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The top stories in managed care this week include value-based pricing of the new PCSK9 inhibitors, CMS unveiled a new health equity plan for Medicare, and the American Medical Association released analyses on proposed health insurance mergers.

Democratic president hopeful Bernie Sanders took aim at the pharmaceutical industry with a new bill that would provide the government with negotiating power, allow the import of lower-cost drugs from Canada, and requires reporting of information that affects drug pricing.

CVS Health says narrow networks improve medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases.

An abstract presented at the 16th World Conference on Lung Cancer presented results from a study that monitored irAEs resulting from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Avoidable risk factors to health are taking a growing toll on global health, according to an analysis of 79 risks in 188 countries. The results were published in The Lancet.

Treatment for high blood pressure should be more aggressive with a target lower than commonly recommended by guidelines, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health.

Although a new report from The Commonwealth Fund raised concerns about the competition of Medicare Advantage (MA) programs available across the country, a new analysis from Avalere Health found that there has been a growing number of MA plan options for consumers.

As CMS pushes healthcare systems to move away from fee-for-service, the state's largest insurer makes a major move toward value-based payment.

Presented at the ongoing World Conference on Lung Cancer, the trial has identified 7 actionable genomic alterations in lung cancer patients under 40 years of age.

House Republicans won a minor victory in a new lawsuit against the Obama administration for the legality of spending money from the Treasury for health insurers under the Affordable Care Act. Arguments will be heard this fall.

A draft report on the value-based price benchmark for the newly approved PCSK9 inhibitors for lowering bad cholesterol found that Repatha and Praluent should cost approximately 85% less than their list prices.

At the end of CMS' comment period, the American Society of Clinical Oncology submitted its comments and recommendations for the proposed changes.

Over 10 million personal records of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield customers were jeopardized when hackers gained access to the health plan's database.

The California Public Employees' Retirement System saved $7 million on screening colonoscopies during a 2-year period following implementation of reference pricing.

Research shows that about 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, such as walking, can have significant health benefits. Changes in American lifestyles in recent decades have made limited the amount of time spent walking, with unfortunate results.

Despite concerns, consumer-driven health plans do not cause vulnerable populations to avoid care, but there are still opportunities for them to use their plans more wisely, according to a Cigna study.

The drug, approved in Japan last year, had been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA.

CMS has released a new plan to address health equity in Medicare, which includes 6 priority areas aimed at reducing health disparities over the next 4 years.

Parents and advocates for a slower timetable pointed to existing issues within Medi-Cal as proof that the most vulnerable should not be rushed into managed care. But other states are moving ahead with plans.

With a new dosing schedule, low toxicity and a PD-L1 expression-driven response was observed.

Exercise is still recommended for those who are overweight, but the study suggests a vitamin C supplement can help those patients who can't or won't pursue activity.

Analyses from the American Medical Association determined the potential Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna mergers will diminish competition in at least 23 states and more than 100 metropolitan areas.

With the comment period ending today, the proposed CMS cuts to radiation oncology reimbursement rates might have a substantial impact on community treatment centers.

Data in study show removal of tobacco from stores led to surge in purchase of nicotine patches.

Cancer drug cost troubles in the UK prompt NHS to slash its list of approved-for-use oncology products.

FDA has warned that the drug class dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors may cause joint pain that can be severe and disabling. In a statement, the FDA said said it had issued a "warning and precaution" to all labels in this drug class.

Urologists analyzing data from prostate cancer patients suggest wait and watch in well-informed low-risk prostate cancer patients.

An analysis of Medicare Advantage (MA) plan market shares finds little competition in counties across the nation, according to a report published by The Commonwealth Fund.

Price transparency in healthcare has become more important as consumers increasingly engage in healthcare decision making and are asked to pay more for their care.

Research has shown that telehealth has the potential for better care at lower costs and with increased convenience, but the issue of paying for this service has yet to be addressed.