February 13, 2018
Think an informed medical expert is making the coverage decisions at your health insurance company? You might think again.
February 12, 2018
More than 3.4 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can cause seizures and violent muscle spasms. This February 12, International Epilepsy Day, patients come together to share their experiences – including the struggle to access necessary medication.
February 7, 2018
New research from the University of Pennsylvania details prior authorization requirements for PCSK9 inhibitors. The self-injected drugs lower bad cholesterol for patients with cardiovascular disease or genetic high cholesterol. Prior authorization allows health insurers to act as a gatekeeper, deciding whether they will cover the medication when it’s prescribed by a patient’s health care provider.
February 6, 2018
In Missouri, a class action lawsuit is under appeal. In Florida, a U.S. District Court judge ordered the Department of Corrections to begin treating infected inmates immediately. And at least six other states, including Virginia and Tennessee, face similar legal challenges.
January 30, 2018
The Pharmaceutical Information Exchange Act, H.R. 2026, would ease current communication restrictions, permitting drug and medical device companies to discuss off-label information with health insurers. The bill recently passed out of Congress’ Energy and Commerce health subcommittee.
January 26, 2018
A new trend has more health insurers implementing what are known as co-pay accumulator programs, which change how patients meet their annual deductible. Insurers embrace the programs to increase their revenues and discourage the use of high-cost drugs. But, in so doing, they leave patients with a difficult choice.
January 25, 2018
An estimated 65 million family caregivers help their elderly, disabled or ill loved ones continue to live at home – driving them to appointments and assisting with day-to-day needs like bathing, dressing and preparing meals. Few receive recognition, resources or support. But a new law aims to change that.
January 23, 2018
Innovative but expensive CAR-T therapies for cancer are worth their price, announced the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review recently. The organization is the self-appointed arbiter of drug costs. But its decision was hardly news for those in the cancer community.
January 16, 2018
Cash-strapped states are exploring a controversial new way to cut Medicaid expenses: limiting which drugs their beneficiaries can access.
January 12, 2018
Nearly 1.7 million Americans learned they had cancer in 2017. Most of these patients began traditional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Yet for many, a groundbreaking new immuno-oncology therapy could have been a better alternative.
