Category: Health Industry

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.

Spurred By Convenience, Millennials Often Spurn The ‘Family Doctor’ Model

These young adults are looking for medical care that is convenient, fast and offers cost transparency. They frequently seek treatment at retail clinics, urgent care centers or other options.

The Feds’ Termination Of A Tiny Contract Inflames Bitter Fight Over Fetal Tissue

Just weeks before midterm elections, a move by federal health officials spotlights a contentious issue: the use of human fetal tissue in research. Here’s what you need to know to understand the debate.

Medicare Advantage Plans Shift Their Financial Risk To Doctors

Some private Medicare Advantage plans are offering large physician-management companies more money upfront and control of their patients’ care, but the doctors are responsible for staying within the budget.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.

Patient Advocacy Or Political Ploy? Union, Industry Square Off Over Dialysis Initiative

The measure, which will appear on the November ballot, seeks to cap industry profits. The SEIU-UHW union has raised almost $17 million, but industry opponents have invested more than four times that.

In The Battle To Control Drug Costs, Old Patent Laws Get New Life

Health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers are exploring how two legal provisions — which have been on the books for decades — could bring down the price tags of certain prescription medications. 

Drugmakers Play The Patent Game To Lock In Prices, Block Competitors

Pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, often win patents for incremental changes with debatable value. Now there’s a twist involving an opioid treatment.

Feds Settle Huge Whistleblower Suit Over Medicare Advantage Fraud

A DaVita subsidiary will pay $270 million over allegations that it cheated the federal government for years.

White Coats As Superhero Capes: Med Students Swoop In To Save Health Care

Students from eight medical schools in and around New York City attended a conference Sept. 23 on progressive activism during their training years — and beyond.