Welcome to the August issue of The Highlight
Also in this issue, you'll find a feature on the terrifying consequences of America's protein craze and an analysis of the testosterone theory of politics. Plus: Whatever happened to the friend setup? And how to make the hardest choices of your life.
By Dylan Scott
By Sigal Samuel
The testosterone theory of politics
By Leo Kim
Coming July 29
Most couples used to meet this way. What happened?
By Allie Volpe
Coming July 30
The terrifying reality behind one of America's fastest-growing dairy brands
By Kenny Torrella
Coming July 31
The one-sided intimacy of being a fan
By Aja Romano
Coming August 1
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Newsweek
35 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Californians Warned of 'Devastating' New Health Insurance Costs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Health insurance costs are set to increase for Californians in 2026, and the state's health insurance marketplace has warned that the impacts could be a major burden on American families. This comes as health insurance premiums are expected to rise significantly across the country next year, when enhanced tax credits are set to expire, as President Donald Trump has not chosen to renew them. A spokesperson for Covered California told Newsweek: "The combined impact of the premium increases and the loss of enhanced premium tax credits would be devastating for Californians." "All Covered California enrollees would face higher costs, and the loss of enhanced tax credits alone could result in an average net premium increase of 66 percent for 1.7 million enrollees," they said. The spokesperson called it "a catastrophic financial burden for many, potentially pricing a significant number of individuals and families out of coverage." "Those with the lowest incomes would be hit hardest, as stagnant wages and rising inflation amplify their challenges." Why It Matters Aside from the expiration of enhanced tax credits, which will see 2026's rise in costs jump much higher than previous years, there are also a number of other factors pushing up premiums. These factors include increased health care costs, inflation, labor costs, and rising demand for medications such as GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are driving up prescription drug spending. While premiums have been steadily increasing over the years, 2026 will see the largest hike in prices since 2018, according to KFF data. Agents help sign people up for insurance through the Covered California exchange at their storefront in Huntington Beach, California. Agents help sign people up for insurance through the Covered California exchange at their storefront in Huntington Beach, California. Nick Agro/The Orange County Register via AP What To Know Covered California recently announced that it would be increasing rates for health coverage in 2026 by an average of 10.3 percent across various health plans. Those on Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant plans will be affected, as the temporary subsidies for ACA marketplaces, introduced by former President Joe Biden to increase access to health coverage, will expire at the end of 2025. While there is still time for the Trump administration to opt to extend the subsidies, there has been no indication yet by the administration that they intend to, and the subsidies also come at a significant cost to the taxpayer. Covered California told Newsweek that its planned 10.3 percent increase is lower than the national average of 20 percent, with states like Florida having much higher proposed increases. The reason for the state marketplace's increase in premium costs is driven by several factors, the Covered California spokesperson told Newsweek, pointing to "rising health care and pharmacy costs, as well as broader industry challenges." They said that federal health care policies were also "contributing to these increases, particularly the expiration of federal enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025." "These credits have helped millions of Americans lower their premiums since 2021, and their expiration will have significant consequences for affordability nationwide," they said. The state marketplace previously said that Congress could reduce these price hikes for Americans by extending the enhanced tax credits, and that it hoped lawmakers on both sides of the aisle "recognize the need to extend this essential lifeline for working families." What People Are Saying A spokesperson for Covered California told Newsweek: "To mitigate these impacts, California is taking proactive steps to shield its lowest-income enrollees from steep increases. For 2026, the state has allocated $190 million from its cost-sharing reduction program to provide state subsidies for individuals earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, helping keep premiums comparable to 2025 levels. "This assistance will benefit individuals with annual incomes of $23,475 or less and families of four earning up to $48,225. Additional support will also be available to those earning up to 165 percent of the federal poverty level." Jonathan Gruber, a professor of economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told Newsweek: "Rates are certainly going to go up because of two changes: the [One Big Beautiful Bill] kicks some folks off exchanges and makes it harder for others to enroll and the additional subsidies that President Biden added to the exchanges are going to expire. When these changes happen it is the healthiest folks who will drop out of the exchanges, raising premiums for everyone else." He added, "This is disastrous for both economic security and health. Studies have shown that losing insurance is associated with enormous economic risk and worse health, including death." Ge Bai, a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, told Newsweek: "ACA-compliant plans have always been expensive, but the federal government has made them appear affordable through taxpayer subsidies. The premiums we see now reflect their actual unaffordability, rather than the artificial affordability created by subsidies." She said: "While market characteristics may cause some state-to-state variations, the overall trend will be upward everywhere because the regulatory constraints driving up costs apply to ACA-compliant plans in all states." "ACA-compliant plans will become more expensive, especially for higher-income beneficiaries who lose subsidy eligibility. We urgently need to address the ACA's regulatory constraints that block affordable plans, rather than pouring taxpayer dollars into creating the illusion of affordability and worsening these plans' true unaffordability." What Happens Next The proposed increases are for the 2026 calendar year, and many are concerned about the impacts they will have on Americans.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ozempic creator Novo Nordisk will sell weight loss drugs for cheaper through this new partnership
Ozempic creator Novo Nordisk will sell weight loss drugs for cheaper through this new partnership originally appeared on TheStreet. Telemedicine company GoodRx () has been helping Americans find the cheapest way to buy drugs for years. Thanks to a new partnership with pharma giant Novo Nordisk () , the creator of Ozempic and Wegovy, it might soon be the cheapest way to buy branded weight loss drugs too. On Monday, the two firms announced a partnership which will allow patients with a prescription to get the branded medication for $499/mo, so long as they're willing to pay out of pocket and present the GoodRx coupon at their local pharmacy. At $499/mo the branded drug is only a little more expensive than compounded GLP-1 injectables sold by telehealth pharmacies, which have drawn the ire of pharmaceutical giants and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It's also more expensive than the $349/mo single-dose vial of Zepbound, the competing GLP-1 drug sold by competitor Eli Lilly () , which is also available through GoodRx. However, Ozempic and Wegovy's patented pens might be reason enough to pay up, since they're easier to use. Still, those with insurance might be eligible to have the cost completely covered, rather than pay the out of pocket cost. For that, patients should check with their prescriber and insurer. This is not Novo's first ride on the direct-to-consumer wagon. In April, it partnered with Hims & Hers HIMS (-1%) to help them sell Wegovy directly to customers. Novo ended that effort in July, alleging that the telehealth company intentionally undercut their branded medications through "deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions" of its drug, which "put patient safety at risk." A lawsuit has been filed against Hims & Hers. The failed "collaboration" between the companies spurred the departure of its chief executive, as well as a reduction to the company's annual guidance ahead of its quarterly earnings. Worst of all, it say Novo Nordisk lose market share to competitor Eli Lilly, which represents over half of the GLP-1 market. Novo's leadership have indicated a desire to expand its direct-to-consumer offerings and cut prices, looking to undercut both branded and compounded GLP-1 drugs. Ozempic creator Novo Nordisk will sell weight loss drugs for cheaper through this new partnership first appeared on TheStreet on Aug 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
GoodRx Is Soaring on a Novo Nordisk Deal. Should You Buy GDRX Stock Here?
GoodRx (GDRX) shares soared nearly 50% on Monday after announcing a GLP-1 partnership with the Danish pharmaceutical behemoth Novo Nordisk (NVO). In a press release this morning, the Nasdaq-listed firm said 'all strengths of Ozempic and Wegovy pens are now available to eligible self-paying patients for $499-per-month through GoodRx.' More News from Barchart Trade the Warren Buffett Rally in UnitedHealth Stock With This High-Reward, Low-Risk Options Strategy Lyft Generates Huge FCF Margins - LYFT Stock Is Too Cheap Cathie Wood Is Buying BLSH Stock After the Bullish IPO. Should You? Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! GoodRx stock has slightly outperformed in 2025, up just over 12% in the year to date. How Novo Deal May Help GoodRx Stock Teaming up with Novo Nordisk is a major win for GDRX shares because it positions the healthcare platform at the center of the booming GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drug market. Offering Ozempic and Wegovy at a flat $499 per month to self-paying customers helps GoodRx expand access to high-demand medications while reinforcing its value proposition as a cost-saving platform. Over time, this could drive user growth, boost engagement, and attract new pharmacy and pharma partnerships as well. In short, with GLP-1 drugs making headlines and consumer interest soaring, GoodRx stock is now tied to one of the most lucrative trends in healthcare. Why BofA Remains Bearish on GDRX Shares Despite the aforementioned positives, Bank of America analyst Allen Lutz says the Novo Nordisk deal is far from a sufficient reason to load up on GoodRx shares at current levels. In a note to clients, Lutz argued widespread pharmacy closures and changing reimbursement policy could make it difficult for GDRX stock to retain momentum in the days ahead. On Monday, the BofA analyst maintained his 'Underperform' rating and $3.40 price target on the healthcare platform, indicating potential downside of more than 30% from here. Wall Street Disagrees with BofA on GoodRx Investors should note, however, that Bank of America Securities is among the more bearish Wall Street firms on GoodRx stock in 2025. According to Barchart, the consensus rating on GDRX shares remains at 'Moderate Buy' with the mean target of $5.49 indicating potential 'upside' of another 5% from current levels. On the date of publication, Wajeeh Khan did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
