If the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits are not renewed, premiums for the 24 million people who rely on these subsidies could rise sharply, with estimates indicating a family of four might see monthly costs jump from $460 to $700. This increase would strain household budgets and could force individuals to forgo necessary care. The potential expiration of the tax credits could also have wider economic effects because of delayed hiring and possible layoffs, and health plans and providers may see decreased revenue.

Epic's Payer Platform will store digital insurance cards for Humana Medicare Advantage subscribers, facilitating appointment check-in at health care offices using Epic's system. Health care practices that use the system will be able to obtain patients' coverage details electronically.

Cigna Healthcare has introduced Clearity, a health plan designed to enhance transparency and predictability. The plan, which has a tiered copay model that eliminates coinsurance and deductibles, uses Cigna's AI tools to provide upfront pricing and patient reviews through a streamlined digital platform. The plan provides "a simpler, more predictable way for customers to get the health care they need," said Eva Borden, Cigna's chief product officer for its commercial insurance business.

The Center for Generational Kinetics conducted a survey for health technology firm WellSky exploring health care workers' attitudes toward technology. Many see technology as essential for improving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens, but others worry about job displacement, data accuracy and the adequacy of training as technology continues to be integrated into health care.

The World Health Organization has reported sharp increases in drug-resistant gonorrhea. Resistance to the two primary antibiotics, ceftriaxone rose from 0.8% to 5% and cefixime from 1.7% to 11% between 2022 and 2024. The antibiotics are the last recommended treatments for gonorrhea, but two new antibiotics have shown promise for treating the sexually transmitted infection.

Whooping cough cases are surging nationwide, particularly in California, Florida, Oregon and Texas, driven by declining vaccination rates, waning immunity and improved testing, according to health officials. Infants are at the greatest risk, and the CDC urges pregnant women to get the Tdap vaccine to protect them. Health experts say increased vaccination and awareness are needed to combat the outbreaks.

Researchers are exploring innovative treatments for autoimmune diseases, focusing on reprogramming the immune system to offer more effective and precise therapies. This includes CAR T therapy, T cell engagers, and the use of regulatory T cells. These new approaches are designed to target the root causes of immune dysfunction rather than just suppressing symptoms, offering hope for more sustainable disease management.