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.

Washington state receive second Medicaid waiver for coronavirus

The state of Washington is the second states to receive an approved Section 1135 Medicaid waiver from CMS to help deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 20, 2020

Industry groups urge policy changes, increase in rapid response to coronavirus

As the new coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to spread across the globe and the number of infections in the U.S. rises daily, healthcare industry groups are continuing to ramp up recommendations, guidance and pressure on policymakers and regulators to ensure healthcare providers are able to respond swiftly to the crisis with flexibility.

March 19, 2020

HHS launches emergency drug packaging solutions with public-private blend

HHS is bringing together a public-private partnership to address emergency drug packaging with a U.S.-based solution using low-cost prefilled syringes.

March 18, 2020

Trump declares national state of emergency over coronavirus

President Trump declared a national emergency over the new coronavirus, COVID-19, on March 13, freeing up more funds to tackle the virus and respond to the crisis.

March 16, 2020

Best and worst states for doctors in 2020

Montana is the best state for doctors in 2020, according to a new ranking from WalletHub.

March 16, 2020

CMS outlines coverage benefits for coronavirus

CMS has issued Frequently Asked Questions to provide more information on essential health benefits coverage of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak.

March 13, 2020

Most expensive drugs in the U.S.

Drug prices in the United States are higher than anywhere else in the world, and there are some prescription medicines with price tags in the millions.

March 13, 2020

Survey says: U.S. hospitals have big plans for automation

Nearly two-thirds of hospitals are hoping to implement robotic process automation and AI technologies in the next two years, according to a new survey of healthcare executives.

March 13, 2020

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.