Buzz Newsletter 10/23/25

News from CMS This Week  

The news out of and around the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is plentiful this week, so we've dedicated the first part of the Buzz to everything we've heard and seen. 

Mayo Clinic Exits Medicare Advantage Plans Minnesota's renowned Mayo Clinic announced it will be out-of-network for most of the Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare and Humana. No explanation has been offered by Mayo Clinic, except to say it is already out-of-network with many Advantage plans. It will continue to participate in original Medicare coverage, and says that a large portion of their care serves patients with Medicare. 
Medicare Expands Coverage of Cochlear ImplantsWhy get an over-the-counter hearing aid when you can get a fancy cochlear implant? That's the thinking of many seniors who discovered that Medicare has expanded its coverage of the surgically implanted hearing devices. For many seniors, hearing aids don't help or even make things worse, but living with hearing loss can lead to isolation, loneliness and depression. In 2022, Medicare expanded its coverage of the $100,000+ surgery to include a wider array of patients, but public awareness remains low. 
A look into the $50 billion rural health fund The budget reconciliation bill signed July 4 of this year included quite a few reductions in federal health care spending, which has caused some concern especially for rural healthcare systems. At the last minute, the Senate added $50 billion in funding for a "rural health transformation program." 

Reports of what the means exactly for states has been hazy, but KFF has published a pretty thorough guide to the fund and how state's can access their share of the $50 billion. Georgia's Department of Community Health received public comments, including a statement from multiple health partners signed by GPhA and sent to Governor Kemp. 
MDPNP Confusion The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program was introduced in 2022 to lower Medicare prescription drug prices. It allows Medicare to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers, and negotiations for the first 10 high-cost medications is complete and goes into effect January 1, 2026. 

CMS put out a good fact sheet that explains the negotiation program. It's important to note that NCPA put out a statement that the FAQ from CMS has been updated to clarify thta pharmacies do not need to dispense under MDPNP and that "the act of enrolling does not place any requirement on pharmacies to engage in the Part D program." 

New Drug Combo May Slow Cancer Growth 

Two drugs can be better than one, at least when it comes to a specific kind of aggressive prostate cancer. A new study out of London shows that the combination of a PARP inhibitor and abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP) can significantly slow the progression of prostate cancer in men with specific gene mutations. It could be a big step forward for targeted and precision cancer treatments. 
 

When Is the Best Time for Flu & COVID Shots? 

The Washington Post spoke to two infectious disease experts about the best time to get the flu and COVID vaccines, and it turns out the time is whenever it's convenient for you. 

According to the experts, there is no perfect time or deadline for receiving the vaccines, though both got theirs in early October. That's great news for your patients who can get vaccines while shopping or picking up other prescriptions. 

Tezspire Approved for Expanded Use 

Amgen & Astra Zeneca reported that Tezspire has been approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) as an add-on maintenance treatment in patients aged 12 years and up. CRSwNP affects 320 million people worldwide. 
 

Traumatic Brain Injuries in OD Survivors 

The opioid crises has claimed untold number of lives in the last few decades, but thanks to interventions like naloxone there are more survivors. Quick intervention can save lives, but what about those lives that are saved but not restored completely? The Guardian has a lovely and moving article on caring for survivors of overdoses who sustained traumatic anoxic brain injuries, and it's a terrific read. 

Pickleball Bad for the Eyes 

In addition to creating the most annoying sound in the world, pickleball is also more dangerous that originally thought. We've heard about the over-50 crowd taking up the sport in droves, and succumbing to a variety of orthopedic injuries like ACL tears and sprains. Now emergency rooms are reporting an increase in ocular injuries from pickleball, either from a direct hit, a paddle, or a fall. 

It may not look cool, but wear eye protection during your pickleball tournament. 

ADD Drug of Athens in the National Spotlight 

AIP member store Athens Discount Drug was profiled in Southern Living online, and we could not be more proud! 
"...inside this old-fashioned pharmacy, little has changed. ADD Drug has remained a cornerstone. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things are left untouched, and here it’s more than just the classic menu that has stood the test of time."Congratulations to Kevin Florence and the ADD Drug team for the shout out in Southern Living! 

October is American Pharmacists Month 

GPhA member Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter introduced a resolution recognizing October as American Pharmacists Month, "honoring the hardworking health care professionals many communities rely on to provide safe, accessible, affordable, and beneficial patient care." As a pharmacist, Rep. Carter is well aware of the vital work done by pharmacists and their staffs in maintaining a healthy population in their communities. 

Of course, every month is Pharmacist Month to us at GPhA! Thank you for all you do for your communities. 
 

Fall Meetings In Full Swing  

If you haven't registered for your upcoming Fall Region meeting, do it now. You can see the full list here as well as register for your local event. Here are the upcoming dates (in chronological order): 

Region 8 - Tuesday, October 28, Douglas 
Region 12 - Thursday, October 30, Dublin 
Region 7 - Wednesday, November 5, Kennesaw
Region 5 - Tuesday, November 11, Alpharetta 
Region 11 - Thursday, November 13, Augusta 
Region 10 - Wednesday, December 3, Athens 

Our Region Presidents have lined up some great programming, sponsors, and locations, so make sure you reserve your spot today!