The Gist Healthcare Podcast Friday, April 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
News roundup on a new HHS healthcare advisory committee shaping Medicare and Medicaid policy. FDA greenlights an oral weight-loss drug and its fast review. Comparison of competing oral GLP-1 therapies and pricing developments. Bipartisan Senate move to cap insulin at $35 in private plans and state-level insulin actions. Expansion of ambulatory surgery center ratings and discussion of advanced practice provider roles.
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HHS Launches Nationwide Healthcare Advisory Committee
- HHS created an 18-member Healthcare Advisory Committee to advise Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on financing and delivery across major programs.
- Members were chosen from 400 nominees, will serve two-year terms, and will recommend on chronic disease prevention, Medicaid quality, and Medicare Advantage risk adjustment.
Foundéo Gains Record Fast FDA Approval And Direct Sales
- The FDA approved Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 weight loss drug Foundéo under a fast-track pilot, marking the fastest approval since 2002 at 50 days from application to approval.
- Foundéo showed ~12% average weight loss at highest dose over 72 weeks and will ship via Lily Direct, with insured patients paying as low as $25 with a coupon.
Oral GLP-1 Market Becomes Competitive
- Foundéo will compete directly with Novo Nordisk's oral Wagovi, which already had over 170,000 users on its oral GLP-1 as of February.
- The entry intensifies competition in oral obesity drugs and expands patient access through retail and telehealth channels.