The Gist Healthcare Podcast Friday, February 6, 2026
Feb 6, 2026
Senate talks to restore enhanced ACA premium tax credits stall, raising questions about coverage costs. The FTC’s settlement with Express Scripts reshapes PBM practices on formularies and transparency. Epic debuts an ambient AI scribe that drafts notes and queues orders during visits. A report finds healthcare bankruptcies fell last year despite ongoing financial strain. Lilly plans a major plant for weight-loss drugs.
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ACA Credit Talks Collapse Raises Coverage Risks
- Senate talks to reinstate enhanced ACA tax credits have collapsed, risking higher premiums and reduced support for ~20 million Americans.
- Many enrollees shifted to high-deductible bronze plans, raising risks of delayed care and medical debt.
Monitor Bronze Plan Shift And Protect Patients
- Watch enrollment trends for shifts toward bronze plans and rising deductibles that can harm chronic patients.
- Consider policy or coverage adjustments to prevent delayed care and mounting medical debt.
PBM Settlement Targets List-Price Incentives
- Express Scripts' settlement with the FTC forces PBM changes like removing preference for high list-price drugs and de-linking compensation from negotiated savings.
- The FTC expects patient out-of-pocket costs for drugs like insulin to fall by up to $7 billion over 10 years.