September 20, 2011—A U.S. Senate appropriations subcommittee voted 10-8 along party lines today to pass a fiscal 2012 spending bill that would authorize the first-ever user fee for providers enrolled in the 340B drug discount program. The full committee is expected to take up the measure tomorrow, Sept. 21. In a news release, the Senate Labor/Health and Human … [Read more...]
Up to 81 Million Americans Are Uninsured or Underinsured, Studies Show
Findings suggest safety-net providers may have to stretch scare resources even further.September 15, 2011—As many as 81 million American adults lack health insurance or have inadequate coverage that leave them exposed to unaffordable medical costs, new studies by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Commonwealth Fund indicate. In its annual report on poverty in the United States, released on Sept. 13, the Census Bureau found that there were 49.9 million Americans of … [Read more...]
National Children’s Hospitals Organization Selects New President & CEO
Health care strategist Mark Wietecha will lead group formed from merger of three this spring.September 15, 2011—The three leading children's hospital organizations that merged this spring—the National Association of Children's Hospitals (NACH), the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA)—have chosen nationally know health care strategist Mark Wietecha as their new overall president … [Read more...]
Access Our September 2011 Print Edition
September 15, 2011 - The Drug Discount Monitor publishes special print editions four times a year in conjunction with major national pharmaceutical conferences. Call (202) 552-5853 or send an email to tom.mirga@340binformed.associationbreeze.com if you would like to get them for a small additional fee.September 15, 2011 - The Drug Discount Monitor publishes special print editions four times a year in conjunction with major national pharmaceutical conferences. Call (202) 552-5853 or send an email to tom.mirga@340binformed.associationbreeze.com if you would like to get them for a small additional fee. … [Read more...]
NCPDP Votes to Implement Contested 340B Telecommunication Standard
Standards group OKs separate request to limit access to 340B price data.August 29, 2011—The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) has formally notified 340B health care providers that it will not change its forthcoming telecommunication standard to prevent pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and private payers from using it to lower reimbursement for 340B retail drugs. During an Aug. 11 meeting in Atlanta, representatives of … [Read more...]
CaptureRx Exec Sees Tauzin Playing a Lead Role in 340B
Will work to build bridges among stakeholders, Gilmartin says.August 23, 2011—New CaptureRx board member and executive Billy Tauzin will advocate actively on behalf of the company, its clients and the wider 340B provider community before Congress and the executive branch and with the drug industry and government and private payers, company co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Ed Gilmartin said in an interview with the Drug Discount … [Read more...]
Medicaid Pays Less Than Part D for Many Drugs, OIG Finds
Study expected to increase calls for Medicaid-like rebates on drugs for dual eligibles.August 23, 2011—State Medicaid agencies pay significantly less for brand-name drugs than commercial Medicare Part D plan sponsors because the statutorily defined Medicaid rebates that states receive on brand-name drugs are "substantially higher" than those negotiated by Part D plans, a new federal report concludes. The study, by the Department of Health and Human Services … [Read more...]