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.

New Data Shows MedTech Industry Poised for Greater Investment & Growth with Full Device Tax Repeal

Another Suspension of Disruptive Tax Won’t Have Same Economic Impact

January 11, 2017

Burwell’s final speech as HHS Secretary: ‘In healthcare, there is no free lunch’

In what was billed as HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell’s farewell speech, she criticized several proposals to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while challenging the Republican majorities to introduce a replacement plan if they plan to quick repeal the law.

January 10, 2017

Health Care Leaders Convene in Colorado to Discuss Recommended Actions to Solve Nation’s Primary Care Crisis

“Critical Conversation” on Transforming Primary Care System via Enhanced Role for RNs to be Held at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus on January 12

January 10, 2017

Obama calls ACA repeal plan ‘reckless’ in NEJM article

President Barack Obama warned against repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a New England Journal of Medicine article, saying without a replacement ready to take its place, the result “could slowly bleed the healthcare system that all of us depend on.”

January 9, 2017

How insurance markets could survive an ACA repeal

Supporters of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have warned repealing the law could “unravel” the individual and small group insurance markets within months, but subsidies may be able to stabilize health plans in the short-term.

January 9, 2017

Specialty drugs tripled Part D catastrophic coverage spending in 5 years

Between 2010 and 2015, payments for Medicare Part D catastrophic coverage tripled to $33 billion, thanks to increased prices for drugs, according to a report from HHS’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

January 6, 2017

Biden forming nonprofit to focus on cancer issues after leaving White House

Outgoing Vice President Joe Biden will continue to advocate for changes in cancer research and treatment once he leaves political office by creating a new nonprofit organization.

January 5, 2017

Major med groups to Congress: Don’t roll back ACA protections

Five major medical organizations have written to congressional leaders warning a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would have significant consequences on uninsured rates, coverage for low-income Americans and the affordability of health coverage. 

January 4, 2017

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.