Policy

Consolidation reduces competition in markets and gives hospitals more leverage to raise prices.

The head of a major ObamaCare enrollment group urged Texans to embrace their new benefits under healthcare reform as a means to stay "healthy and financially secure."

Ratcheting up the campaign to sell the health law, President Barack Obama delivered a speech Thursday touting how millions of individuals are already benefiting from its insurance rebates, and others who buy coverage online in states such as California, New York and Oregon will pay lower-than-projected premiums next year because of increased competition.

In the final segment, panelists examine the use of companion diagnostics to determine proper patient utilization. Dr. Chernew asks if the required diagnostic testing is being appropriately used and if they are being covered by payers.

Jan Berger, MD, MJ, President & CEO, Health Intelligence Partners, and editor-in-chief of The American Journal of Pharmacy Benefits, says the triple aim consists of cost, quality, and access. Additionally, the largest benefit that healthcare consumers can use is their health pharmacy benefit.

Dea Belazi, PharmD, Vice President, Payer & Healthcare Solutions, Source Healthcare Analytics, says a copay assistance program is primarily sponsored or supported by a pharmaceutical manufacturer.