Morning Business Report: Employers brace for major healthcare cost increases as Eli Lilly reports promising sleep apnea trial

Morning Business Report: Employers brace for major healthcare cost increases as Eli Lilly reports promising sleep apnea trial Employers are preparing for what could be the steepest increase in healthcare costs in more than two decades, with workers potentially facing higher insurance premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. 38 minutes ago Keenan Gibson , (LILAMAX)- Employers are preparing for what could be the steepest increase in healthcare costs in more than two decades, with workers potentially facing higher insurance premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. Several factors are contributing to the expected increases, including rising hospital expenses, prescription drug costs and greater use of mental health services. Cancer treatments and GLP-1 medications are among the prescription drugs contributing to higher healthcare spending. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly says its weight-loss pill helped reduce sleep apnea in a clinical trial. The drugmaker plans to seek U.S. approval by the end of the year for the once-daily medication to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity or who are overweight. The results add to growing evidence that GLP-1 medications could offer treatment options for people with sleep apnea. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its third 1,000-point move in the past week, highlighting continued market volatility. Nvidia shares closed lower amid reports that the company’s board will investigate its CEO over an alleged romantic relationship involving a suspected Chinese spy. The allegations have not been independently verified. In the credit card industry, American Express is partnering with sports merchandise platform Fanatics to introduce a co-branded credit card. The card allows customers to earn FanCash, Fanatics’ loyalty currency, which can be redeemed only through the company’s platform. Applications are now open, although the card cannot be used to place bets directly. A new survey also suggests changing attitudes toward alcohol at holiday gatherings. More than half of Americans ages 21 and older say asking someone why they are not drinking is inappropriate. The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, suggests holiday celebrations are increasingly emphasizing personal preferences rather than expectations surrounding alcohol consumption. Categories : Across the Nation , Featured , Morning Business Report Tags : American Express , Credit cards , deductibles , dow jones , Eli Lilly , employers , Fanatics , GLP 1 , healthcare , holiday parties , insurance , Nvidia , premiums , sleep apnea , weight loss Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linkedin