Rising Cancer Survivorship Brings New Policy Challenges
More patients are living longer with cancer – and that’s good news. But some face policies, health care providers and workplaces that are unprepared to support survivors. So explained a February webinar, “Global Cancer Survivorship: The Need for Integrative Care,” sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Medical Groups Propose 21 Principles for Prior Authorization Reform
The American Medical Association and 16 patient, physician, hospital and pharmacy groups have issued a resounding message to health plans: it’s time to reform prior authorizations. In a new principles document, the group calls for data-driven policies that don’t disrupt patient care or unduly burden physicians and their staff.
Government Nutrition Advice Gives Mixed Message to Pregnant Women
Eating fish offers pregnant women nutritional benefits for both themselves and their developing babies. But, looking at newly published advice from the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, you might miss that fact.
The Obama Administration’s Final Say on Opioids
This month’s change in presidential administrations prompted some final words – and policy – from federal agencies on the subject of opioids.
Patient Safety Questions Linger after FDA Issues Interchangeability Guidance
New guidance from the Food and Drug Administration directs companies on how to demonstrate a biosimilar’s interchangeability with its reference product.
Who Pays the Price for Health Plans’ Soaring Profits?
UnitedHealth Group announced higher than expected earnings this week, celebrating an 18 percent year-over-year increase to $185 billion in 2106 revenue. But not everyone’s cheering.
FDA Settles on Random Suffix Approach for Naming Biologics & Biosimilars
The names of biologic and biosimilar medicines will include randomly generated four-letter suffixes, the Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.
Advocates & Physicians Speak Out on Potential Vaccine Panel
News on Tuesday that President-elect Donald Trump may form a federal panel on vaccine safety prompted outcry from physicians and advocates.
For Affordable Care Act Patients, Cancer Treatment Access May Fall Short
About 83 percent of Americans say they could depend upon their health insurer if diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, according to Aimed Alliance polling.
New York Governor Signs Step Therapy Bill into Law
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a bill that protects patients from step therapy, marking a victory for advocates in the state.
