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What We’re Reading: Ohio’s Toxic Train Wreck; Senate Pushes for PBM Reforms; Kentucky’s Near-Total Abortion Ban
The Biden administration sends medical experts to the site of the derailed train carrying hazardous materials in Ohio; senators push for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms; Kentucky Supreme Court proceeds with near-total abortion ban.
Medical Experts Sent to Ohio Toxic Train Wreck Site
Amid growing public safety concerns since a train carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, derailed in Ohio last week, the Biden administration has sent medical experts to assess any dangers to residents, according to CNN. An evacuation order that was sent in place has been lifted as of February 8. However, some residents are worried the testing is insufficient, as some individuals report smelling a chemical odor, headaches, and sore throats, and officials estimate thousands of fish killed by contamination were found downstream and in rivers.
Senators Accuse PBMs of Lacking Transparency, Push for Reform
During a heated hearing by the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, some Republican lawmakers accused pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) of lacking transparency when directing patients toward pharmacies they own, according to Fierce Healthcare. In the hearing, pharmacies testified against contracts with PBMs, saying they have “zero negotiating power.” On the other hand, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a PBM industry group, has pushed back on proposed legislation, blaming drug companies of “evergreening” and “patent thickets” that are blocking competitive drug prices.
Kentucky’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Continues
On Thursday, Kentucky’s Supreme Court refused to overturn a near-total ban on abortion since the overturning of Roe v Wade, according to the Associated Press. Kentucky’s high court weighed in on issues concerning a statewide near-total abortion ban and an abortion ban after the sixth week of pregnancy. After voters rejected a ballot last year that would have denied any constitutional abortion protections, Republican legislation passed both laws.
CMS Medicare Final Rule: Advancing Benefits, Competition, and Consumer Protection
May 7th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Karen Iapoce, senior director of government products and programs at ZeOmega, about the recent CMS final rule on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage.
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Traditional Medicare Supplemental Insurance and the Rise of Medicare Advantage
May 7th 2024Rising Medicare Advantage enrollment occurred alongside declines in enrollment in traditional Medicare with employer-sponsored supplemental coverage and traditional Medicare without supplemental coverage.
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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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The Senate Finance Committee has introduced bipartisan legislation that proposes using Medicaid and Medicare programs to help prevent and reduce generic drug shortages; US indicators for COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) declined further last week; findings from a recent study reveal growing disparities in child death rates across racial and ethnic groups.
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Access Denied: CMS’ Action Hurts Patients With Cancer in Rural America
May 6th 2024CMS rules hindered the access of rural patients with cancer to medically integrated pharmacies in 2023. The authors discuss the impact on equity in health care, emphasizing the need for regulatory change.
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