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.

Reworked '21st Century Cures Act' to get vote in House

A new version of legislation aimed at speeding up regulatory approval for medical devices and drugs will get a vote in the House this week.

November 28, 2016

HHS Secretary: ACA repeal without replacement could cause chaos

If the Republican-controlled Congress goes ahead with a plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) while delaying its replacement, the result could be “very, very damaging” to the health insurance market, according to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell. 

November 22, 2016

How Medicaid spending limits or block grants could affect care

Both the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress have discussed turning Medicaid into block grants managed by states, but such a major shift in funding could reduce eligibility and coverage under the program.

November 21, 2016

Trump may be kinder to healthcare mergers—to a point

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to eliminate government regulations of business, which could affect how his administration tackles issues of consolidation among health insurers and hospitals.

November 21, 2016

ACP promises to oppose Trump if policies hurt physicians

The American College of Physicians (ACP) said it sees both opportunities and challenges to working with President-elect Donald Trump, according to a post-election letter to its members.

November 18, 2016

ACA repeal could start in January, liberal group warns it would ‘unravel’ market

Republicans in Congress are aiming to start eliminating aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its regulations on “Day 1” of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

November 17, 2016

AHA letter urges Congress to enact Meaningful Use Flexibility Law

In a recent letter to congress, top American Hospital Association (AHA) members urge for the enactment of the Meaningful Use Flexibility Law. Along with the praise of the Electronic Health Record Regulator Relief Act, the letter argues for an urgent need to change requirements for Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs.

November 17, 2016

Mayo Clinic CEO: Healthcare isn’t ‘freaking out’ over replacing ACA

As President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress debate how to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Mayo Clinic President and CEO John Noseworthy, MD, feels a key concern has been forgotten: the health of patients.

November 17, 2016

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.