Bertha Coombs
@berthacoombs.cnbc.com
CNBC Senior Health Care Reporter
#RedSoxFan #Chocoholic #HealthcareNerd
https://www.cnbc.com/bertha-coombs/
#RedSoxFan #Chocoholic #HealthcareNerd
https://www.cnbc.com/bertha-coombs/
Pinned
Bertha Coombs
@berthacoombs.cnbc.com
· Nov 19
Bertha Coombs: There are so many possibilities
"My ambition is to pay it forward and help other people achieve their goals." CNBC Senior Health Care Reporter Bertha Coombs shares what ambition means to her and how her family's sacrifices helped he...
www.cnbc.com
#CNBC #LiveAmbitiously started for me around age 7. I though then that I wanted to be President of the U.S. when I grew up. I subsequently thought being born in Cuba was my only disqualifier.
When I worked on a campaign, I realized journalism was more my speed.
www.cnbc.com/video/2024/0...
When I worked on a campaign, I realized journalism was more my speed.
www.cnbc.com/video/2024/0...
HHS HRT announcement: "After more than two decades of fear and misinformation surrounding hormone replacement therapy... the U.S. Food and Drug Administration... is initiating the removal of broad 'black box' warnings from HRT products for menopause."
www.hhs.gov/press-room/f...
www.hhs.gov/press-room/f...
November 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
HHS HRT announcement: "After more than two decades of fear and misinformation surrounding hormone replacement therapy... the U.S. Food and Drug Administration... is initiating the removal of broad 'black box' warnings from HRT products for menopause."
www.hhs.gov/press-room/f...
www.hhs.gov/press-room/f...
Insurers are down because a one-year tax credit extension won't stabilize the ACA market.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. Next year passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. Next year passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Insurers are down because a one-year tax credit extension won't stabilize the ACA market.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. Next year passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. Next year passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
Insurers are down because a one-year tax credit extension credits won't stabilize ACA market.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. And passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. And passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
November 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Insurers are down because a one-year tax credit extension credits won't stabilize ACA market.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. And passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
Folks on the federal exchange have until December 15th to sign up. And passing credits at year-end does nothing to resolve uncertainty for setting 2027 rates.
A "Doc Fix' cadence won't work for insurance.
Maybe we really could be entering a new era when a drugmaker touts not just efficacy but affordability.
The sub-headline in the NYT report is that Merck’s new cholesterol “drug targets the PCSK9 protein, and could give millions of people a more affordable option to reduce their heart disease risk.”
The sub-headline in the NYT report is that Merck’s new cholesterol “drug targets the PCSK9 protein, and could give millions of people a more affordable option to reduce their heart disease risk.”
New Pill From Merck Could Slash Cholesterol Levels, Trials Show
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Maybe we really could be entering a new era when a drugmaker touts not just efficacy but affordability.
The sub-headline in the NYT report is that Merck’s new cholesterol “drug targets the PCSK9 protein, and could give millions of people a more affordable option to reduce their heart disease risk.”
The sub-headline in the NYT report is that Merck’s new cholesterol “drug targets the PCSK9 protein, and could give millions of people a more affordable option to reduce their heart disease risk.”
I asked Pres. Trump about the bipartisan discussions to extend the tax credits in Congress. "I don't weigh in," he said. "But we're looking at all of that right now. We're looking at all of it. There are a lot of great ideas out there, including for health care, because Obamacare is a disaster."
More than half (55%) of those who purchase their own health insurance — most via the ACA marketplaces — say Democrats should refuse to approve a budget unless it includes extending the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, even if it means the government remains shut down. https://on.kff.org/47ZwwLO
November 7, 2025 at 7:23 PM
I asked Pres. Trump about the bipartisan discussions to extend the tax credits in Congress. "I don't weigh in," he said. "But we're looking at all of that right now. We're looking at all of it. There are a lot of great ideas out there, including for health care, because Obamacare is a disaster."
yikes!
“A Toronto mom says her 12-year-old son asked Tesla’s AI chatbot, Grok, which soccer player is better: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. After some back and forth, she says the chatbot asked her son, 'Why don't you send me some nudes?'” www.cbc.ca/player/play/... (this is just appalling.)
She says Tesla’s chatbot asked her 12-year-old for nudes
A Toronto mom says her 12-year-old son asked Tesla’s AI chatbot, Grok, which soccer player is better: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. After some back and forth, she says the chatbot asked her son, ...
www.cbc.ca
November 7, 2025 at 3:23 PM
yikes!
Bloomberg looks at 46brooklyn analysis of Cigna's generic drug subsidiary Quallent's prices vs those of competitors:
"Quallent’s drugs are typically 33 times more expensive than the cheapest option in the category, 46brooklyn found."
Cigna calls data flawed.
"Quallent’s drugs are typically 33 times more expensive than the cheapest option in the category, 46brooklyn found."
Cigna calls data flawed.
Cigna Unit Sells Generic Drugs at Higher Prices, Report Says
A little-known Cigna Group subsidiary that sells generic drugs charges prices that skew higher than many competing suppliers, according to a new analysis that raises questions about the company’s role...
www.bloomberg.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Bloomberg looks at 46brooklyn analysis of Cigna's generic drug subsidiary Quallent's prices vs those of competitors:
"Quallent’s drugs are typically 33 times more expensive than the cheapest option in the category, 46brooklyn found."
Cigna calls data flawed.
"Quallent’s drugs are typically 33 times more expensive than the cheapest option in the category, 46brooklyn found."
Cigna calls data flawed.
I was this many days old before I ever got to report from the White House, with a great CNBC crew!
November 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
I was this many days old before I ever got to report from the White House, with a great CNBC crew!
Novo shares are down nearly 4%. This don’t not replace the IRA price negotiations. And also NVO is already facing pricing pressure.
Trump announces deals with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk to slash weight loss drug prices, offer some Medicare coverage
The deals are among the most politically significant announcements to date in the Trump administration's efforts to rein in high U.S. drug costs.
www.cnbc.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Novo shares are down nearly 4%. This don’t not replace the IRA price negotiations. And also NVO is already facing pricing pressure.
CMS Administrator Dr. Oz says TrumpRx should be up by the end of the year for seeing prices.
November 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM
CMS Administrator Dr. Oz says TrumpRx should be up by the end of the year for seeing prices.
Cash pay will be available on TrumpRx starting in 2026, when that launches.
November 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Cash pay will be available on TrumpRx starting in 2026, when that launches.
President Trump announcing MFN Deal. Calls LLY’s David Ricks a friend who helped start the process.
November 6, 2025 at 5:05 PM
President Trump announcing MFN Deal. Calls LLY’s David Ricks a friend who helped start the process.
Reposted by Bertha Coombs
The ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment season began November 1.
With it comes looming changes to the enhanced premium tax credits, higher premium payments, changes to Marketplace eligibility rules, and more.
Our updated ACA resources can help guide you through the changes: https://on.kff.org/3NPfMfE
With it comes looming changes to the enhanced premium tax credits, higher premium payments, changes to Marketplace eligibility rules, and more.
Our updated ACA resources can help guide you through the changes: https://on.kff.org/3NPfMfE
Understanding the Health Insurance Marketplaces | KFF
These resources are for anyone shopping (or helping someone shop) for health coverage within the health insurance marketplaces created through the Affordable Care Act (also known as the ACA or Obamacare.)
on.kff.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment season began November 1.
With it comes looming changes to the enhanced premium tax credits, higher premium payments, changes to Marketplace eligibility rules, and more.
Our updated ACA resources can help guide you through the changes: https://on.kff.org/3NPfMfE
With it comes looming changes to the enhanced premium tax credits, higher premium payments, changes to Marketplace eligibility rules, and more.
Our updated ACA resources can help guide you through the changes: https://on.kff.org/3NPfMfE
When you're anticipating news on GLP-1s, after multiple reports... and then this ad pops up.
November 6, 2025 at 1:31 AM
When you're anticipating news on GLP-1s, after multiple reports... and then this ad pops up.
The price pressures could mount, with reports the Trump admin has struck a GLP-1 MFN deal, the IRA Medicare discount on semaglutide set to begin in 2027 and generics coming onto the market in Canada next year.
Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk lowers growth outlook for its weight loss drugs as pricing pressures mount
Novo Nordisk is currently locked in a bidding war with Pfizer for U.S. biotech firm Metsera.
www.cnbc.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The price pressures could mount, with reports the Trump admin has struck a GLP-1 MFN deal, the IRA Medicare discount on semaglutide set to begin in 2027 and generics coming onto the market in Canada next year.
And they actually roomed together in DC, according to the NYT.
“.. During Trump’s last midterm cycle in 2018, Democrats picked up 40 House seats — and Spanberger and Sherrill were part of that wave.”
@politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
@politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
November 5, 2025 at 11:15 AM
And they actually roomed together in DC, according to the NYT.
Lousiana, the home state of the House Speaker
We now have downloadable graphics like this one for all 50 states plus DC, showing how expiring premium tax credit enhancements are leading to dramatic out-of-pocket premium increases. Find your state here: tinyurl.com/5x89ds7x
November 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Lousiana, the home state of the House Speaker
Reposted by Bertha Coombs
How concerned are people about rising health insurance premiums? With premium tax credit enhancements about to expire and ACA marketplace open enrollment underway, search volumes for terms like “health premium increase” are (almost) off the charts.
November 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM
How concerned are people about rising health insurance premiums? With premium tax credit enhancements about to expire and ACA marketplace open enrollment underway, search volumes for terms like “health premium increase” are (almost) off the charts.
Novo Nordisk shares under pressure on reports the Trump administration close to an MFN deal with Novo and Eli Lilly to bring price of GLP-1s for obesity to $149.
Novo also faces lower Medicare pricing in 2027 under IRA negotiations which ended Oct. 31st.
Novo also faces lower Medicare pricing in 2027 under IRA negotiations which ended Oct. 31st.
November 4, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Novo Nordisk shares under pressure on reports the Trump administration close to an MFN deal with Novo and Eli Lilly to bring price of GLP-1s for obesity to $149.
Novo also faces lower Medicare pricing in 2027 under IRA negotiations which ended Oct. 31st.
Novo also faces lower Medicare pricing in 2027 under IRA negotiations which ended Oct. 31st.
Being told "you're dead" via snail mail...
MaineHealth sent more than 500 living patients letters indicating that they were dead as a result of a computer system error, the state’s largest healthcare provider says.
MaineHealth mistakenly sends death letters to 500+ living patients
The healthcare system said the issue occurred on Oct. 20 due to a software malfunction.
nbcnews.to
November 4, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Being told "you're dead" via snail mail...
Reposted by Bertha Coombs
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and ‘soap opera’
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and 'soap opera'
Experts worry that the FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and "soap opera."
www.statnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and ‘soap opera’
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
Health insurers bucking the trend today, led by Centene. Barclays raising its target on CNC to $44 from $35.
I'll be speaking with Centene CEO Sarah London tomorrow at the @milkeninstitute.org Future of Health Summit.
I'll be speaking with Centene CEO Sarah London tomorrow at the @milkeninstitute.org Future of Health Summit.
November 4, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Health insurers bucking the trend today, led by Centene. Barclays raising its target on CNC to $44 from $35.
I'll be speaking with Centene CEO Sarah London tomorrow at the @milkeninstitute.org Future of Health Summit.
I'll be speaking with Centene CEO Sarah London tomorrow at the @milkeninstitute.org Future of Health Summit.
Yamamoto was way more than “daijoubu” — truly historic. My stomach was in knots the whole time. Such a great story of hope, determination and talent.
Eight Outs on Zero Days Rest to Win Game 7. The Dodgers Ace Who Made World Series History.
Barely 24 hours from the most important start of his life, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered one of the gutsiest, most improbable ironman performances that the World Series has ever seen.
www.wsj.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Yamamoto was way more than “daijoubu” — truly historic. My stomach was in knots the whole time. Such a great story of hope, determination and talent.
Un-be-liev-able comeback!!! Congrats to the Dodgers!!!!!
November 2, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Un-be-liev-able comeback!!! Congrats to the Dodgers!!!!!
OMG!!! I need some Pepcid to literally stomach this game rn
I don’t know how they hold it together on the field.
#worldseries
I don’t know how they hold it together on the field.
#worldseries
November 2, 2025 at 3:41 AM
OMG!!! I need some Pepcid to literally stomach this game rn
I don’t know how they hold it together on the field.
#worldseries
I don’t know how they hold it together on the field.
#worldseries