Today

Medicare makes drug price negotiations official, as safety and staffing worries grow

Good morning. Big Medicare news today. The government agency that runs Medicare, called CMS, has formally written drug price negotiations into the rules. These negotiations began under a law known as the IRA, and this step makes them a lasting part of how Medicare works. Other reports note that recent Medicare changes are here to stay, and offer tips on handling costs and sign-ups.

Safety and staffing drew hard attention. A Maryland case ended with $4 million in damages after a resident escaped an assisted living home and died of hypothermia. In Iowa, the state warned a caregiver after a nursing home resident died. Records in Wisconsin pointed to thin staffing at one assisted living home.

There was hopeful news too. Maine is putting $275 million toward easing its nursing shortage and boosting nursing home staff. And a Lynchburg nursing home was named Virginia's best in a Newsweek ranking.