On May 2, CMS Administrator Seema Verma announced the Trump Administration’s “comprehensive strategy” to foster innovation for and improve patient’s access to transformative medical technologies. The strategy, detailed by Administrator Verma in a speech at the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) Annual Meeting, is based on two specific changes related to coding. CMS says that [...] Read More
When the federal government began requiring hospitals to post their prices at the beginning of this year, CMS Administrator Seema Verma praised the initiative and declared that revealing this financial information would “. . . empower patients.” Three months into the effort, do consumers have more transparency and choice, is there increased price competition among [...] Read More
Louisiana took a precedent-setting step last week to confront the costly public health challenges associated with the Hepatitis C virus, (HCV) at the same time embarking on a plan to eventually rid the state of HCV. Health policy experts nationwide are watching the innovative program, anticipating that it could provide a model for states nationwide. [...] Read More
As President and CEO of Applied Policy, I focus on changing government policies that limit access to the products and services that help consumers live longer, healthier lives. In my work over the last decade, I’ve become keenly aware of the contributions that non-profit organizations make towards this shared goal. The Alliance for Aging Research is [...] Read More
In last night’s State of the Union, President Trump addressed a number of health care related issues including prescription drug pricing, health care costs, and the defeat of HIV in the United States. On Prescription Drugs “Already, as a result of my Administration's efforts, in 2018 drug prices experienced their single largest decline in 46 years. [...] Read More
Healthcare will be first on the docket when the 116th Congress convenes in January, according to Rep. Don Beyer, speaker at this month’s gathering of the Northern Virginia Health Policy Forum. Mr. Beyer, who was just reelected to a third term, said he is looking forward to serving in the House majority with the hope [...] Read More
At next week’s Northern Virginia Health Policy Forum (NVHPF) breakfast on Tuesday, November 13, Representative Don Beyer will be the featured speaker. He will discuss the outcome of the November midterm elections and share how it will impact Congress’ health care agenda in 2019. Following his remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions [...] Read More
In the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 the Congressional Budget Office underestimated – by $4 billion – the amount Medicare would save due to changes in Medicare Part D. Instead of saving $7.7 billion, Medicare will actually save $11.8 billion. The savings come from an increase in the government mandated discount that drug manufacturers must offer enrollees [...] Read More
Here are some reimbursement related reasons why access to biosimilars has been slower than hoped, even though patient out-of-pocket costs are lower. Current System Is an Improvement Over Earlier System, But Could Be Better Part B Is For Biologics (and Some Drugs) When I was working at the Senate Legislative Counsel’s office drafting the Average [...] Read More
Every year, thousands of Americans hear the devastating news that they have Alzheimer’s disease. This diagnosis carries with it a certain future of declining mental and behavioral capabilities, and the eventual need for round-the-clock end-of-life care. The financial costs can be staggering, and the emotional costs immeasurable. While the impact of Alzheimer’s can be slowed, […]
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