New Poll Puts Healthcare Affordability As Top Of Mind
Recent polling by healthcare policy group KFF says healthcare affordability is top of mind for voters going into the midterms. KFF says that a majority of Democratic and independent voters say it is “extremely important” that candidates talk about healthcare costs (60% and 55%), with 55% of Republican voters saying it is “extremely important” for candidates to discuss fraud in government health programs.
Across party lines, six in 10 adults say they are “very” (27%) or “somewhat worried” (35%) about affording healthcare costs for themselves and their families.
In other news, a new bill would create the Medicare Exchange health plan, a government-run public health insurance option on the Exchanges. The bill would also permanently extend the expired enhanced premium subsidies. The public plan would be at the Silver and Gold metal tier levels, waive all cost-sharing for primary care, and reimburse providers at traditional Medicare rates. Providers in Medicare and Medicaid would be obligated to participate.
Other healthcare bills introduced in anticipation of the election:
- A Medicare physician payment reform
- Improving transparency in Medicare Advantage (MA) prior authorization
- Medical loss ratio transparency in MA
- Provider price transparency
- Workforce initiatives
As well, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed three healthcare bills expanding charity care, delaying hospital price caps, and temporarily blocking private equity healthcare acquisitions on non-profit hospitals.
Additional article: https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/aca/proposed-bill-would-create-medicare-exchange-plan-make-enhanced-aca-subsidies-permanent/ and https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/doctor-pay-price-transparency-congress-healthcare-agenda-bills-legislation/825457/ and https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/delaware-expands-charity-care-delays-hospital-price-caps-3-things-to-know/
#affordability #healthcare #coverage #exchanges #hospitals #privateequity
Compounded GLP-1 Demand Still Strong
Demand for compounded GLP-1 drugs continues unabated despite the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) declaration that the shortage of brand maker drugs has ended and some lawsuits and crackdown on creation of the compounds. Many have begun adding various Vitamin B formulas to seek to meet the customized drug exception, with some arguing compounders are using suspect suppliers of the additives.
Additional article: https://www.medpagetoday.com/primarycare/obesity/122269
#glp1s #weightlossdrugs #drugpricing
— Marc S. Ryan
