Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies.

FTC sues PBMs and GPOs for insulin price collusion
In a statement announcing its lawsuit, the FTC said Caremark, Optum RX and Express Scripts benefit from manufacturer rebates and ignore lower-costing drugs as a way to artificially increase prices.
FTC sues drug middlemen over insulin prices, puts others on notice
The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.
Study ranks US health system dead last among wealthy nations
Low rankings for accessibility and outcomes earned the country the overall lowest ranking in an analysis of healthcare systems across 10 nations.
Landmark opioid trial in Baltimore set to begin; Johnson & Johnson settles to avoid jury
Six companies have settled with the city for as total of over $402M. Two remaining defendants, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, will test their luck in court.
Coalition of 86 healthcare groups calls for change to Affordable Care Act rule
In a letter to Congress, the groups are urging lawmakers to support HR 9001 and lift the ban on physician-run hospitals.

Wyden, Booker share concerns about the use of AI in healthcare

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker want to know what government agencies and insurance providers are doing to make sure health systems avoid the use of biased algorithms.

December 11, 2019

Top 10 cities with the highest demand for physicians

Physicians are in high demand, with a 5% increase in job opportunities in the U.S. since 2018, according to a new research study on the 2019 labor market for doctors by Doximity.

December 10, 2019

Optum buys specialty pharmacy for $300M

OptumRx, the pharmacy care services business of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum, is acquiring a specialty pharmacy and infusion services provider, Diplomat.

December 10, 2019

Surprise billing ban agreement reached in Congress

Lawmakers have come to an agreement to stop surprise medical billing in new legislation that would also enact a number of other healthcare initiatives. The bipartisan agreement could put an end to the legislative stalemate on Capitol Hill in light of President Trump's impeachment proceedings.

December 9, 2019

Consumers think AI will be good for patient care—but some worries persist

A majority of U.S. consumers are confident AI will have a positive impact on both patients and healthcare providers, according to a new report from Blumberg Capital.

December 6, 2019

US healthcare spending grew 4.6% in 2018

National healthcare expenditures rose 4.6% in 2018, according to new figures from the CMS Office of Actuary.

December 6, 2019

ACOs saved $3.5B over 5 years

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) saved Medicare more than $3.53 billion from 2013 to 2017, according to a report from industry group the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS).

December 5, 2019

Hospital groups file lawsuit to block price transparency rule

A group of prominent hospital associations have filed a lawsuit against HHS to stop the implementation of a rule that requires hospitals to post their prices for services online and update it regularly.

December 4, 2019

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FTC sues drug middlemen over insulin prices, puts others on notice

The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.

Cardiovascular Business

Cath lab techs and nurses see new normal with post-COVID pay

In the post-COVID era, wages for permanent RNs are rising, and wages for travelers are decreasing. A new report tracked these trends and more.

Cardiovascular Business

Merit Medical to purchase Cook Medical’s lead management portfolio for $210M

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market.