Bulletin Board
Bulletin Board
Federal Health Policy Update for January 15
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for January 9-15. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. The White House The White House has unveiled “The Great Healthcare Plan,” which it describes as “… a broad healthcare initiative that will slash prescription drug prices, reduce insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency in the American healthcare system.” The major components of the plan, and the key steps for each, are: lower drug prices slash prescription drug [...]
340B Pilot in Limbo After Court Acts – Twice
The future of the Department of Health and Human Services’ 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program is in jeopardy after two setbacks in federal court. A federal court issued a preliminary injunction preventing HHS from implementing the limited model, which was to test replacing the discounts that pharmaceutical companies provide to eligible providers participating in the section 340B prescription drug program when they purchase prescription drugs with post-purchase rebates for products they have already purchased. In issuing its injunction, the court wrote that … the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) arbitrary and [...]
CBO Looks at Opioid Crisis
In light of the growing impact of the opioid crisis on public health, communities, and the economy, the Congressional Budget Office has examined possible approaches to addressing this crisis. In addition to steps such as reducing the supply of illicit opioids, increasing treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system, and enhanced monitoring of drug prescribers, the CBO envisions an important role for health care providers in any attack on the opioid crisis. Specifically, in its new report the CBO explores: expanding Medicaid coverage of treatment expanding use of telehealth [...]
Impact of Lost Health Insurance Subsidies Already Seen
The expiration of enhanced tax credits for the purchase of health insurance on Affordable Care Act exchanges is expected to put the cost of such plans beyond the reach of approximately 4.8 million people in 2026 and result in a significant increase in uninsured Americans. Just two weeks into the new year, the number of people who have purchased health exchange policies is reportedly 800,000 fewer than last year at this time. For a closer look at the anticipated impact of the loss of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, see [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for January 8
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for December 29 to January 8. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Congress Congress returned from winter recess facing a full policy agenda and health care issues remain prominent. Following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, the House is expected to vote on a three-year clean extension brought by a discharge petition from Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY). The Senate is unlikely to advance the measure [...]