Last week, a video posted on TikTok by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) sparked a frenzy on social media, claiming that Medicare would cease covering telehealth services as of April 1st. The clip, reaching Khanna’s 400,000 followers, alleged that this decision was a result of the Trump administration’s actions. Despite the lack of any concrete news on the matter, outrage quickly spread, prompting the American Telemedicine Association to address the misinformation.
The looming uncertainty around Medicare’s telehealth coverage stems from a temporary extension granted during the pandemic, which was set to expire at the end of the previous year. Efforts to secure a two-year extension were thwarted last minute by Trump and Elon Musk, leading to a short-term funding bill to sustain the coverage until March 15th. As budget negotiations continue, the future of telehealth extensions remains up in the air.
While the discourse surrounding telehealth has taken a political turn, with advocates fearing it may become a partisan issue, bipartisan support for making Medicare telehealth coverage permanent persists. The complexity of Medicare policies and budget negotiations often leaves the public confused, highlighting the challenges posed by temporary arrangements that constantly teeter on the edge of expiration.
In a subsequent statement, Khanna doubled down on his criticism of Trump and Musk, attributing the potential lapse in telehealth coverage to their actions. Despite the looming uncertainty, an extension is likely, pending budget decisions. Khanna’s vocal stance underscores the importance of maintaining telehealth accessibility for Americans, regardless of political affiliations.
Resolution of Semaglutide Shortage Signals New Chapter for Hims
In other health tech news, the Food and Drug Administration recently announced the end of the semaglutide shortage, signaling a pivotal moment for companies like Hims and Hers. The anticipated earnings call on Monday became a critical juncture for Hims, whose stock surged due to the sale of compounded versions of the obesity drug.
With the shortage resolved, Hims announced plans to discontinue selling replicas of semaglutide in doses mirroring Novo Nordisk’s offerings. CEO Andrew Dudum outlined a forward-looking strategy centered on personalized care, leveraging recent acquisitions in home testing and peptide facilities. Embracing AI as a cornerstone of their operations, Dudum envisions a future where algorithmic medication suggestions and round-the-clock support from AI agents redefine healthcare delivery.
Despite the setback of the semaglutide shortage, Hims reported significant financial growth, projecting continued revenue increases in the coming years. The company’s trajectory underscores the evolving landscape of digital health and the transformative potential of personalized healthcare solutions.
Former FDA Official’s Transition to Oracle Raises Eyebrows
Amid concerns over the revolving door between government agencies and industry, the departure of FDA’s digital health leader, Troy Tazbaz, to Oracle has raised eyebrows. Tazbaz’s move to Oracle, a company with close ties to the Trump administration, fuels speculation about his role in data center planning.
As industry veterans like Patrizia Cavazzoni make similar transitions, questions arise about the implications of these moves on healthcare policies and practices. The intersection of public service and corporate interests underscores the complexities of regulatory oversight and industry influence in shaping healthcare innovation.
Elsewhere, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ adoption of Oracle’s electronic health records system faces mounting challenges, with cost overruns and delays plaguing the initiative. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office highlights the need for a revised budget estimate, citing concerns about accessibility, patient safety, and software usability.
The sluggish pace of the EHR rollout underscores the intricate nature of implementing large-scale healthcare IT projects, underscoring the importance of thorough planning and stakeholder engagement in navigating complex technological transitions.
