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.

Amid revenue growth, UnitedHealth considers acquiring $2B Tenet subsidiary

UnitedHealth Group is exploring an acquisition of Tenet Healthcare’s healthcare management subsidiary, Conifer Health Solutions, according to the The Wall Street Journal.

July 19, 2018

CMS opens comment period for Kentucky Medicaid work requirements

After a federal judge blocked work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky, CMS has opened a pathway for the policy.

July 19, 2018

Facing pressure from Trump, another drug manufacturer drops price hikes

Novartis, one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, has paused any price hikes on its drugs for the remainder of 2018.

July 19, 2018

FDA unveils plan to lower prices, boost competition among drug-makers

The FDA unveiled a new plan to enable market competition for biologics and biosimilars Wednesday, July 18, as part of a larger shift to lower drug prices across the healthcare system.

July 18, 2018

Humana hits highest share price ever

With a stake in two post-acute care companies under its belt, health insurer Humana saw its share price hit a new record high last week.

July 18, 2018

Amazon eyeing investment in Indian pharmacy chain

Retail giant Amazon is in early talk to invest in Medplus, India’s second-largest pharmacy chain, according to FactorDaily.

July 18, 2018

HHS diverts $40M to immigration crisis under Trump policy

President Donald Trump’s policy of “zero tolerance” on illegal immigration has led HHS to redirect millions in funding to house migrant children separated from their parents at the border.

July 18, 2018

HHS proposals for 340B drug pricing program prompt industry objections

Proposed changes to the 340B drug pricing program, in addition to other cuts in payments, are being called out by industry associations and providers.

July 18, 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.