63. Round 2 of Medicare Drug Negotiations Has Begun. What Will Trump Do?
Release Date: 02/21/2025
87. 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Program Audit Enforcement Report Out: What Does It Tell Us?
The Healthcare Labyrinth
CMS’ Medicare Advantage (MA) program audits are getting tougher and more detailed every year. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in American...
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86. Will The New 100% RADV Audits Be Fair To Medicare Advantage Plans?
The Healthcare Labyrinth
While justified, there is some question about whether the new RADV audits will be fair to MA plans. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in American...
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85. Healthcare Developments Beyond The One Big Beautiful Bill
The Healthcare Labyrinth
The Big Beautiful Bill buried some other important healthcare developments. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in American healthcare. Marc seeks to help...
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84. The One Big Beautiful Bill Passes
The Healthcare Labyrinth
The one big beautiful bill has passed. Listen in to learn about how it happened and the impact of healthcare reductions. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and...
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83. Are There Smarter Healthcare Cuts?
The Healthcare Labyrinth
There are smarter healthcare cuts and sensible reforms that could be made and spare major impacts to coverage. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in...
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82. Will Health Plan Pain Continue?
The Healthcare Labyrinth
As bad as health plans have had it the past few years, trends seem to show the pain continuing. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in American...
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81. How Mighty Big Healthcare Has Fallen
The Healthcare Labyrinth
The mighty big healthcare companies have fallen, in this case a victim of their own financial mismanagement and shenanigans. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues...
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80. Republicans Are In Stealth Mode On Healthcare Coverage Cuts, But The Impact Is Real
The Healthcare Labyrinth
The GOP is not following the same overt repeal of healthcare coverage as it did in 2017, but the stealth approach still has real impact. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most...
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79. Managed Care Enters New Cycle; Medicare Advantage Needs To Pivot To Thrive
The Healthcare Labyrinth
Managed care is entering a new conversion cycle just as Medicare Advantage plans have to pivot to thrive. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in American...
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78. The Budget Reconciliation Saga
The Healthcare Labyrinth
The House has passed the budget reconciliation bill, but the Senate intends to put its mark on the bill and there are competing forces as in the House. Final passage is some time off still. About The Podcast: Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage. Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change. Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast...
info_outline10 drugs were negotiated in 2024 for 1/1/2026. These 15 drugs’ negotiated prices will take effect on 1/1/2027.
The combination of round 1 and round 2 drugs means over a third of total gross covered prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D will already have been subject to negotiation.
Round 2 drugs cover many major disease states seen in Medicare.
Round 1 saw drug costs drop on average 22%. This is better than other government program prices, but prices remain well above other developed nations.
The program needs to mature over time.
Trump has been sympathetic on drug prices and proposed price reduction proposals as Trump 45.
In the election he went back and forth on what he would do if he won again.
In a blow to brand drug makers, he has announced the process will continue with stakeholder input and more transparency.
Trump has a great opportunity to further Medicare drug price negotiations by expanding and applying it to commercial and employer coverage as well.
Trump’s populism will likely prevail over his somewhat friendlier relationship with Big Pharma.