Insights | Meridian Research Group | Page 6

Recent/upcoming developments… Treasury Secretary Bessent and USTR Greer are meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Switzerland tomorrow, which is the first formal trade discussion between the two countries since President Trump’s inauguration. Bessent has said the first step in the discussions will be over lowering tariffs. Trump posted...

Trade (UK/Other)

Recent/upcoming developments… President Trump yesterday announced a trade deal with the U.K., which is essentially an agreement in principle that requires many issues and details to still be worked out. USTR Greer touted the deal as a framework that will be used with other countries, while the administration has said they are evaluating offers...

Tech / Media / Telecom

AI/Semiconductors

Recent/upcoming developments… The Trump administration is rescinding a Biden-era semiconductor export control rule that was scheduled to go into effect on 5/15, and according to reports, within four-to-six weeks, the adminsitration is apparently planning to replace it with what they say will be a “much simpler rule” that will restrict U.S. sales...

Medicare Advantage (DOJ/Brokers)

The DOJ has filed a False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuit against Aetna, Elevance, and Humana – as well as affiliated brokers eHealth, GoHealth, and SelectQuote – alleging they orchestrated a kickback scheme in which the insurers bribed the brokers to steer would-be Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries exclusively into their policies. The complaint...

Medicare (Site Neutral)

The prospect of Medicare site neutral reforms has been simmering in the background of the reconciliation debate, but the issue has largely been sidelined as Republicans debate the breadth of their proposed Medicaid cuts. However, Republican leaders are increasingly struggling to balance the demands of moderates and conservatives regarding the...

Drug Pricing (MFN)

The White House has indicated that President Trump will issue an executive order (EO) – possibly as soon as next week – directing his administration to resurrect the Most-Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing program seen during his first term. This comes on the heels of Trump pushing Congressional Republicans to consider including a Medicaid-focused...