Ozempic and Wegovy (both Semaglutide) recently lost patent protection in countries where 40% of the world’s population live. The list includes India, China, Turkey, Canada, South Africa, and Brazil. Thus, a drug which most of these countries’ population could not afford may now have access to a weight-loss drug for as little as $15 a month. The price is speculative, firm prices are not yet known but will likely fall over time as more competitors begin to produce the drug.
Author: Devon Herrick
KFF: Obamacare Did Not Drive Up the Cost of Health Coverage
Health plan premiums more than doubled in price since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made health coverage, well, unaffordable. A 50-year-old with an ACA plan must pay 129% more today than a dozen years ago. During this same period, employee health plans rose in price by about half that amount (68%). This data is based on work by the Paragon Institute.
The National Residency Matching Program is Like Musical Chairs for Physicians
It is that time of year again for March Madness, but I am not talking about college basketball. I am referring to the other March tradition that is maddening for graduating medical students and patients across the nation. I am referring to the National Residency Matching Program (Match), when nearly 50,000 medical students discover where and in what field they will complete their training. Whichever residency program they match determines their career trajectory.
The Demise of Primary Care is Due to Third Party Payment
Primary Care is in trouble, or so says the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). It is not easy to find a primary care physician if you do not already have one. A lot of primary care practices are closed to new patients. Others are closed to some new patients depending on their health plan. This is especially true for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.