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What We're Reading: Walgreens Prepares to Ease Antitrust Concerns Over Rite Aid Deal

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What we're reading, September 9, 2016: Walgreens believes it may need to unload more stores to ease antitrust concerns over its Rite Aid purchase; the Senate may be nearing a Zika funding agreement; and American dissatisfaction with their healthcare system.

Walgreens expects to complete its acquisition of Rite Aid this year, but thinks it may have to do more to ease antitrust concerns. According to The New York Times, Walgreens believes it will have to unload more stores as federal regulators appear hesitant to approve major acquisitions. The deal between Walgreens and Rite Aid would mean Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc could be running more than 12,000 stores nationwide.

After blocking the Zika funding bill 3 times, the Senate may be ready to come to a truce to get the bill passed. Republicans may be prepared to remove language in the bill affecting Planned Parenthood in order to get the bill passed by Senate Democrats, reported POLITICO. However, House Republicans may not be as amenable to accept a change in the bill. The vote is expected to take place in a week or longer as the details are worked out.

While American healthcare is known for high quality care, the cost puts it out of reach for many Americans. In a Forbes blog post, Peter Ubel, MD, writes that America may have some of the best clinicians in the world, and people from other countries travel to the United States to get care, but only half of Americans are satisfied with their healthcare system compared with 85% of Belgians and 75% of British.

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