MAHA’s Low-Hanging Fruit: Enabling Health Systems to Deploy Food as Medicine
What’s happening: The authors describe HHS OIG Advisory Opinion 25-02, which permits an FQHC—under enforcement discretion and conditions—to offer food, transportation, legal aid, and other nonmedical services to community members alongside offers to schedule primary care. They argue current anti-kickback/patient-inducement rules still chill “health-enabling” supports and propose a new safe harbor—starting with Food Is Medicine—to reduce fraud-and-abuse risk while minimizing administrative burden.
Why it matters: Health systems seeking to scale produce prescriptions, medically tailored meals, and similar programs face legal ambiguity. A targeted safe harbor could unlock value-based investments in chronic disease prevention while protecting underserved patients and aligning with MAHA priorities.
Senate Democrats demand answers on FDA abortion pill review
What’s happening: The full Senate Democratic Caucus warned FDA/HHS not to rely on “junk science” as they reassess mifepristone, pointing to an EPPC report and a recent Hawaii court order finding parts of the current REMS “unreasoned.” Lawmakers caution against new restrictions and urge adherence to the full evidence base.
Why it matters: Any FDA move to tighten access could impact OB-GYN service lines, pharmacy operations, and legal exposure across states. Systems should prepare for shifting dispensing requirements and patient access dynamics.
Every state has applied for $50B Trump administration rural health fund
What’s happening: CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz says all 50 states submitted applications for the five-year rural health fund created to offset Medicaid cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. $25B will be evenly distributed to approved states; $25B is discretionary and may consider alignment with MAHA policies. Awards are due by Dec. 31.
Why it matters: Expect uneven funding effects across markets and potential opportunities for rural workforce, prevention, and care-delivery pilots. Hospital leaders should be in active dialogue with state Medicaid agencies on implementation.
Trump announces deal with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk to lower prices on obesity drugs
What’s happening: The administration touts agreements to price injectable GLP-1s at $245/month for Medicare/Medicaid and via a forthcoming TrumpRX cash-pay platform; selected oral GLP-1s could be $149/month after approvals. Officials say ~10% of Medicare beneficiaries could gain expanded access.
Why it matters: If implemented, payer mix, formulary strategy, and cardiometabolic pathways could shift quickly. Coverage mechanics and legal authorities remain open questions—plan for demand spikes, prior auth changes, and budget impacts.
Conflicting advice on COVID shots likely to ding already low vaccine rates
What’s happening: With FDA narrowing authorizations and CDC shifting to “shared clinical decision-making” for many under 65, adult COVID vaccination last season was ~23% versus 47% for flu. Experts warn confusion could depress uptake further, especially among younger adults and communities of color.
Why it matters: Anticipate uneven vaccine demand and access barriers by state. Systems may face winter surges among under-vaccinated groups; targeted outreach and pharmacy workflows remain critical.
FDA’s top drug regulator resigns after probe into ‘serious concerns’
What’s happening: CDER chief George Tidmarsh resigned amid an HHS review of personal-conduct concerns and an Aurinia lawsuit alleging improper public comments affecting a marketed drug. CDER has experienced significant staff attrition this year.
Why it matters: CDER instability could ripple into approval/review cadence, safety communications, and labeling decisions. Monitor PDUFA/ANDA milestones tied to your pipeline and therapeutics portfolio.
Nurse recruitment agency sues Trump administration over $100,000 H-1B fees
What’s happening: Global Nurse Force and others filed suit to block a new $100,000 H-1B petition fee, arguing nonprofit hospitals cannot absorb the cost and placements will stall; the EO allows case-by-case exemptions for clinicians, status unclear.
Why it matters: International nurse pipelines—especially for specialty roles and rural placements—could constrict, exacerbating staffing shortages and premium labor costs. Track exemption pathways and diversify recruitment channels.
On the Horizon
Not to sound like a broken record, but until this shutdown ends, there is little news out of Washington. We’ve seen a few glimmers of movement this week so the hope springs eternal for next.