Health Care Inc.: DOGE’s Brad Smith profile, Stephanie Carlton CMS interview

Health Care Inc. is back with the latest updates in the health care industry. In this edition, we cover a range of topics from the invisible health care czar of the Trump administration to the rising costs of health care for American families.

Meet Brad Smith, the invisible health care czar of the U.S. DOGE Service. While Elon Musk may have been the headline name, Smith played a crucial role in the administration’s efforts to cut government spending. With a background in launching health care startups focused on Medicare and Medicaid, Smith has made a name for himself in the industry. However, his cut-throat approach has left some questioning his commitment to value-based care. Tara Bannow’s profile of Smith sheds light on his career and the controversies surrounding his companies.

Elevance, the company that acquired two of Smith’s companies, is facing scrutiny over health care utilization. CEO Gail Boudreaux reassured investors that their profit projections remain on track, despite some challenges in the ACA marketplaces and Medicaid. The company plans to raise premiums for ACA plans in 2026 to offset higher utilization rates.

Stephanie Carlton, CMS chief of staff, and deputy administrator under Dr. Oz, discussed the agency’s stance on Medicaid work requirements and Medicare Advantage fraud. While supporting work requirements, Carlton downplayed concerns about coverage losses and emphasized the need to streamline administrative processes. The agency is also ramping up Medicare Advantage audits amid legal challenges.

The rising costs of health care were highlighted in the latest Milliman Medical Index, which estimates the annual spending on health care for Americans with employer-sponsored insurance. The cost for a family of four in 2025 has reached $35,119, equivalent to the price of a Chevy Equinox. The index underscores the significant increase in health care costs over the past two decades, outpacing wage growth and other basic commodities.

Health Care Inc. continues to monitor developments in the health care industry, providing insights into key players, challenges, and trends shaping the future of health care in America. Stay tuned for more updates in our next newsletter. The healthcare industry’s ongoing exploitation of workers is a concerning issue that continues to persist. Despite efforts to address this issue, such as the proposed amendment by Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), the landscape of healthcare remains complex and challenging. The proposed amendment, which aimed to overhaul Medicare by automatically enrolling beneficiaries in private Medicare Advantage plans, could have significant implications for the future of healthcare in the United States.

While the proposed amendment did not make it into the final bill passed by the House, it sparked important conversations about the role of private insurers in the Medicare program. The amendment included provisions that would have reshaped Medicare Advantage, potentially benefitting insurers at the expense of beneficiaries. These changes could have far-reaching consequences for the millions of Americans who rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs.

In addition to the proposed amendment, there are several other developments in the healthcare industry that are worth noting. For example, Cleveland Clinic recently reversed its policy of canceling outpatient appointments for patients who do not pay their copays upfront. Instead, the clinic will now offer interest-free payment plans to help patients manage their healthcare costs. This shift reflects the ongoing challenges of affordability and access in healthcare.

Furthermore, Fairview Health Services CEO James Hereford’s comments about the financial benefits of the federal 340B drug discount program highlight the complexities of the healthcare system. The program has enabled many large hospitals to generate additional revenue, leading to the emergence of new business opportunities such as specialty pharmacy services.

On a different note, a recent survey by AMN Healthcare revealed that wait times for basic medical appointments have reached record highs. This trend underscores the growing demand for healthcare services and the need for innovative solutions to address capacity constraints in the industry.

Meanwhile, a new series by Bloomberg called “Cancer Capitalism” sheds light on the rising costs of cancer treatment and the challenges of accessing affordable care. The series highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the pricing of life-saving medications.

Overall, the healthcare industry continues to face a myriad of challenges and opportunities as it navigates the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. From policy amendments to market trends, the industry is constantly adapting to meet the needs of patients and providers alike. As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue and collaboration, there is hope for a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health

Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries, originating in ancient India. It involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a state of mental clarity and emotional calmness. While meditation is often associated with spirituality and mindfulness, it also has numerous benefits for mental health.

One of the primary benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we meditate, we are able to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment, which can help to alleviate feelings of worry and tension. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body, leading to a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind.

Meditation can also improve our ability to regulate emotions. By developing mindfulness and awareness through meditation, we can become more in tune with our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to respond to them in a healthier and more balanced way. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Additionally, meditation has been shown to enhance concentration and focus. By training the mind to stay present and focused on a single point of attention, meditation can improve cognitive function and mental clarity. This can be especially helpful for individuals who have trouble with distractions or have difficulty concentrating on tasks.

Furthermore, meditation has been found to promote better sleep. By calming the mind and body before bedtime, meditation can help to reduce insomnia and improve the quality of sleep. This can have a positive impact on overall mental health, as adequate sleep is essential for emotional well-being and cognitive function.

In conclusion, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous and significant. By incorporating a regular meditation practice into your daily routine, you can experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional regulation, enhanced concentration and focus, and better sleep. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, there is no doubt that the mental health benefits of this ancient practice are well worth the effort.