Author's posts
Weight loss drugs could soon be covered by Medicare and Medicaid
The Biden administration is looking to extend Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. Weight loss drugs are now excluded from mandatory coverage.
The Biden Administration wants health insurance to cover all OTC contraception
The Biden Administration has proposed a rule to require private health insurance to cover over-the-counter birth control pills, spermicide, condoms and plan B.
Only about 1/5 of large companies cover drugs for weight loss
A survey of employers finds that only about a fifth of large companies cover drugs like Wegovy for weight loss. A majority of companies that do cover the medicines have requirements.
Patients are struggling to fill obesity drug prescriptions
Drug manufacturers have declared obesity drugs to be “available,” but patients are still struggling to fill prescriptions.
Drug makers including Pfizer are starting to sell drugs directly to consumers
Some drugmakers are getting into the telehealth business in a move that might allow them to sell drugs directly to patients.
The Biden administration is wrapping up negotiations to lower prescription drug prices
The first price negotiations between Medicare and drug companies has been underway since February. What do we know about how it’s going?
States consider whether to add coverage for some obesity medicines
Medicaid is required to cover almost all drugs, but Congress specifically excluded those for weight loss. Even so, 16 states now cover Wegovy. Others are considering it, but it could strain budgets.
Oncologists’ meetings with drug reps don’t help cancer patients live longer
Drug company reps commonly visit doctors to talk about new medications. A team of economists wanted to know if that helps patients live longer. They found that for cancer patients, the answer is no.
Pharma reps have visited doctors for decades. What impact does it have on patients?
A economic research study shows that oncologists’ prescribing habits change after they’ve been visited by pharmaceutical sales reps — and it also shows the changes do not extend patients’ lives.
What to know about January’s annual drug price hikes
Spoiler: There are some decreases this year, too. Here’s an overview of the changing prices and what to make of them.
