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.

How US could fall behind China in AI development

The United States is still viewed as the world’s leader in researching and developing AI solutions—but could that reputation be at stake?

January 22, 2020

$13.3B of healthcare administration could be automated

One-third of healthcare administrative spending could be automated and save $13.3 billion, according to a report by CAQH.

January 22, 2020

Centene, WellCare $17.3B merger clears regulatory requirements

Centene has passed all regulatory hurdles to seal the deal on a merger with WellCare Health Plans worth $17.3 billion.

January 22, 2020

Amazon ramps up trademarks for pharmacy business

Amazon is signaling it may soon sell prescription drugs in the U.K., Canada and Australia after the company moved to trademark “Amazon Pharmacy” in those countries at the start of 2020, CNBC reported.

January 22, 2020

37% of ACOs are taking on downside risk

More accountable care organizations are taking on downside financial risk in the Medicare Shared Savings Program than ever before, with 37% in the program today participating in these arrangements.

January 21, 2020

Supreme Court won’t hear ACA lawsuit

The Supreme Court won’t take up the ongoing appeal over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, leaving the decision in the hands of a lower court.

January 21, 2020

Another drug company explores $2M-$3M price tag for therapy

The world could soon have a new most expensive drug if an experimental gene therapy for hemophilia patients could come in with a price tag between $2 million and $3 million is approved.

January 21, 2020

Will US, Europe work together on AI regulation?

Sundar Pichai, who serves as the CEO for both Alphabet and Google, wants the United States and European Union to work together on developing AI regulations.

January 20, 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.