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.

Surgeon General issues warning over youth mental health crisis

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health emergency on the mental health crisis among the nation's youth.

December 8, 2021

UnitedHealth must pay doctors $60M after losing lawsuit against TeamHealth

A UHC spokesperson said the insurance giant is planning an "immediate" appeal.

December 8, 2021

Judge halts Biden administration's worker vaccine mandate

More than 17 million healthcare workers and 67,000 providers are likely affected by the now-paused instruction.

December 1, 2021

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Top states with the most affordable healthcare

Americans are paying more than ever for healthcare, but how much depends on where they live.

December 1, 2021

DOJ investigating Oak Street Health for possible False Claims Act violations

The Chicago-based chain of 100-plus Medicare clinics said it recently received a civil investigative demand.

November 10, 2021

States sue Biden over COVID vaccine mandate

President Joe Biden is facing major backlash following a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

November 9, 2021

Justice Department charges Arkansas man in $100M COVID scam

An Arkansas man who owned or managed several diagnostic testing laboratories has been indicted on healthcare fraud charges in connection with $100 million in false billings.

November 9, 2021

Many nationally recognized cancer centers are not complying with price transparency rules

The lack of cooperation may be hindering efforts to rein in cancer costs and improve affordability, oncology experts explained recently.

November 1, 2021

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.