Cures Act, FDA Draft Guidance Suggest Flexibility On Communication Of Real-World Drug Impacts, Though Questions Remain
The debate about drug prices veils an intense discussion about the value that pharmaceuticals deliver. A key question pertains to the “real-world” impacts of prescription drugs, such as their potential to improve adherence, prevent hospitalizations, and reduce health costs.
The recently enacted 21st Century Cures Act contains a provision, “Section 3037: Health Care Economic Information,” designed to facilitate communication between pharmaceutical companies and formulary committees and payors about such real-world impacts. Section 3037 amends Section 114 of the Food and Drug Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA Section...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - February 2, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Peter J. Neumann and Elle Pope Tags: Drugs and Medical Innovation 21st Century Cures Act FDAMA Section 114 Food and Drug Modernization Act health care economic information Source Type: blogs
How States Can Expand Access To Palliative Care
Conclusion
The policies discussed in this Blog post are intended to serve as a framework for policymakers and other stakeholders interested in doing more to support palliative care in their states. Here are a few considerations for those interested in exploring potential options:
None of the policies and initiatives described above would have been possible without efforts from key stakeholders such as the state hospice and palliative care associations, and local funders, researchers, and advocates. Champions such as Colorado’s Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC), the Coalition for Compassionate Care of Cal...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - January 30, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Stacie Sinclair and Diane Meier Tags: End of Life & Serious Illness Long-term Services and Supports Medicaid and CHIP Payment Policy Quality California End-of-Life Care Palliative Care States Source Type: blogs
Repealing The ACA Could Worsen The Opioid Epidemic
As our country grapples with an “unprecedented opioid epidemic,” Congress is taking steps to take away an important tool to fight it — the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The annual cost of the epidemic is estimated to be $78.5 billion. In 2014, there were more deaths from opioid and other drug overdose than any other year; 60.9 percent of those overdoses involved an opioid. Every day, an average of 78 Americans die from opioid abuse. The coverage expansions and protections under the ACA can help lessen the epidemic and save lives.
The ACA Provides Coverage to People with Substance Use Disorders
Because of the ACA, a...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - January 30, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Lisa Clemans-Cope, Dania Palanker and Jane Wishner Tags: Following the ACA Medicaid and CHIP Public Health Essential Health Benefits Medicaid expansion opioid epidemic opioids Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver Substance Use Disorders Source Type: blogs
Court Blocks Aetna-Humana Deal: The Mega-Mergers Meet The Trump Administration Next?
Big Insurance was dealt a significant blow on Monday, January 23. A federal judge in Washington D.C. ruled in favor of the Department of Justice (DoJ) and blocked the proposed $37 billion merger of Aetna and Humana because it would have anti-competitive effects in violation of federal antitrust laws. All eyes are now on DoJ’s parallel case (also proceeding apace in D.C., but before a different federal judge), which aims to stop an even larger, $48 billion merger of two more mega-insurers: Anthem (the largest member of the Blue Cross network) and Cigna.
These are the largest proposed insurance mergers in American history&...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - January 30, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Abbe R. Gluck and Thomas Greaney Tags: Featured Insurance and Coverage Medicare Aetna Department of Justice Health Law Humana Medicare Advantage mega-merger Source Type: blogs
Court Blocks Aetna-Humana Deal: The Mega-Mergers Meet The Trump Administration Next
Big Insurance was dealt a significant blow on Monday, January 23. A federal judge in Washington D.C. ruled in favor of the Department of Justice (DoJ) and blocked the proposed $37 billion merger of Aetna and Humana because it would have anti-competitive effects in violation of federal antitrust laws. All eyes are now on DoJ’s parallel case (also proceeding apace in D.C., but before a different federal judge), which aims to stop an even larger, $48 billion merger of two more mega-insurers: Anthem (the largest member of the Blue Cross network) and Cigna.
These are the largest proposed insurance mergers in American history&...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - January 30, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Abbe R. Gluck and Thomas Greaney Tags: Featured Insurance and Coverage Medicare Aetna Department of Justice Health Law Humana Medicare Advantage mega-merger Source Type: blogs
