DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ I'm an Amazon manager who found out I was on a Focus PIP after helping an employee
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-14 | by ( Tim Paradis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with an Amazon employee who sought to go on medical leave because of a stressful situation that developed with their manager. I got a sense that my manager was potentially going to put me in Focus because of how they were berating me. The entire FMLA process was a hurdle for me. AdvertisementI later heard from my manager while I was on FMLA, and they informed me that I had been put on Focus. To suggest we use our performance management process to drive any other outcome, such as reducing our employee base, is wrong.

Persons: —, we're, It's, Slack, didn't, That's, I'd, Margaret Callahan Organizations: Service, Amazon, Services, Business Locations: copays, FMLA

☆ After struggling to get pregnant, I have 'next child' anxiety
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-02 | by ( Elisa Rowe | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

So when we did not get pregnant after a year, my husband and I began artificial reproductive treatment (ART). I have spoken with people in various support groups I have joined throughout my infertility and pregnancy journey about the next child anxiety. AdvertisementNext child anxiety is a fear of being retraumatized. It is a scale where we weigh the benefits of giving our child a sibling and the joys of having another child to love against the crushing reality of infertility and its treatments. My body has not been my own for two and a half years of treatment and nine months of pregnancy.

Persons: endometriosis Organizations: Service, Business, ART

☆ Drug prices have risen almost 40% over the last decade, according to a new tracker
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Justine Fisher | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The average American spends $16.26 out of pocket per prescription, according to the data. "Rising costs or rising prices are a big part of it, but it's really that with the combination of increased friction. On average, Americans pay 2 to 3 times more for prescription drugs than consumers in other developed countries, according to the White House. The Biden administration has taken several measures to lower out-of-pocket drug expenses. On Wednesday, the White House announced it would lower prices on 64 prescription drugs for some Medicare beneficiaries as a result of inflation penalties on drugmakers.

Persons: Tori Marsh, GoodRx, Marsh, Joe Biden, Biden, Scott Wagner, — CNBC's Annika Kim Constantino Organizations: House, White House Locations: U.S

☆ Is Pet Insurance Worth It? for Most People, the Answer Is No.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Emily Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association found that pet owners in the US paid $3.9 billion in premiums in 2023, a 22% increase from the year before. One thing is for sure: As the industry grows, pet insurance is becoming as confusing and messy as health insurance is for humans. Pet insurance isn't technically even health insurance; it falls in the property-and-casualty category. AdvertisementThe big problem with pet insurance is it's just an expensive productThere are three categories of pet insurance: accident only; accident and illness; and accident, illness, and wellness. Advertisement"It's important that pet owners understand the scope of what their pet insurance does and does not cover, so they're not caught off guard by unexpected payments," he said.

Persons: Gina Papini, Kato, Papini, That's, they've, Kevin Brasler, that's, Dan, Michael San Filippo, they're, Doug Kenney, Kenney, It's, Brasler, she's, Emily Stewart Organizations: American Pet Products Association, Pet Health Insurance Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Rover, Consumers, Business Locations: reimbursing, Mexico

☆ Many people using GLP-1s for weight loss stop treatment too soon, research shows, and results are not one-size-fits-all
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Professional organizations have set this as a guideline for when to reassess whether a treatment is providing clinically meaningful weight loss. People who met with their providers less frequently – and those living in underserved regions with broader health inequities – were more likely to discontinue GLP-1 treatment sooner. But using GLP-1 treatments are still an investment in many ways. These injected medications, called GLP-1 agonists, are in high demand because they have proved to be so effective for weight loss. And experts warn that the GLP-1 treatment process can be different for everyone.

Persons: ”, Disha, Wegovy, Jody Dushay, Beth, There’s, Razia Hashmi, ” Hashmi, it’s, “, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, ” Narang, ” Dushay Organizations: CNN, Endeavor Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Shield, Dandelion Health, CNN Health, “ Locations: Chicago, –, GLP

☆ FDA approves Merck's drug for rare, deadly lung condition
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved a drug from Merck designed to treat a progressive and life-threatening lung condition in a win for both the drugmaker and for patients suffering from the rare disease. The condition refers to when the small blood vessels in the lungs narrow. He noted that the drug will be a "paradigm shift" for patients living with PAH. That includes reducing the risk of death or worsening of the condition by 84% compared to an existing drug alone. Those trials include late-stage studies on patients with more advanced PAH disease, and those who are within the first year after diagnosis.

Persons: Chris Schott, Eliav Barr, PAH, Barr, Merck Organizations: Merck, Drug Administration, JPMorgan, CNBC, Acceleron Pharma Locations: Rahway , New Jersey, U.S, Winrevair

☆ I finally invested my HSA money after writing about millionaires who take advantage of a 'triple tax threat strategy.' I could pocket an extra $233,000 by the time I retire.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. I happily used my HSA money to cover the $1,075 bill. An even smarter move would have been to invest my HSA funds (which I eventually did) and not touch them until age 65. I was relieved when Weiss told me that he also invests his HSA money in a retirement date fund. I asked about how often I should be transferring money from my cash account, where my HSA funds land automatically, to my investment account.

Persons: I've, Brent Weiss, Roth IRAs, HSAs, It's, Weiss, Max, don't, Kathleen Elkins, —, I'm Organizations: Business, Vanguard, IRS Locations: That's, Epsom

☆ I'm an American who's lived in Paris for years. These 8 things have really surprised me about living in the French capital.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Amanda Rollins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Because of France's social security, I spend significantly less on healthcare than I did in the US. Getty ImagesThe most surprising thing about moving to Paris was the realization that healthcare costs significantly less here than it does in the US, where steep copays and premiums are par for the course. Of course, I knew about France's healthcare system before I relocated, but it was something altogether different to experience it firsthand. The US has a mixed healthcare system that doesn't provide universal coverage, so it was quite the change to see France's social security, a government-funded healthcare system, cover every person who permanently resides in the country. Everyone in France contributes to social security, so it isn't free, but the healthcare system reimburses most medical costs.

Persons: I've, begrudgingly Organizations: Getty, US Locations: France, Paris

☆ Millennial millionaires are maxing out an investment account that offers a triple tax benefit. Here's how it works and who's allowed to open one.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

BI verified the Schlagbaums' net worth by looking at account screenshots and a copy of their personal balance sheet. The Schlagbaums max out their HSA but don't touch the money so it can grow and compound over time. After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. While they technically can use their HSA funds for medical costs, they opt not to touch that money so it can grow. Like the Schlagbaums, the Keyses could use their HSA funds for their medical costs, but they prefer to pay out of pocket with their cash flow so their HSA funds can remain untouched.

Persons: —, Brennan Schlagbaum, Erin, Brennan, Erin Schlagbaum, HSAs, It's, Schlagbaum, Lauren, Steven Keys, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Medicare

'Wherever you go, there you are'For DeFelice, covering those living expenses became a grind. Corentin Soibinet for CNBC Make ItAs for living expenses, DeFelice still takes out $120 a week to cover her basic costs and finds ways to limbo under that number. 'I'm here to say you can turn things around'After her return to Austin, DeFelice had been coasting. The part-time work was enough to cover her living expenses, but she's recently bumped up her salary by going full-time. In the meantime, she'll continue to educate others about good money habits through her online course, Best Money Class Ever.

Persons: Carly DeFelice, —, DeFelice, Mercedes, Corentin Soibinet, didn't, they'll, Warren Buffett, hasn't, Soibinet, she's, She's, I've, she'll Organizations: CNBC, University of Texas, Benz, FIRE, Carolinas, West Coast, FinCon Entertainment, Mint Mobile Locations: Austin , Texas, Austin, Hawaii, Omaha , Nebraska, Charlotte, Raleigh, West, Texas, Pacific Northwest, New Orleans, East Austin

☆ It's open enrollment season for health coverage. If you're self-employed, you can't afford to ignore it
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Cheryl Winokur Munk | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Picking health insurance on your own — without the help of a human resources department — can be daunting. Instead of throwing up your hands in frustration, here are answers to questions self-employed individuals often have about open enrollment. Doing nothing will mean they are automatically reenrolled in last year's marketplace plan. How much health insurance costs the self-employed Cost will vary, depending on the plan you choose, who is covered and what subsidies you're eligible for. If you want more specific help, you can also choose to work with an agent or broker who is trained and certified to sell marketplace health plans in the state they are licensed.

Persons: Anthony Lopez, Alexa Irish, Laura Speyer, enrollees, Lopez, You'll Organizations: Getty, Centers, Medicare, Medicaid Services, U.S . Department of Health, Human Services, deductibles, state's Department of Insurance Locations: trepidation, eHealth

☆ Here are some key open enrollment tips and strategies for employees
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Jimvallee | Istock | Getty ImagesOpen-enrollment workplace checklist ✔ Health insurance ✔ Savings and spending accounts ✔ Dental and vision plans ✔ Life insurance ✔ Disability insurance ✔ Retirement savings ✔ Beneficiary selection1. If your spouse has their own health insurance option at work, you'll want to both sit down and compare the different offerings. Many employees will notice that the health insurance plans offered by their company don't include dental and vision coverage. Consider life, disability insuranceDuring open enrollment, employees will typically also be presented with different disability and life insurance options. Short-term disability coverage is very limited, she said: "Everyone needs long-term disability coverage unless they have enough savings that they could basically retire if they can't work anymore."

Persons: Caitlin Donovan, Gruber, Jean Abraham, Warby Parker, Pat Greenhouse, Abraham, Donovan, you'll, Jonathan Gruber, Louise Norris, Norris, Carolyn McClanahan, McClanahan, Ryan Viktorin, Viktorin Organizations: Istock, Getty, Savings, Patient Advocate, University of Minnesota, Harvard, Boston Globe, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IRS, Healthinsurance.org, Planning Partners, CNBC's, Pew Research Center, Partners, Fidelity Investments Locations: Cambridge , Massachusetts, Jacksonville , Florida

WASHINGTON (AP) — The COVID-19 treatments millions of Americans have taken for free from the federal government will enter the private market next week with a hefty price tag. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is setting the price for a five-day treatment of Paxlovid at $1,390, but Americans can still access the pills at no cost -- for now. The less commonly used COVID-19 treatment Lagevrio, manufactured by Merck, also will hit the market next week. People on private insurance may start to notice copays for the treatments once their pharmacy or doctor's office runs out of the COVID-19 treatments they received from the government. Full-year revenue for Paxlovid and Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, is expected to be approximately $12.5 billion.

Persons: “ Pfizer, Paxlovid, coronavirus, Pfizer's, “, Tom Murphy Organizations: WASHINGTON, Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Merck, Health, Human Services, The Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Indian Health Service, U.S, Associated Press, and Drug Administration, Paxlovid Locations: U.S, Indianapolis

☆ Pfizer to price Covid drug Paxlovid at $1,390 per course
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Pfizer will price a five-day course of its Covid antiviral drug Paxlovid at $1,390 when the company starts to transition it to the commercial market later this year. A company spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed the price, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. But beginning in 2024, Pfizer will sell Paxlovid directly to health insurers, which comes as demand for Covid vaccines and treatments slumps nationwide. But health insurance plans will likely pay much less than the nearly $1,400 list price for Paxlovid, meaning patients will probably have small or no out-of-pocket costs. Overall, Pfizer now expects 2023 sales of $58 billion to $61 billion, down from its previous guidance of $67 billion to $70 billion.

Persons: Angelica Peebles Organizations: Pfizer, Wednesday, Wall Street, Paxlovid, FDA, CNBC Locations: Paxlovid

☆ Mack Trucks workers get 19% raise over 5 years in UAW contract
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Striking United Auto Workers (UAW) members from the General Motors Lansing Delta Plant picket in Delta Township, Michigan U.S. September 29, 2023. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 5 (Reuters) - Workers will receive a 19% pay hike over five years under an agreement with Volvo Group-owned Mack Trucks and the United Auto Workers, according to a summary of the tentative agreement seen by Reuters. The agreement includes an immediate 10% pay hike upon ratification. "The terms of this tentative agreement would deliver significantly increased wages and continue first-class benefits for Mack employees and their families," Mack President Stephen Roy said in a statement earlier this week. Mack, founded in 1900, is one of North America's largest manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, engines and transmissions.

Persons: Rebecca Cook, Mack Trucks, Mack, Stephen Roy, David Shepardson, Chizu Nomiyama, David Gregorio Our Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, General Motors Lansing Delta Plant, Michigan U.S, REUTERS, Workers, Volvo Group, Reuters, Volvo, Thomson Locations: Delta Township, Michigan, North America's

☆ These 5 strategies can help you avoid surprise medical bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Unitedhealthcare S Surest With Insider Studios | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Other recent regulations require hospitals to post prices online, and while these efforts offer important protections for people, there are various other ways to help avoid an unexpected medical bill. To help avoid that, confirm with your health plan that any services or tests are covered under your benefits. Negotiate surprise billsIn the event of a surprise bill, there are several steps to pursue. No one wants a surprise medical bill. Learn more about how to avoid surprise medical bills at surest.com.

Persons: Donna O'Shea, — Organizations: Population Health, Insider Studios Locations: surest.com

☆ Uninsured Americans pay high costs for an insulin Eli Lilly vowed to price at $25, Sen. Warren says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured at 50 ImClone Drive in Branchburg, New Jersey, March 5, 2021. Uninsured Americans pay nearly $98 on average for a vial of Eli Lilly 's generic insulin, even after the company pledged to cut the product's list price to $25 per vial, according to a report released Thursday by Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Eli Lilly earlier this year vowed to slash the list price of its generic insulin, Lispro, from $82.42 per vial starting on May 1. The survey found that a third of pharmacies charged uninsured patients $164 or more for a vial of Eli Lilly's Lispro. Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the survey.

Persons: Eli Lilly, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Eli Lilly's, Eli Lilly's Lispro, Warren, Joe Biden's Organizations: Company, Medicare Locations: Branchburg , New Jersey, Indianapolis, Massachusetts, U.S

☆ Americans are struggling to afford Ozempic, even with insurance
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Americans are struggling to afford the buzzy weight-loss drug Ozempic. Americans are struggling to afford the buzzy weight-loss drug Ozempic, even with insurance coverage, a new study shows. Especially after a 2022 study found that people who stopped taking Ozempic regained two-thirds of their weight within a year. And Medicare, the federal program that covers healthcare for people 65 and older, is prohibited by law from covering any weight-loss medications. Meanwhile, other Americans will continue to go to Canada, Mexico, and unregulated online pharmacies to get the weight-loss medications for cheap.

Persons: Ozempic, Utibe Essien, Essien Organizations: UCLA, Employers Locations: Canada, Mexico

Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Justice Department said the order, from U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, "has no legal justification and threatens the public health." It asked the court to stop the order from taking effect until it can fully hear the administration's appeal. He found that the federal task force that decides what preventive care must be covered under the federal healthcare law, also known as Obamacare, was unlawfully appointed, voiding all of that task force's determinations since 2010. More than 150 million people were eligible for preventive care free of charge as of 2020 under Obamacare, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data. Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Health plans could soon reduce coverage for preventive care. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Around 100 million people with private insurance got preventive care required under the ACA in 2018, one estimate found, making it the provision with the widest reach. Insurers generally must not impose copays or deductibles on the recommended preventive care. "Many preventive care services are not covered by this decision," Simon said. Health plans will still be required to ensure no copays for many preventive services, including birth control and mammograms, Simon said. Some states have their own mandates, meanwhile, around free preventive care.

☆ US Justice Dept appeals Obamacare ruling blocking coverage mandate- White House
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department is appealing a decision by a Texas judge that blocked Obamacare's mandate that health insurance plans cover preventive care at no cost to patients, the White House said on Friday. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday blocked the federal government from enforcing requirements that insurance plans cover preventive care, including screenings for certain cancers and pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV (PrEP). If O'Connor's ruling is not paused or overturned on appeal, insurers will be able to charge patients copays and deductibles for such services in new insurance plans. "The president is glad to see the Department of Justice is appealing the judge's decision," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "Preventive care saves lives, saves families money, and protects and improves our health," she said.

☆ Biden administration appeals Texas court decision striking down free Obamacare coverage of preventive care
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Biden administration on Friday appealed a Texas federal judge's decision to strike down free Obamacare coverage of preventive health-care services ranging from screenings for certain cancers and diabetes to HIV prevention drugs. HHS estimates that 150 million Americans benefited from the free screenings, counseling, medications and other forms of health care that prevent disease under the Obamacare requirements. Working class Americans will get hit the hardest and might forgo essential health care because they can't afford the cost, Gostin said. O'Connor ruled that Obamacare cannot mandate free coverage of health care recommended by the Preventive Services Task Force because the organization's members were appointed in an illegal manner. They also argued the Preventive Services Task Force was appointed in an unconstitutional manner and therefore its recommendations cannot serve as the basis of an Obamacare mandate.

☆ 75% of Medicare beneficiaries worry about affording costs beyond premiums. Here’s how high out-of-pocket costs can go
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

watch nowOther beneficiaries instead decide to pair Parts A and B with a standalone Part D plan and, often, a Medigap plan, which covers part of the out-of-pocket costs that come with Parts A and B. Basic Medicare has no out-of-pocket limitIf you have only basic Medicare, there is no cap on what you might spend in any given year. "If you can find a plan that has a lower out-of-pocket limit, such as $3,000 or $4,000, that is a benefit to you." "Both Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans do a good job of this, since most Medigap plans cover the 20% [coinsurance] and Advantage Plans have caps on Parts A and B spending." Part D does come with catastrophic coverage that kicks in once out-of-pocket expenses reach $7,400 in a given year, Roberts said.

☆ How to factor your health into your financial planning, according to a doctor-turned-advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"A healthy person needs a totally different [financial] plan from someone who has health issues." This document outlines the health care you want and don't want if you become unable to communicate those desires yourself. You also should have powers of attorney assigned to trusted individuals for health care and, separately, your finances. "Everyone needs those documents, but especially if you have significant health issues," McClanahan said. Your use of health care should be considered

☆ How the New $35 Cap on Insulin Costs Will Work
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Peter Loftus | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The new $35 cap on out-of-pocket costs for insulin is here, though it isn’t for everyone, and some people may experience delays in getting the price break. Starting Jan. 1, Medicare members, who include people 65 years and older and people with disabilities, should pay no more than $35 a month in copays or other out-of-pocket costs for an insulin prescription. Medicare benefit plans and in some cases drug manufacturers will pick up the rest of the drug’s cost.

Search resuls for: "copays"

25 mentions found