Rare Clinical Trial Compensation Legislation Is Signed Into Law
President Obama signed a bill into law that will compensate patients for participating in clinical studies of rare diseases.
New Law to Prohibit Medigap from Covering Part B Deductible
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which was enacted into law on April 16, will prohibit Medicare supplemental insurance(Medigap) policies from covering the Part B deductible for people who become eligible for Medicare on or afterJan. 1, 2020.
Manufacturers Must Give Six-Month Notice for Stoppages
The U.S. FDA has issued a final rule requiring manufacturers to give six months’ notice if they plan to discontinue or interrupt production.
Third Track for Shared Savings ACOs Offers More Flexible Rules
A final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is intended to maintain the rigor of the Medicare Shared Savings program (created by the Affordable Care Act),while ensuring providers continue to participate.
Report Provides Stats for 2015 Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage
Nationwide, nearly 11.7 million consumers selected or were automatically re-enrolled in health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace as of Feb. 22, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
HHS Contracts with BioCryst to Develop New Ebola Drug
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has awarded approximately $12 million to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals for the advanced development of a promising experimental drug for Ebola.
Medicare Rights Center Addresses Enrollment Pitfalls
The Medicare Rights Center has released a new Medicare Snapshot: Stories from the Helpline that addresses Medicare enrollment pitfalls and outlines needed improvements.
Pricing and Policies for Biosimilars Are Announced
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to begin paying for biosimilars through its Part B,Part D and state coverage policies by this summer, according to a question-and-answer document released in April.
HHS Launches Digital HIV Educational Tool
The U.S.Department of Health and Human Services released Positive Spin, a comprehensive digital educational tool that uses storytelling to promote HIV treatment.
HHS Initiative Addresses Opioid-Related Drug Overdose, Death and Dependence
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a $133 million initiative to reduce prescription opioid and heroin-related overdose, death and dependence.