In the Loop – October

Report Finds Weight Lose Drugs Key Driver of 2025 Health Care Cost Increase

A recent Business Group on Health (BGH) survey found that heightened interest and spending on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs is a major driver of rising health care costs in 2025. The medications were traditionally used to treat diabetes but are now in demand for weight loss.

White House Announces Results of Medicare Drug Price Negotiations

Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reached agreements with top drugmakers to lower prices for the first 10 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations. After months of negotiation beginning last October, the agreed-upon drug discounts range between 38% and 79%. The new pricing for Medicare Part D enrollees goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

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