Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News

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Trump Administration ‘Open For Business’ On Drug Imports From Canada

HHS secretary announces a preliminary plan Wednesday to allow Americans to import certain lower-cost drugs from Canada. Insulin and other biological drugs, controlled substances and intravenous drugs would not be included.

Using Obamacare Funds, Trump Aims To Shift Dialysis Care To Patients’ Homes

Only about 12% of dialysis patients get their treatment at home and the initiative aims to dramatically increase that number and move patients out of costly dialysis centers. It would also add provisions to boost the annual number of kidneys available for transplants.

How To Get A Cheaper Prescription Before Leaving The Doctor’s Office

A pricing tool embedded in their electronic health record and prescribing system lets doctors see how much patients will pay out-of-pocket based on their insurance and the pharmacy. But doctors have been slow to adopt the technology, which has limitations.

Trump Has Blessed States’ Exploration Of Importing Drugs. Will It Catch On?

Colorado, Florida and Vermont — with the support of President Donald Trump — are exploring plans to bring drugs across the border from Canada to help lower costs.

Study: Arkansas Medicaid Work Requirements Hit Those Already Employed

More than 95% of the Arkansas residents targeted by the state’s Medicaid work requirement were already working or met the criteria to be exempted from the mandate, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Walmart Charts New Course By Steering Workers To High-Quality Imaging Centers

Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, is recommending that employees and dependents use one of 800 imaging centers identified as providing trustworthy care.

Suicide Risk Grew After Missouri Medicaid Kids Shifted To Managed Care, Hospitals Say

Psychiatric treatment for children in Medicaid managed-care plans in Missouri has declined and suicide risks are up, reveals a study sponsored by the state hospital association.

CMS Ignores Federal Judge Ruling To Approve Medicaid Work Rules in Utah

Work helps make people healthier, CMS chief Seema Verma said in approving Utah’s waiver request to tie government health benefits to employment or volunteer work. But Judge James Boasberg has said that isn’t the goal of Medicaid.

Federal Judge Again Blocks Medicaid Work Requirements

The decision applies only to Kentucky and Arkansas, and many experts expect the administration and other conservative states to continue to move forward on rules that would limit coverage for people who don’t work.

Judge Vows To Rule On Medicaid Work Requirements By End Of March

A federal district judge appeared skeptical of the arguments by the Justice Department and Arkansas and Kentucky that their programs should mandate that some enrollees work.