Susan Jaffe

Author's posts

No More Secrets: Congress Bans Pharmacist ‘Gag Orders’ On Drug Prices

Congress approved two bills last month that prohibit provisions keeping pharmacists from telling patients when they can save money by paying the cash price instead of the price negotiated by their insurance plan.

New Medicare Advantage Tool To Lower Drug Prices Puts Crimp In Patients’ Choices

Federal officials are allowing the private insurance plans to use “step therapy” for drugs administered by doctors. In step therapy, patients must first use cheaper drugs to see if they work before receiving more expensive options.

New Medicare Advantage Tool To Control Drug Prices Could Narrow Choices

Federal officials will allow private Medicare insurance plans to require patients who are candidates for certain expensive drugs to try cheaper drugs first.