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.

Lawmakers to introduce bill to lower drug prices

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are planning to introduce a bill that aims to “drastically” lower prescription drug prices once Congress is back in session.

November 20, 2018

CVS-Aetna deal now likely to close after Thanksgiving

While the $69 billion merger between CVS Health and Aetna has moved through the regulatory review process, CVS executives now expect the deal to close after Thanksgiving, according to a new public filing. Executives previously anticipated the transaction would be completed before the holiday.

November 20, 2018

Wildfires lead HHS to declare public health emergency in California

Several wildfires in California led HHS Secretary Alex Azar to declare a public health emergency in the state on Nov. 13. The announcement allows CMS providers, suppliers and beneficiaries flexibility to meet emergency needs.

November 19, 2018

LifePoint finalizes $5.6B merger with RCCH HealthCare Partners

LifePoint Health, a healthcare services company based in Tennessee, and RCCH HealthCare Partners completed their $5.6 billion merger on Nov. 16. The deal was originally announced in July.

November 19, 2018

Medicare improper payments drop to lowest rate since 2010

Medicare fee-for-service improper payments dropped to their lowest level since 2010 this year, CMS Administrator Seema Verma announced on Nov. 16.

November 19, 2018

Pfizer to raise prices on 41 drugs in 2019

Drug manufacturer Pfizer announced it would raise the prices of 41 drugs in January 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported.

November 16, 2018

Have not-for-profit hospitals peaked financially?

Not-for-profit hospitals may have already reached their financial peak, according to an analysis from Fitch Ratings. Lower operating margins and lower reimbursement payments are causing many hospital systems to rethink care delivery, but not all providers are able to meet the challenges head on, particularly in a period of mass consolidation.

November 16, 2018

GE Capital sells healthcare equipment business for $1.5B

GE Capital, the financial services division of GE, has sold is Healthcare Equipment Finance business to TIAA Bank for $1.5 billion.

November 16, 2018

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.