February 22, 2018
Patients covered by Medicaid in Kentucky and Indiana could soon find themselves in a difficult position. According to new rules, recipients must complete 80 hours of “community engagement” or risk losing their health coverage.
February 20, 2018
It might be itching, chills, fatigue or sleeplessness. Side effects are common with prescription drugs. So how do regulators, patients and physicians keep tabs on these events and ensure that drugs are safe in everyday use?
February 16, 2018
In a Tuesday policy panel sponsored by The Headache and Migraine Policy Forum, experts from across the health care and veterans support spectrum weighed in on how migraine and headache disorders impact veterans – and whether these women and men can access the treatment they need.
February 15, 2018
The Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug that helps address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, not simply its symptoms. The drug, a combination of tezacaftor/ivacaftor, is for patients aged 12 and older with certain cystic fibrosis mutations.
February 13, 2018
Gout can be painful and debilitating – but also treatable, explains a new Fast Facts policy brief. A product of the newly formed Alliance for Gout Awareness, the Q&A document aims to inform and empower patients with basic information about the condition.
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.
