The new perk will grant Prime members access to 50 generic medications
that treat over 80 conditions.
However, insulin and specialty
medications are not available.
The service is also not accessible
to those on Medicaid or Medicare.
RxPass costs $5 a month
and includes free delivery.
The move marks Amazon's latest
push into the health care sector.
CNBC reports that Amazon launched an online pharmacy in 2020 after acquiring PillPack in 2018.
In July, the company revealed it is acquiring One Medical, a primary care provider.
.
Vin Gupta, chief medical officer at Amazon, said the company strives to create a "fundamentally different" pharmacy experience.
.
This is still day one for us where we’re
at our beginning stages here, but we recognize that change is needed.
, Vin Gupta, Amazon chief medical officer, via statement.
That’s what patients across the
country are telling us, and that’s
what Amazon is responding to, Vin Gupta, Amazon chief medical officer, via statement
Amazon has revealed plans to cut around 9,000 jobs from its cloud services, advertising and Twitch units as recession fears loom. The announcement was made by CEO Andy Jassy via a memo to staff mere weeks after the company laid off around 18,000 employees. Meanwhile, the company will continue to hire in some strategic areas.
#Amazon #AmazonLayoffs #Layoffs
Amazon to Cut , Another 9,000 Jobs.
Engadget reports that Amazon chief
Andy Jassy revealed the news in a
memo to employees on March 20.
I’m writing to share that we intend to eliminate about 9,000 more positions in the next few weeks—mostly in AWS, PXT, Advertising, and Twitch. , Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees.
I’m writing to share that we intend to eliminate about 9,000 more positions in the next few weeks—mostly in AWS, PXT, Advertising, and Twitch. , Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees.
This was a difficult decision, but one that we think is best for the company long term, Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees.
... Given the uncertain economy in which we reside, and the uncertainty that exists in the near future, we have chosen to be more streamlined in our costs and headcount. , Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees.
The layoffs won't likely be finalized
until the middle or end of April. .
Workers won't know if they're
losing their jobs until then.
Amazon says it will provide severance pay,
temporary health insurance and job
placement assistance to affected workers.
To those ultimately impacted by these reductions, I want to thank you for the work you have done on behalf of customers and the company. , Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees.
It’s never easy to say goodbye to our teammates, and you will be missed, Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees.
It’s never easy to say goodbye to our teammates, and you will be missed, Andy Jassy, Amazon chief, via memo to employees
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Bill Gates Hails OpenAI’s GPT , as Revolutionary Technological Advancement.
CNBC reports that the Microsoft co-founder said
that OpenAI's GPT AI is the most impressive
technological advancement he's seen since 1980.
CNBC reports that the Microsoft co-founder said
that OpenAI's GPT AI is the most impressive
technological advancement he's seen since 1980.
He likened its importance to the first modern graphical desktop environment (GUI),
which he utilized to create Windows.
He likened its importance to the first modern graphical desktop environment (GUI),
which he utilized to create Windows.
On March 21, Gates revealed that he previously challenged OpenAI's team to create an AI model that could successfully pass an Advanced Placement Biology test.
Last week, GPT-4 achieved a maximum score.
The whole experience was stunning.
I knew I had just seen the most important advance in technology since the graphical user interface, Bill Gates, via blog post.
The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet,
and the mobile phone. , Bill Gates, via blog post.
It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care, and communicate with each other. , Bill Gates, via blog post.
Entire industries will reorient around it. Businesses will distinguish themselves by how
well they use it, Bill Gates, via blog post.
Gates thinks governments and philanthropies should support the use of AI tools in the developing world to improve education and health.
He also has $10 billion
invested in OpenAI
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French Government Survives
No-Confidence Vote , Amid Retirement Age Backlash.
CNBC reports that President Emmanuel Macron's government barely survived a no-confidence vote on March 20.
The vote of no-confidence was
rejected by only nine votes.
Two no-confidence motions were previously filed by opposition lawmakers contesting Macron's passing of the proposed pension reform bill.
Since this first one was rejected, the second one can no longer go through.
That means that the bill will likely be made into law, and the retirement age in France
will go from 62 to 64 by 2030.
Opponents of the pension reform say that
women, public sector employees and
low-wage workers will be negatively impacted.
They also contend that businesses
and highly-paid workers are being
prioritized over the average worker.
Strikes by refineries, garbage collectors, teachers and more have been occurring throughout France for weeks.
Strikes by refineries, garbage collectors, teachers and more have been occurring throughout France for weeks.
Thousands have protested throughout the country and hundreds have been detained.
Thousands have protested throughout the country and hundreds have been detained
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The 10 Most Expensive , US States to Retire In .
CNBC reports that WalletHub compared
the affordability, quality of life and
health care of all 50 states.
It found that these 10 states are the
most expensive to currently retire in.
10. , Oregon.
9. , Illinois.
8. , Maine.
7. , Connecticut.
6. , Washington.
5. , Maryland.
4. , Massachusetts.
3. , Vermont.
2. , New Jersey.
1. , New York.
According to Alan Castel, author of
'Better with Age: The Psychology of Successful Aging,'
if you expect to have a fixed income in
retirement, there are a few things you should consider.
Sometimes our spending habits need to be re-evaluated, and many senior discounts can be utilized to lower bills. It may also be useful to consider downsizing or minimizing certain costs that are no longer needed, According to Alan Castel, author of 'Better with Age:
The Psychology of Successful Aging,' via CNBC
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UK Bans TikTok , on Government Devices.
CNBC reports that the United Kingdom
made the announcement on March 16.
Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden said it is
"clear that there could be a risk around how sensitive government data is accessed and used by certain platforms.".
Dowden went on to address
how apps collect data on users.
He said that the "data can be sensitive"
on government devices.
He said that the "data can be sensitive"
on government devices.
The security of sensitive government information must come first, so today
we are banning this app on government devices. The use of other data-extracting
apps will be kept under review, Oliver Dowden, Cabinet Office Minister, via statement.
However, government employees' personal devices will not be required to adhere to the ban at this time.
A TikTok spokesperson issued a statement about the U.K.'s decision.
We believe these bans have been
based on fundamental misconceptions and driven by wider geopolitics, in which TikTok, and our millions of users
in the U.K., play no part. , TikTok spokesperson, via statement.
We remain committed to working with the government to address any concerns but should be judged on facts and treated equally
to our competitors, TikTok spokesperson, via statement.
The U.K.'s move to ban TikTok on government devices follows similar decisions in the
United States and European Union
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Credit Suisse Shares , Drop Over 25%, , Stokes Financial Sector Fears.
Reuters reports that the lender's biggest shareholder, Saudi National Bank, .
recently said that a regulatory issue was preventing it from raising its 10% stake in the company.
CNBC reports that Credit Suisse shares fell by more than 25% on March 15 to below $2.17 as a result.
Dow Industrial Average futures fell 632 points (2%).
Nasdaq-100 futures dropped 1.6%,
and S&P 500 futures slid 2%.
In premarket trading, Credit Suisse's U.S.-traded shares sank over 27%.
The turbulence comes as American
financial institutions SVB and
Signature Bank collapsed last week.
The turbulence comes as American
financial institutions SVB and
Signature Bank collapsed last week.
The turbulence comes as American
financial institutions SVB and
Signature Bank collapsed last week.
Markets are wild. We move from the problems of American banks to those of European banks,
first of all Credit Suisse, Carlo Franchini, head of institutional clients
at Banca Ifigest in Milan, via Reuters.
However, some experts think
the issue can be resolved.
I believe Credit Suisse's crisis
can be solved and the bank
will not be let to go belly up, Carlo Franchini, head of institutional clients
at Banca Ifigest in Milan, via Reuters.
The fact remains still that European banks, and especially the bigger ones, have a much better management of their interest rate risk, which is what made the three U.S. banks collapse, and they have liquidity, Jerome Legras, head of research at
Axiom Alternative Investments, via Reuters
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Best Buy to Set Up , In-Home Hospital Care.
CNBC reports that Best Buy has signed a three-year agreement with Atrium Health, which is part of Advocate Health, to provide hospital care at home.
The retailer's Geek Squad will set up technology in patients' homes that monitors vital signs.
Patients and others at home will be
trained how to use the devices.
Data from the devices will then be
shared with health care professionals
via Current Health's telemedicine hub.
CNBC reports that Best Buy started
setting up its home care technology for
10 hospitals near Charlotte, NC, in February.
The goal is to have about 100 patients
use the system each day, which
equates to a midsized hospital. .
Patients who use the service will pay
Atrium via their insurance provider.
Medicare and Medicaid will also be accepted.
Deborah Di Sanzo, Best Buy Health’s president,
said "we want to do this thoughtfully." .
We want to do this well. We want to create pathways that enable care at home in a more seamless manner. , Deborah Di Sanzo, Best Buy Health’s president, via statement.
We want to tie technology and empathy together and really help change how health care is delivered
to people in their homes, Deborah Di Sanzo, Best Buy Health’s president, via statement.
We want to tie technology and empathy together and really help change how health care is delivered
to people in their homes, Deborah Di Sanzo, Best Buy Health’s president, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Millions of Americans Will , Lose Benefits When COVID , National Emergency Ends in May.
On May 11, President Joe Biden's
administration intends to end COVID-19
national and public health emergencies.
CNN reports that the decision by the White House
means that many Americans will have to start
paying for COVID testing and treatment. .
Two House Republican measures aimed to end the
emergencies already, however, the Biden administration
decided to extend the emergency one final time to May 11.
Two House Republican measures aimed to end the
emergencies already, however, the Biden administration
decided to extend the emergency one final time to May 11.
This wind down would align
with the Administration’s previous
commitments to give at least
60 days’ notice prior to termination
of the (public health emergency), White House statement, via CNN.
The decision will also end enhanced
social safety net benefits put in place to help
minimize the impact of the pandemic on the nation.
People will have to start paying some
money for things they didn’t have to pay
for during the emergency. That’s the main
thing people will start to notice, Jen Kates, Senior vice president
at the Kaiser Family Foundation, via CNN.
CNN reports that the U.S. government has been looking to
shift COVID care to the commercial market since 2022,
partly due to Congress not authorizing additional funds.
Starting in March of 2020, states had been
barred from kicking people off Medicaid
amid the public health emergency. .
According to an analysis by the Department of Health and
Human Services, an estimated 15 million people could lose
their Medicaid coverage when the emergency is ended.
According to an analysis by the Department of Health and
Human Services, an estimated 15 million people could lose
their Medicaid coverage when the emergency is ended.
The analysis found that about 8.2 million enrollees would no longer qualify, while another 6.7 million would lose coverage despite still being eligible. .
The analysis found that about 8.2 million enrollees would no longer qualify, while another 6.7 million would lose coverage despite still being eligible.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Nikki Haley Proposes , Raising Retirement Age.
CNN reports that the GOP presidential candidate wants to change the retirement age for Americans who are presently in their 20s.
She also wants to restrict Social Security and Medicare benefits for Americans who are wealthy.
What you would do is, for those in their 20s coming into the system, we would change the retirement age so that it matches life expectancy, Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate, via statement.
It’s the new ones coming in. It’s those in their 20s that are coming in. You’re coming to them and you’re saying, the game has changed. We’re going to do this completely differently, Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate, via statement.
Haley did not provide a specific
retirement age when asked about her views.
The thing is you don’t have to touch it for seniors and anybody near retirement. You’re talking about the new generation,
like my kids coming up, Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate, via statement.
While speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Donald Trump touched
on the issues Haley is pushing.
Without naming names, he said that some GOP party members “want to raise the minimum age of
Social Security to 70, 75 or even 80 in some cases.”.
He also claimed that they “are out to cut Medicare
to a level that it will no longer be recognizable.”.
CNN reports that Haley went on to criticize President
Joe Biden's new proposal to increase taxes on households making over $400,000 a year in order to fund Medicare.
CNN reports that Haley went on to criticize President
Joe Biden's new proposal to increase taxes on households making over $400,000 a year in order to fund Medicare.
Joe Biden now is basically saying
the only way to deal with entitlements is to raise taxes. He doesn’t care that
it runs out in five or 10 years,
he’s not going to be there anymore, Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Wants to Increase Tax Rate , on High Earners to Save Medicare.
'The Hill' reports that Medicare funding
is on track to run out in 2028.
On March 7, President Biden unveiled a plan that would keep the program going for another 25 years.
He suggests increasing the tax rate for households that make over $400,000 a year from 3.8% to 5%.
Since Medicare was passed, income and wealth inequality in the United States have increased dramatically. , White House, via statement.
By asking those with the highest incomes to contribute modestly more, we can keep the Medicare program strong for decades to come, White House, via statement.
Those who have both "earned and
unearned income" over $400,000 would
be susceptible to the tax increase.
High-income people are supposed to pay a 3.8 percent Medicare tax on all of their income, , White House, via statement.
... but some high-paid professionals and other wealthy business owners have managed to shield some of their income from tax by claiming it is neither earned income nor investment income, White House, via statement.
Biden's plan would also require pharmaceutical
companies to contribute to Medicare when
they raise prices quicker than inflation.
Additionally, Medicare Part D cost-sharing for some generic drugs would be capped at
$2 per prescription each month.
Medicare would also have more negotiating power to decrease drug prices and "eliminate cost-sharing for three mental health or other behavioral health visits per year."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Eli Lilly Caps Insulin Cost , at $35 a Month.
Eli Lilly Caps Insulin Cost , at $35 a Month.
NBC News reports that the drugmaker
made the announcement on March 1.
The change comes a month after a provision
in the Inflation Reduction Act imposed a
similar cap for seniors with Medicare.
Experts say other U.S. insulin makers could follow Eli Lilly's direction in capping the cost of the life-saving medication.
Those with private insurance will have immediate access to the lower cost.
People without insurance can join Eli Lilly's copay assistance program to be eligible. .
A company spokesperson said all of its
insulin products are covered under the cap.
Drugmakers have long been
scrutinized for their high insulin costs. .
According to public policy think tank the
Rand Corporation, the average price of a vial of insulin in America in 2018 was $98.70.
The American Diabetes Association
reports that approximately 8.4 million people
across the country rely on insulin. .
Three out of 10 diabetics use Eli Lilly products.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published