Biden Administration Announces Exchange Navigator Grants
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced navigator grants totaling $100 million to forty-four organizations to aid in enrollment in the Exchanges. The agency will distribute up to $500 million over the next five years. The organizations are in twenty-eight states with federally facilitated marketplaces.
CMS Press Release: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-awards-100-million-navigators-who-will-help-millions-americans
(Some articles may require a subscription.)
#aca #exchanges #obamacare #marketing
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/policy/insurance-navigators-grants-cms-open-enrollment-2024
McKesson To Acquire Majority In FL Oncology Group
McKesson signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 70% controlling stake in Community Oncology Revitalization Enterprise Ventures LLC, or Core Ventures, for $2.5 billion in cash. The group owns Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, a major specialty provider group. McKesson’s oncology platform will be integrated into the FL group’s care. This is a good example of vertical integration as McKesson is a major force in the drug supply chain.
Additional article: https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/mckesson-corp-core-ventures-controlling-stake
(Some articles may require a subscription.)
#manda #consolidations #acquisitions
DSH Calculations May Be Headed To The Supreme Court
A good article on the numerous lawsuits in lower courts on the disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program and the disputes between hospitals and the federal government on calculations.
(Article may require a subscription.)
#hospitals #cms
J & J To End Some Upfront Payments In 340B Program
Johnson & Johnson will stop giving hospitals upfront discounts on two of its medications eligible for a discount under the 340B program. The drugs are Stelara and Xarelto. They will grant rebates after hospitals pay in full upfront. The hospital lobby says J & J’s plans are inconsistent with law, worry the company will deny rebates later, and impact cash flow. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) warned the drug maker of this as well.
I am no fan of the brand drug makers, but I am sympathetic here. Plenty of studies show hospitals are abusing the 340B program by not lowering costs for the low income the program is supposed to support. Instead, the dollars are retained by the hospitals.
Additional article: https://insidehealthpolicy.com/daily-news/aha-hrsa-tells-jj-it-can-t-replace-340b-discounts-new-rebate-approach
(Some articles may require a subscription.)
#340b #branddrugmakers #hospitals
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/jj-340b-rebate-plan-hospital-drug-discounts-hrsa/725203
Senate Finance Says Inflation Protection For Medicare Drugs Has Saved $3 Billion
An analysis from the Senate Finance Committee says the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) inflation cap has saved $3 billion for seniors and taxpayers since January 2023. The staff also say the inflation cap law has slowed the rate at which companies are seeking to hike drug prices.
Senate Finance report: https://insidehealthpolicy.com/sites/insidehealthpolicy.com/files/documents/2024/aug/he2024_2275.pdf
(Articles may require a subscription.)
#ira #branddrugmakers #drugpricing
Trump and Harris See Eye To Eye On Drug Prices
A good article about how Donald Trump and Kamala Harris see eye to eye on the drug price problem and reforms. We know of the Biden administration’s Medicare drug price success, but Trump was also very active on the drug price control from when he was in office.
I have written about this extensively. My blog on the subject: https://www.healthcarelabyrinth.com/will-insurers-do-better-under-a-harris-or-trump-administration/ . My podcast on the subject: https://www.healthcarelabyrinth.com/37-would-insurers-fare-better-under-a-trump-or-harris-administration/ .
#drugpricing #harris #trump #ira #branddrugmakers
https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/trump-versus-harris-showdown-big-pharma-foes-drug-pricing/
When MA Plan Shutters Most Find Another Plan
Around 1 in 5 Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries switch to traditional Medicare when their plans shut down. Most who remained in MA selected plans with higher star ratings. About two-thirds switched to a new plan and paid the same or lower premiums.
#medicareadvantage #enrollment
— Marc S. Ryan
