity.Dino Grandoni is a reporter who covers life sciences for the Washington Post. He was part of a reporting team that was a finalist for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting for coverage of Hurricane Helene. He previously covered the Environmental Protection Agency and wrote a daily tipsheet on energy and environmental policy. He is co-author (with Hailey Haymond and Katty Huertas) of the feature “50 Species That Save Us.”The Democrats—while there are people like constitutional law expert Jamie Raskin (who has said a shadow hearing to publicly educate the American people on impeachment “is a good idea”) he's been muzzled by Hakeem Jeffries and Charlie Schumer, who basically don't want the Democrats to use the word impeachment. So who's using the word impeachment the most? Donald Trump—not only wants to impeach judges who decide against him, but he's talking about the Democrats impeaching him, and he uses the word all the time. So we have an upside-down situation here where the opposition party is not in the opposition on the most critical factor, which is that we have the most impeachable President in American history, getting worse by the day.Ralph NaderIf the founding fathers came back to life today, would any of them oppose the impeachment, conviction, and removal of office of Donald J. Trump, who talks about being a monarch? That's what they fought King George over. Of course, they would all support it.Ralph NaderWhat we have in these cards and in our stories at the Washington Post here are examples of the ways we know, the ways that scientists have uncovered how plants and animals help us. But we don't know what we don't know. There are likely numerous other ways that plants and animals are protecting human well-being that we don't know and we may very well never know if some of these species go extinct.Dino GrandoniI'm always eager to find these connections between human well-being and the well-being of nature and try to describe them in ways that are compelling to readers that get them to care about protecting nature. And also finding those instances (because I want to be objective here) of when human well-being and the well-being of nature might be in conflict, and that might involve some tough decisions that we as a society or policymakers have to make.Dino GrandoniNews 1/16/25* Our top two stories this week concern corporate wrongdoing. First, Business Insider reports that the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has released a new report which estimates Uber Eats and DoorDash, by altering their tipping processes in the city – moving tipping prompts to less prominent locations after checkout so upfront delivery costs would appear lower – have deprived gig delivery workers of $550 million since December 2023. As this piece notes, that was the month that New York City's minimum pay law for delivery workers took effect. As a result, “The average tip for delivery workers on the apps dropped 75%...from $3.66 to $0.93, one week after the apps made the changes…The figure has since declined to $0.76 per delivery.” This report presages a new city law that “requires the apps to offer customers the option to tip before or during checkout. Both Uber and DoorDash have sued the City over the law, which is set to take effect on January 26.” Whether the administration will stick to their guns on this issue, in the face of corporate pressure, will be a major early test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani.* Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports UnitedHealth Group “deployed aggressive tactics to collect payment-boosting diagnoses for its Medicare Advantage members.” As the Journal explains, “In Medicare Advantage, the federal government pays insurers a lump sum to oversee medical benefits for seniors and disabled people. The government pays extra for patients with certain costly medical conditions, a process called risk adjustment.” A new report from the Senate Judiciary Committee found that UnitedHealth had “turned risk adjustment into a business,” thereby exploiting Medicare Advantage and systematically and fraudulently overbilling the federal government. Due to its structure, advocates like Ralph Nader have long warned that Medicare Advantage is ripe for waste fraud and abuse, in addition to being an inferior program for seniors compared to traditional Medicare. This report supports the accuracy of these warnings. Yet, Dr. Mehmet Oz Trump's appointee to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is a longtime proselytizer for Medicare Advantage and this setback is unlikely to make him reverse course, no matter the cost to patients or taxpayers.* Yet, even as these instances of corporate criminal lawlessness pile up, the Trump administration is all but abolishing the police on the corporate crime beat. In a new report, Rick Claypool, corporate crime research director at Public Citizen, documents how the administration has “canceled or halted a total of 159 enforcement actions against 166 corporations.” This amounts to corporations avoiding payments totaling $3.1 billion in penalties for misconduct. This report further documents how these corporations have ingratiated themselves with Trump, via donations to his inauguration or ballroom project, or more typical revolving door or lobbying arrangements. As Claypool himself puts it, “The ‘law enforcement' claims the White House uses as a pretext for authoritarian anti-immigrant crackdowns, city occupations, and imperial resource seizures abroad lose all credibility when cast against the lawlessness Trump allows for the pursuit of corporate profits.”* In another instance of a Trump administration giveaway to corporations, the New York Times reports the Environmental Protection Agency will “Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution.” Under the new regulatory regime, the EPA will “estimate only the costs to businesses of complying with the rules.” The Times explains that different administrations have balanced these competing interests differently, always faced with the morbid dilemma of how much, in a dollar amount, to value human life; but “until now, no administration has counted it as zero.”* Moving to Congress, the big news from the Legislative Branch this week has to do with Bill and Hillary Clinton. NPR reports Congressman James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, issued subpoenas to the former president and former Secretary of State to testify in a committee hearing related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter published earlier this week, the Clintons formally rejected the subpoenas, calling them “legally invalid.” The Clintons' refusal to appear tees up an opportunity for Congress to exercise its contempt power and force the couple to testify. Democrats on the Oversight Committee, who agreed to issue the subpoenas as part of a larger list, have noted that “most of the other people have not been forced to testify,” indicating that this is a political stunt rather than an earnest effort. That said, there is little doubt that, at least, former President Clinton knows more about the Epstein affair than he has stated publicly thus far and there is a good chance Congress will vote through a contempt resolution and force him to testify.* In the Senate, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Murphy and other liberal Senators are “urging their Democratic colleagues to pivot to economic populism by ‘confronting' corporate power and billionaires, warning that just talking about affordability alone won't move swing voters who backed President Trump in 2024,” per the Hill. Senators Adam Schiff of California and Tina Smith of Minnesota also signed this memo. The Senators cited a recent poll that found Americans “increasingly cannot afford basic goods such as medical care and groceries,” but they also warned that “Bland policy proposals — without a narrative explaining who is getting screwed and who is doing the screwing – will not work.” Hopefully this forceful urging by fellow Senators will move the needle within the Democratic caucus in the upper house. Nothing else seems to have driven the point home.* One candidate who seems to understand this message is Graham Platner of Maine. Platner, who is endorsed by Bernie Sanders, has a controversial past that includes a career in the Marines and a stint working for the private military contractor Blackwater. However, he is running as a staunch economic populist and New Deal style progressive Democrat – and the message appears to be working. According to Zeteo, a poll conducted in mid-December found Platner up by 15 points in the primary over his opponent, current Governor Janet Mills. More concerning is the fact that this same poll shows both Platner and Mills in a dead heat with incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, indicating this could be a brutal, protracted and expensive campaign.* On the other end of the spectrum, Axios reported this week that former Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, who once led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and then served as President Biden's ambassador to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, has accepted a role as CEO and president of the Coalition for Prediction Markets. The coalition is essentially a trade association for betting websites; members include Kalshi, Crypto.com Robinhood and Coinbase, among others. The coalition will leverage Maloney's influence with Democrats, along with former Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry's influence across the aisle, to lobby for favorable regulation for their industry.* Turning to foreign affairs, prosecutors in South Korea have announced that they are seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk-Yeol on “charges of masterminding an insurrection over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024,” per Reuters. In a stunning courtroom revelation, a prosecutor said during closing arguments that “investigators confirmed the existence of a scheme allegedly directed by Yoon and his former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, dating back to October 2023 designed to keep Yoon in power.” The prosecutor added that “The defendant has not sincerely regretted the crime... or apologised properly to the people.” As this piece notes, South Korea has not carried out a death sentence in nearly three decades. Even still, it is remarkable to see how this case has unfolded compared to the reaction of the American judicial system to Donald Trump's attempted self-coup on January 6th, 2021.* Finally, turning to Latin America, many expected the fall of Nicolás Maduro to mean a redoubled energy crisis for the long-embargoed island nation of Cuba. Yet, the Financial Times reports that in fact, “Mexico overtook Venezuela to become Cuba's top oil supplier in 2025…helping the island weather a sharp drop in Venezuelan crude shipments.” CBS adds that “Despite President Trump's social media pronouncement…that ‘there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba — zero,' the current U.S. policy is to allow Mexico to continue to provide oil to the island, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.” For the time being, the administration seems open to maintaining this status quo – including maintaining cordial relations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum – though this appears more strained than ever. Sheinbaum harshly criticized the kidnapping of Maduro, stating “unilateral action and invasion cannot be the basis for international relations in the 21st century,” while Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez has threatened that there could be “serious consequences for trade between our countries” if Sheinbaum “continues to undermine US policy by sending oil to the murderous dictatorship in Cuba.”This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe
In this episode, Scott Becker shares 9 timely healthcare updates, including a new federal affordability plan, hospital leadership turnover, telehealth utilization declines, Medicare Advantage legal developments, and more.
Send us a textIn this episode, Part 2 of Top News Stories from 2025, and Predictions for 2026, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner break down the most important healthcare and hospice stories from 2025—and share clear, grounded predictions for what's coming in 2026. Rather than headline-driven chaos, 2025 revealed a year of incremental change, with persistent challenges around staffing, Medicare Advantage, hospice quality, reimbursement pressure, and cautious AI adoption shaping the landscape.Looking ahead, 2026 is framed as a hinge year for healthcare leadership. Policy decisions made today—including the long-term impact of healthcare legislation, reimbursement shifts, and political volatility leading into the midterms—are expected to create pressure without immediate resolution. This episode explores why 2026 may feel turbulent, yet ultimately serves as the setup year for deeper structural change across healthcare and hospice in 2027 and beyond.Chris and Cordt also examine emerging trends in healthcare technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality training, workforce models, and quality transparency. Rather than rapid disruption, they argue that healthcare—especially hospice and palliative care—will adopt these tools deliberately, balancing efficiency with trust, ethics, and human connection.At its core, this conversation is about leadership in uncertain times. As systems grow more complex, leaders must navigate policy, technology, and workforce challenges while staying anchored to mission and care quality. This episode offers insight for healthcare executives, hospice leaders, clinicians, and anyone shaping the future of care.
January 16, 2026 In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray Painter revisit the new prostate biopsy CPT codes and provide a key update on the use of ProMaxo for MRI-guided biopsies. Mark shares recent insights confirming that CPT codes 55713 and 55714 are appropriate for procedures performed with ProMaxo, clearing up previous ambiguity around the “in-bore” language. Then, the team shifts to deductible season challenges, emphasizing front-desk protocols, eligibility verification, patient collections, and how to handle the increased complexity brought on by insurance churn and Medicare Advantage transitions. This episode delivers practical tips for optimizing both coding confidence and cash flow in the new year.Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement SeminarInformation and RegistrationPRS Coding and Reimbursement HubAccess the HubFree Kidney Stone Coding CalculatorDownload NowPRS Coding CoursesFor UrologistFor APPsFor Coders, Billers, and AdminsPRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or Marianne DescioseClick Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer GroupEmpowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner. https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptpClick Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/
In this episode, Part 2 of Top News Stories from 2025, and Predictions for 2026, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner break down the most important healthcare and hospice stories from 2025—and share clear, grounded predictions for what's coming in 2026. Rather than headline-driven chaos, 2025 revealed a year of incremental change, with persistent challenges around staffing, Medicare Advantage, hospice quality, reimbursement pressure, and cautious AI adoption shaping the landscape.Looking ahead, 2026 is framed as a hinge year for healthcare leadership. Policy decisions made today—including the long-term impact of healthcare legislation, reimbursement shifts, and political volatility leading into the midterms—are expected to create pressure without immediate resolution. This episode explores why 2026 may feel turbulent, yet ultimately serves as the setup year for deeper structural change across healthcare and hospice in 2027 and beyond.Chris and Cordt also examine emerging trends in healthcare technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality training, workforce models, and quality transparency. Rather than rapid disruption, they argue that healthcare—especially hospice and palliative care—will adopt these tools deliberately, balancing efficiency with trust, ethics, and human connection.At its core, this conversation is about leadership in uncertain times. As systems grow more complex, leaders must navigate policy, technology, and workforce challenges while staying anchored to mission and care quality. This episode offers insight for healthcare executives, hospice leaders, clinicians, and anyone shaping the future of care.
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to discuss UnitedHealthcare's accelerated Medicare Advantage payments for rural hospitals and the growing federal scrutiny of major insurers as policymakers weigh rising healthcare costs and industry consolidation.
New research is transforming the outlook for cervical and uterine cancers -- two of the most serious gynecologic malignancies worldwide – and we'll be hearing from one of the people shaping that progress, Dr. Mary McCormack, on this episode of Raise the Line. From her perch as the senior clinical oncologist for gynecological cancer at University College London Hospitals, Dr. McCormack has been a driving force in clinical research in the field, most notably as leader of the influential INTERLACE study, which changed global practice in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer, a key reason she was named to Time Magazine's 2025 list of the 100 most influential people in health. “In general, the protocol has been well received and it was adopted into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines which is a really big deal because lots of centers, particularly in South and Central America and Southeast Asia, follow the NCCN's lead.”In this conversation with host Michael Carrese, you'll learn about how Dr. McCormack overcame recruitment and funding challenges, the need for greater access to and affordability of treatments, and what lies ahead for women's cancer treatment worldwide. Mentioned in this episode:INTERLACE Cervical Cancer Trial If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast
Send us a textPart 1 | Top Stories from 2025, and Predictions for 2026 by Chris Comeaux and Cordt KassnerThis episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership brings together a year-in-review and a forward-looking conversation, as Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner reflect on the most important healthcare and hospice stories from 2025 and share their predictions for what lies ahead in 2026.In Part One, Chris and Cordt review key headlines from late 2025, connecting policy shifts, technology trends, workforce realities, and financial pressures to the everyday leadership decisions facing hospice and healthcare organizations. Rather than reacting to news in isolation, the discussion focuses on how these forces intersect at the front lines of care.A central theme throughout the episode is the role of technology and artificial intelligence. While AI continues to gain momentum, the conversation reinforces a critical insight: technology is an accelerator, not a solution. Leadership, governance, and values ultimately determine whether innovation strengthens care or amplifies existing challenges.The episode also examines hospice-specific issues, including Medicare Advantage pressures, care pathways in skilled nursing facilities, financial strain on nonprofit providers, and the often underutilized role of volunteers in extending care and culture.The discussion concludes by framing 2026 as a hinge year—one where deeper forces are shaping the future beneath the surface. While change may come incrementally, the choices leaders make now will influence care delivery, trust, and sustainability in the years ahead.Episode Continues in Part II - Dropping Friday, January 16th, 2026Host:Chris Comeaux, President/CEO of TELEIOSCo-Host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today& CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact. https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership