Drug Prices
Rick Pollack
For the second time in less than a month, the Department of Justice has approved a megamerger between leading players in the health insurance and pharmacy worlds. The DOJ said it will allow the $69 billion merger of CVS Health with Aetna once the insurer sells its Medicare Part D business, which鈥
Also in this weekly roundup of health care news: Northwell Health takes cafeteria cues from a Michelin-starred chef; you may have diabetes and not know it; and a new public safety crisis across the country.
The House of Representatives yesterday passed two bills that would prohibit health plans from restricting a pharmacist鈥檚 ability to inform enrollees when a drug would cost less without using their insurance.
A coalition of health care providers, insurers, seniors and others is pushing back on some of the latest claims by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America that incorrectly blame hospitals for the rising price of drugs.
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee today approved legislation that would prohibit Medicare and private health plans from restricting a pharmacist鈥檚 ability to inform enrollees when a drug would cost less without using their insurance.
Several hospitals and health systems today officially established Civica Rx 鈥 a new not-for-profit generic drug company that will help patients by addressing shortages and high prices of lifesaving medications.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) released yet another 鈥渞eport鈥 in an obvious attempt to divert attention away from a problem of their own making: skyrocketing drug prices.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 29 announced that beginning in 2020 it will allow Medicare Part D plans to vary the formulary placement of a drug based on what condition the drug may treat.
The AHA today expressed support for and urged all senators to support an amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill that would help address the out-of-control cost of prescription drugs.