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Amwell's first-quarter net loss narrowed to $10.3 million, with revenue down 18% year-over-year to $54.9 million. The company raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA loss guidance to $12 million to $16 million and expects positive operating cash flow in the fourth quarter. Elevance Health renewed its contract for three years, and the Defense Health Agency contract renewal is imminent.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday temporarily blocked the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision banning the mailing of the abortion drug mifepristone, restoring telemedicine prescriptions and mail distribution, at least until May 11. This move introduces new uncertainty to the legal battle over access to abortion medication.
Amazon announced on Tuesday the launch of a weight management program through its One Medical primary care network, providing GLP-1 medications and follow-up care to help consumers more easily obtain these popular weight-loss drugs. The program includes dedicated physician guidance, prescription delivery, and transparent pricing, with new GLP-1 tablets starting at a minimum of $25 per month after insurance or from $149 per month for cash payments.
Walmart announced on Thursday that its digital health platform Better Care Services will add weight management services, connecting third-party providers such as Aaptiv and Curai Health, offering GLP-1 prescription support, and leveraging its nearly 4,600 pharmacies for dispensing. This move aims to integrate pharmacy and digital health services to address the surge in demand for GLP-1 medications.
A year ago, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on major trading partners under the name 'Liberation Day,' aiming to promote manufacturing reshoring. However, in the highly globalized medical device supply chain, companies have not shifted production on a large scale, but instead have absorbed costs through internal cost reduction, supply chain diversification, and tariff exemption applications. Industry analysts point out that tariffs have a significant impact on profitability, but companies prioritize protecting R&D and customer relationships. As policy tools shift from IEEPA to Section 122 and 301, the industry still faces uncertainty, but most companies have come to treat it as a normal operating variable.
A year after large-scale layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, CMS has lost approximately 300 employees while taking on historic policy changes, including the first nationwide Medicaid work requirement, health technology initiatives, and stricter anti-fraud oversight. Although less affected than other agencies compared, staff attrition and low morale may impact its policy implementation.
Dr. Catherine Gaffigan, President of Health Solutions at Elevance Health, writes in response to comments by the CEO of the American Hospital Association, clarifying that its non-participating provider facility management policy is not about restricting medical services but addressing payment dynamics that drive up healthcare costs. The article cites data showing that the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution process is being exploited by some providers, including private equity-backed entities, leading to arbitration outcomes favoring providers and driving up premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Gaffigan calls on Congress and CMS to reform the IDR process and highlights new Indiana legislation as an example of a solution.
Rick Pollack, President of the American Hospital Association, points out that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's new facility management policy, effective January 1, 2026, requires hospitals in 12 states to ensure that all physicians treating Anthem-insured patients are in-network, or face a 10% payment reduction or risk of disenrollment. Pollack argues that this policy aims to circumvent the independent dispute resolution process of the No Surprises Act, placing hospitals under impossible obligations, and ultimately harming patients' access to care.
Last week's HIMSS conference in Las Vegas continued the trend of AI dominating healthcare technology discussions. The industry holds high hopes for AI to alleviate workforce shortages, burnout, and the pressures of aging care. As technology rapidly evolves, the healthcare industry is accelerating the adoption of more autonomous AI agents while simultaneously updating governance strategies to keep pace with innovation. Experts noted that these agents may introduce cybersecurity risks, requiring healthcare systems to rigorously verify non-human users. Meanwhile, EHR vendors are ramping up their own AI products but have committed to retaining third-party integration capabilities. This article distills the five key takeaways from the conference.