• Maryland: CMS last week released a final rule for qualified health plans that are offered through health insurance marketplaces. Starting in plan year 2025, state-based marketplace participants will be required to comply with network adequacy standards that either match or exceed standards set for the federal insurance marketplace. The final rule also includes several changes to standardize and streamline operations, particularly for state-based marketplaces. CMS also finalized policies that will allow low-income individuals to enroll in coverage more easily and increase access to different services, such as dental benefits and prescription drugs. "This rule includes groundbreaking ways to access health care services - such as addressing barriers for routine adult dental coverage for the first time and including considerations for how far people travel to see a health care provider," said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. (AHA News, 4/3; CMS fact sheet, 4/2; CMS press release, 4/2)
• New York: Teladoc CEO Jason Gorevic has stepped down from his role, effective immediately, after nearly 15 years. According to Modern Healthcare, Gorevic oversaw Teladoc's growth from a small startup to a large digital health company. However, the company has struggled financially since it acquired digital health tech company Livongo for $18.5 billion in October 2020. In an emailed statement, Gorevic said he was proud of Teladoc's accomplishments and thanked the company's employees, investors, clients, and partners. Mala Murthy, Teladoc's CFO, has stepped in as interim CEO while the company's board searches for a new CEO. In a letter sent to employees, Murthy said the company is still in a strong financial position and plans to continue with its guidance for the first quarter and full year. (Perna, Modern Healthcare, 4/5)
• Rhode Island: CVS Caremark, the pharmacy benefit management subsidiary of CVS Health, said it plans to add Opill, the over-the-counter birth control pill, to its list of preventive services oral contraceptives and cover it at no cost for many plan sponsors. Opill, which is manufactured by Perrigo, was originally approved for prescription use in 1973, and FDA approved it for over-the-counter use in July. CVS Caremark is the first major pharmacy benefit manager to cover Opill, which could eventually lead others to follow suit. "Perrigo is thrilled to see Caremark joining us in the effort to increase access to safe and effective contraceptives, like Opill, for women and people who want them," said Triona Schmelter, EVP and president of Consumer Self-Care Americas at Perrigo. "We encourage consumers to regularly check with their insurance providers and individual plans to understand what coverage of Opill may be available to them." (Constantino, CNBC, 4/4; Reuters, 4/4; Weixel, The Hill, 4/5)

Maternal and reproductive healthcare is rapidly changing. Health leaders must grapple with worsening maternal health disparities, the nationwide maternal mental health crisis, lasting impacts of the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, and the rise of femtech disruptors. Download our report to learn about four key drivers reshaping maternal and reproductive healthcare delivery.