Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: May 26, 2025

MAHA Report Calls for Whole-of-Government Action to Solve Childhood Health Crisis

The Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) report, released by the Trump administration’s MAHA Commission, warns of a national emergency driven by rising rates of chronic illness among American children, including obesity, diabetes, autism, and mental health disorders. Citing ultraprocessed diets, chemical exposures, sedentary digital lifestyles, and excessive medicalization as key drivers, the report calls for a whole-of-government strategy focused on prevention, environmental safety, food quality, and independent science free from corporate influence. However, critics note the absence of focus on social determinants of health and question the feasibility of the proposed reforms. Chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the commission emphasizes the need to address “corporate capture” of public health policy and pledges to prioritize children's well-being over industry interests.

HHS Sets Pricing Target for Trump’s Most Favored Nation Drug Price Model

One week after President Trump revived the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing policy via executive order, HHS announced plans to implement the initiative, aiming to curb US drug costs by setting price targets based on the lowest prices in comparable high-income countries. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA, claim this could reduce drug prices by 30% to 80%, especially for drugs lacking generic or biosimilar alternatives. Although AARP and some policy advocates praised the move as a long-overdue step to ease seniors' financial burden, the pharmaceutical industry strongly opposed it, warning it could harm innovation, threaten jobs, and increase reliance on foreign production. Critics also questioned the legality of the order without congressional approval, suggesting legal challenges are likely.

Living With HIV, Leading Through Experience: Bridgette J. Picou, LVN, ACLPN

Building on previous discussions about holistic care and the challenges of siloed health care, Bridgette J. Picou, LVN, ACLPN, a stakeholder liaison at The Well Project, emphasizes the power of lived experience and the need for mutual understanding between communities and medical professionals. In the final part of her interview, she reflects on her advocacy as a Black woman living with HIV and the importance of showing up authentically to combat stigma and amplify the voices of women often excluded from HIV conversations. Her goal is to create space for women with HIV to feel seen, heard, and included in all aspects of care and decision-making.

Evernorth Launches Co-Pay Cap for Weight Loss Drugs Amid New Federal Drug Pricing Effort

A pharmacy benefit that caps monthly co-pays for the weight loss drugs semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) at $200 was introduced by Evernorth, Cigna’s health services division, through direct manufacturer negotiations. This initiative aims to increase affordability and access, potentially saving patients up to $3600 annually, and includes streamlined prior authorization and flexible pharmacy options. The launch coincides with renewed federal efforts to curb prescription drug prices, including the Trump administration's revived MFN pricing model, which aims to align US drug costs with those in other developed countries. While the pharmaceutical industry opposes the policy, some advocates, like AARP, see it as a necessary step to reduce financial burdens on patients, especially seniors.

“A Different Way of Looking at How You Can Age in America”

As debates over the future of Medicare and Medicaid continue, SCAN Group has taken full ownership of myPlace Health, a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) provider it created in 2021 with Commonwealth Care Alliance. This move aims to expand access to PACE in California, particularly in underserved areas like Compton, as part of SCAN’s broader mission to keep seniors healthy and independent. PACE offers comprehensive, community-based care for older adults who are eligible for nursing homes but prefer to remain at home, and is seen as a cost-effective, compassionate alternative that supports autonomy and reduces hospitalizations. With CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA, voicing strong support for PACE, SCAN’s leadership anticipates significant growth in the program, although challenges like startup costs and oversight of new for-profit players remain. SCAN’s financial growth and strategic partnerships position it to scale PACE as a national model for value-based care for vulnerable seniors.