The Gist Healthcare Podcast Friday, July 25, 2025
Jul 25, 2025
A new bipartisan bill aims to ensure that Medicare Advantage pays providers the same as traditional Medicare. Analysis reveals looming premium increases for Affordable Care Act plans, with insurers proposing hikes of about 15%. In a major financial move, a national hospital operator sells its outpatient lab services in a $195 million deal. Additionally, HHS decides to remove thimerosal from flu vaccines, despite no definitive evidence of harm. Finally, BayCare expands its successful nurse well-being program to improve support across all hospitals.
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Medicare Advantage Payment Parity Push
- The Prompt and Fair Pay Act would force Medicare Advantage plans to pay providers at least what traditional Medicare pays for Part A and B services.
- Supporters say MA underpayment drove 27 systems to exit MA contracts and stresses skilled nursing and long-term care providers.
ACA Premiums Face Large Proposed Hikes
- Preliminary insurer filings show proposed ACA premium increases of about 10%–20% for 2026, with a median around 15% and many requesting 20%+ hikes.
- KFF and the Peterson Center link the jump to rising medical costs plus policy risks like expiring premium tax credits and drug tariff effects.
HHS Moves To Remove Thimerosal From Flu Shots
- HHS adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal from all U.S. influenza vaccines despite no conclusive evidence of harm at administered doses.
- Most flu vaccines already lacked thimerosal for ~25 years, but some multi-dose vials still contained it until this policy change.