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.

UnitedHealth’s stock just had its worst day in 9 years

UnitedHealth Group saw its worst stock day in nearly 9 years on Feb. 24, with shares dropping 7.8%, according to MarketWatch.

February 26, 2020

Medicare for all studies agree universal healthcare will lower costs

An analysis of 22 single-payer healthcare plans have nearly all come to the same conclusion: Universal healthcare will lower costs either in the first year or within the first several years.

February 25, 2020

NAACOS wants more details, changes to direct contracting payments

Members of the nation’s largest association for accountable care organizations have asked CMS to make some suggested changes to the new direct contracting payment models and release additional details. Not doing so could “derail” the new payment reform, according to NAACOS.

February 24, 2020

Coronavirus spread puts medicines at shortage risk

The novel coronavirus originating from China has continued to spread around the world and has increased the risk of drug shortages in the U.S. as a result of dependence on Chinese drug ingredients.

February 24, 2020

Mednax gets the axe from UnitedHealth Group’s network

UnitedHealth Group, which owns the nation’s largest health insurance provider UnitedHealthcare, has parted ways with physician staffing firm Mednax, and cut the company from its in-network providers.

February 21, 2020

Hip and knee bundles may receive 3-year extension

The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model, which covers hip and knee joint replacement bundled payments, could see a three-year extension, CMS announced in a proposed rule.

February 21, 2020

Oscar Health introduces $3 monthly drug program

Oscar Health has introduced a new drug formulary that will limit the cost for patients to just $3 per month for a supply of commonly used medicines, including insulin.

February 21, 2020

Private equity continues to snap up physician groups

Private equity firms are continuing their investments in physician practices, scooping up 355 acquisitions from 2013 to 2016, according to a new study published in JAMA.

February 19, 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.