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.

70% of Americans feel opioid misuse is a statewide problem

The CDC reported more than 50 percent of drug overdose deaths involve an opioid. And in the past two decades, opioid-related overdose deaths has increased by more than five times.

August 6, 2018

Democrats to force vote against short-term health plans

In response to the Trump administration’s decision to expand short-term health plans, Senate Democrats will try to force a vote to block the rule, the Associated Press reported.

August 3, 2018

New York’s single-payer health system could work—with tax increases

As the debate over a possible single-payer health system heats up, at least one study has shown such a model is viable in New York—with a few catches.

August 3, 2018

Healthcare remains a leader in job growth

Healthcare was once again a leader among the number of jobs added to the economy in July, according to the most recent jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

August 3, 2018

Cities file suit claiming Trump administration is sabotaging ACA

Chicago, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, filed a joint lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of actively undermining the Affordable Care Act.

August 3, 2018

CMS finalizes 2019 hospital payments, scraps controversial inpatient reimbursement rule

CMS finalized a rule for inpatient and long-term care hospital payments, tossing out a controversial reimbursement plan with it.

August 3, 2018

California official throws wrench in planned CVS-Aetna merger

The planned merger of CVS Health and Aetna hit a snag this week after California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones urged the U.S. Department of Justice to block the $69 billion deal.

August 2, 2018

Insurers, consumer groups are critical of HHS move on short-term insurance plans

Healthcare advocacy groups and other stakeholders are speaking out against the Trump administration’s decision to allow short-term healthcare insurance plans to extend up to three years.

August 2, 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.