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What We’re Reading: Medicare Lawsuit Dismissed; COVID Isolation Guidelines; Millions Have Long COVID
A ruling against Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America marks victory for efforts to lower health care costs; new guidelines align with flu and respiratory syncytial virus protocols; children and pregnant individuals are burdened with long-term health symptoms in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Lawsuit Dismissed Against Drug Price Negotiation Program
On Monday, a federal judge in Austin, Texas, dismissed a lawsuit filed by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) challenging Medicare's new drug price negotiation program, according to Reuters. The program aims to save billions annually by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. Despite the setback for PhRMA, other lawsuits by major drugmakers are ongoing, indicating further legal battles as the cases may reach federal appeals courts and potentially the US Supreme Court.
CDC Plans to Loosen COVID Isolation Guidelines
The CDC is set to release updated guidance that will relax COVID-19 isolation recommendations, allowing Americans who test positive to return to work and school sooner, according to The Washington Post. The move, driven by changes in the COVID-19 landscape and immunity levels, aligns with protocols for avoiding transmission of the flu and respiratory syncytial virus. Under the new approach, individuals can end isolation if they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without medication and their symptoms are mild and improving.
Studies Shed Light on Long COVID in Children and Pregnant Individuals
Recent studies provide insights into the occurrence and effects of long COVID among children and pregnant individuals, according to CNN. One study found that around 10% of pregnant people experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness after contracting COVID-19. Another study suggests that up to 6 million children may develop long COVID, with symptoms that include respiratory problems and an increased risk of autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued letters to 10 companies to warn them that certain drug patents were improperly listed; the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin testing ground beef for bird flu particles; rural Americans are more likely to die early from 1 of the 5 leading causes of death than those who live in urban areas.
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Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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Medicaid, Medicare Policy Changes Could Lead to More Than 25,000 Additional Deaths, Study Says
April 30th 2024Researchers also estimated that more than 700,000 Americans with diabetes could lose insurance coverage if these proposed retractions are put into place, with some new policies already in effect.
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Just as it is important for retail analysts to understand the choices their customers make and why they may choose not to purchase a specific item, so is it important for the specialty pharmacy industry to understand the actions of prescribers and how the often inefficient prior authorization process affects patient outcomes.
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