(The Epoch Times)—The U.S. government on Thursday unveiled a pilot program to combat skyrocketing prescription drug costs in Medicaid by pegging prices to those in other developed nations. The plan could save billions for low-income Americans and taxpayers.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Generating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid (GENEROUS) model, a voluntary program launching in January 2026 and lasting through December 2030.
State Medicaid programs participating in GENEROUS can buy select drugs at “most-favored-nation” rates in line with those in Canada or European countries. The goal is to cut expenses and ease access to vital treatments.
Medicaid, which provides health insurance for adults and children with limited income and resources, saw gross drug spending surpass $100 billion in 2024, representing a $10 billion increase from 2022. Despite manufacturer rebates, net expenditures hit $60 billion, which CMS says underscores “the urgency for reform.”
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and Dr. Oz’s bold direction at CMS, we’re expanding access to affordable medicines for millions of Americans,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “By bringing most-favored-nation pricing to Medicaid, we’re driving down drug costs and protecting the future of care for our most vulnerable citizens.”
The plan sees CMS negotiating lower prices with participating manufacturers, who are required to apply through a Request for Applications (RFA), first made available Thursday.
Interested states submit letters of intent and then formal applications on a rolling basis through Aug. 31, 2026. States must enforce uniform, transparent coverage rules to provide consistent patient and provider access across state borders.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, CMS is making a historic commitment to driving down the cost of drug prices and ensuring Americans have access to life-saving medications,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said, highlighting that the model will help ensure state Medicaid programs pay fair and reasonable prices for prescription drugs.
CMS Innovation Center Director Abe Sutton said drug prices in the United States remain too high.
“GENEROUS aims to ensure that Medicaid pricing will be on par with those in other developed nations,” Sutton said. “My hope is that all eligible Medicaid programs choose to participate in the pilot to help ensure that their Medicaid dollars can go further to support those in need.”
The goal of GENEROUS is similar to existing CMS programs, such as the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and the Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model. All of these programs use rebates and novel payment arrangements for costs and to improve patient access.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.