Puerto Rico’s economy was in distress before the island was slammed by hurricanes Irma and Marie, and it is struggling mightily now to recover. But new tax policies also are needed for this U.S. territory to have a fighting chance at long-term economic recovery. Damage to the island from the hurricanes was overwhelming, destroying homes and crippling businesses already suffering in the … [Read more...] about Puerto Rico’s Crisis Affects Us All
Price Transparency Is Critical to Drug Pricing Solutions
Prescription drug costs are a hot political issue, not as much because of the share of the U.S. health care dollar they consume but because consumers pay a larger share of their drug costs out of pocket than they do for other health care. The lack of price transparency for prescription drugs is a large part of the problem, and making pricing more transparent throughout the process could help in … [Read more...] about Price Transparency Is Critical to Drug Pricing Solutions
Senate Bill Provides A Safety Net And Needed Reforms
Any legislation that clears Congress under the repeal and replace banner needs to do four things: It needs to rescue millions of people in ACA exchange plans now who are at risk of losing their coverage because of ObamaCare’s multiple failures. It must provide states more flexibility in managing their Medicaid programs so they can better serve their neediest citizens. It needs to … [Read more...] about Senate Bill Provides A Safety Net And Needed Reforms
Biosimilar Drugs Offer Promise For Drug Price Savings, But Risks Remain
The issue of prescription drug prices continues to top the list of public concerns about health costs, and Congress and the administration are floating possible policy solutions. Solutions to this complex problem will be most effective if they are targeted and geared toward encouraging rather than undermining competition and innovation in the vibrant 21st century life sciences industry. One … [Read more...] about Biosimilar Drugs Offer Promise For Drug Price Savings, But Risks Remain
More and better information can enhance patient care
With Congress intensely focused on big decisions involving health reform legislation, it’s easy to miss other initiatives that are quietly moving through Congress which could make a major contribution to achieving the goals of health reform One example is a measure offered by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) that would open the lines of communication between biopharmaceutical, medical device, and … [Read more...] about More and better information can enhance patient care
New Taxes Won’t Lower Drug Prices
Prescription drug prices continue to be a hot political issue, with the Trump administration preparing to release an action plan as soon as repeal and replace legislation clears Congress. Mick Mulvaney, who heads the White House budget office and is participating in the talks, floated an idea last week that should quickly be crossed off the list of policy ideas. He told the LIGHT 2017 Forum at … [Read more...] about New Taxes Won’t Lower Drug Prices
Studies Show U.S. Patients Are Being Denied Access To Life-Saving Drugs
Decisions by health care authorities are impeding patients’ access to new medicines. That is a headline Americans expect to read about barriers to treatments in government-run health care systems that ration access to care, often to stay within their global spending budgets. But a study presented at the recent American College of Cardiology annual meeting in Washington, D.C., showed this … [Read more...] about Studies Show U.S. Patients Are Being Denied Access To Life-Saving Drugs
Dems Might Want To Consider Supporting House Health Bill
By Grace-Marie Turner and Doug Badger Democrats will rally on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday to “save ObamaCare,” but they might want to re-think what is really best for their constituents. Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to join House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other House Democrats outside the Capitol for the rally, which will be held one day before … [Read more...] about Dems Might Want To Consider Supporting House Health Bill