A proposed "purpose tax" aims to increase cigarette prices by 5 euros to generate up to 13.8 billion euros for the National Health Service in Italy. Supported by Senate Vice President Domenica Castellone, the initiative seeks to combat smoking-related health issues, particularly lung cancer, which accounts for a significant number of diagnoses in the country. Public sentiment appears favorable, with 62% of smokers backing the tax as a means to enhance health funding.
UnitedHealthcare has filed a lawsuit against the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) over a downgrade in its Medicare Advantage star ratings, claiming the decision was based on a single customer service interaction deemed "arbitrary and capricious." The insurer argues that this downgrade could significantly impact its enrollment and financial performance during the critical open enrollment period starting October 15. Other insurers, like Humana, are also facing challenges with star ratings, as they report declines in high-rated plan memberships.
Canadian defined-benefit pension plans have seen a slight improvement in financial health, with the median solvency ratio rising to 122% as of September 30, 2024, up from 121% in June. This increase is attributed to positive asset returns, despite rising liabilities from falling interest rates. Mercer Canada emphasizes the ongoing volatility and the importance of vigilant risk management in this environment.
The medical malpractice landscape is evolving, with a significant shift towards consolidation as 75% of physicians are now employed by hospitals or private equity firms. This transition offers financial benefits and administrative support but also presents challenges such as contract disputes and adapting to new processes. Additionally, the average verdicts in malpractice cases have surged, driven by skilled plaintiff attorneys and the need for timely claims assessment and quality defense counsel.
In Q3 2024, notable healthcare mergers included Northwell Health and Nuvance Health's plan to create an integrated system in New York and Connecticut, UCSF Health's acquisition of two San Francisco hospitals, and HCA Healthcare's tentative agreement with Santa Clara County for Regional Medical Center. The Federal Trade Commission opposed the Union Hospital and Terre Haute Regional Hospital merger, citing concerns over costs and care quality. Other significant deals involved Sanford Health's merger with Marshfield Clinic and Cooper University Health Care's integration with Cape Regional Health System.
Italy's Structural Budget Plan, replacing the NaDef, commits the country to a binding five-year public finance program with strict spending limits. Aimed at reducing the structural deficit by 0.55% of GDP annually in 2025 and 2026, the plan mandates that net primary expenditure grows by no more than 1.5% per year until 2031, reversing the post-Covid spending surge.
The global telemedicine market, valued at USD 97.15 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to USD 432.31 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand for accessible healthcare. Key players include Teladoc Health and American Well, with advancements in digital health technologies enhancing patient engagement and cost-effective delivery.
On September 23, 2024, the DOJ updated its guidance on corporate compliance programs, emphasizing the evaluation of risk management for disruptive technologies like AI, internal reporting encouragement, and access to data for compliance monitoring. New pilot programs incentivize compliance-related behaviors in compensation decisions and support whistleblower initiatives, particularly in healthcare. These changes aim to enhance accountability and compliance within organizations.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with top Wall Street executives during the UN General Assembly to discuss France's financial challenges and potential tax increases. He emphasized the need for fiscal consolidation amid a projected deficit exceeding 6% this year, while promoting France as an attractive investment destination. Macron's proactive engagement comes as his government aims to reduce the deficit to 5% by 2025 through spending cuts and temporary tax hikes on large companies and wealthy individuals.
H4D, a pioneer in teleconsultation booths, has gone out of business due to an unsustainable business model and high operational costs, despite initial funding boosts and a surge in telemedicine during the pandemic. Local authorities struggled to make the sophisticated booths profitable, with low user engagement leading to only 300 consultations in 18 months in one village. As competition from cheaper alternatives grows, the telemedicine sector is still searching for a viable business model, with hopes for future growth amid regulatory changes.
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