Health Care Reform from Elsevier Business Intelligence

Sen. Baucus Still Has Ambitious Agenda: Tax Reform, Deficit Reduction, ACA

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:01:43 -0400

Finance Committee chairman decides not to seek re-election in 2014. He has a history of working productively with the drug industry on major legislation such as health reform, the Medicare Modernization Act and PDUFA reauthorizations.

Sen. Baucus, Key Architect Of Device Tax, Health Reform, To Retire In 2014

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:32 -0400

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, and one of the key architects of the Affordable Care Act and device tax, says he will serve out his term, but not seek re-election in November 2014.

Friendly Fire? Tavenner Nomination Held Up By Sen. Harkin

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:25:01 -0400

Senate HELP Committee chairman objects to use of preventive health funds for health reform “Navigators” program.

Owning The Disease II: Adapting Strategy Into Successful Business Tactics

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0400

Owning the Disease represents a powerful new business model for medical technology companies as they seek to adapt to health care reform and a changing environment. Organizations that successfully own a disease align their incentives with those of other stakeholders in the market by developing the capabilities to deliver compelling new value propositions.

Gain In Procedures For Newly Insured Under Health Reform May Offset Device Tax, Analyst Says

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:05:01 -0400

A Wells Fargo analysis on the expected increase in device utilization rates based on expanded insurance coverage due to provisions in the Affordable Care Act will offset the financial impacts of the 2.3 percent device excise tax.

Xi’an Health Reform Plans For 2015: 20% More Hospitals But No Expansion

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:50:08 -0400

Xi’an announced its health reform plans for 2015, which will lower the thresholds of its private health care market, and increase public health institutes in number and service capacity by 20%.

Gain In Procedures From Newly Insured Under Health Reform Will Offset Device Tax, Analyst Says

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:03 -0400

A Wells Fargo analysis on the expected increase in device utilization rates based on expanded insurance coverage due to provisions of the Affordable Care Act will offset the financial impacts of the 2.3 percent device excise tax.

Regulating Formularies: OIG Wants Closer Scrutiny of Process; CMS Says Focus on Results

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:35:00 -0400

The HHS Inspector General is concerned about lax oversight of conflict-of-interest standards on formulary committees for Medicare Part D plans. CMS is defending its approach, which emphasizes review of the formularies themselves, rather than the process to construct them.

Hospitals, Insurers Enjoy Growing Influence As VCs

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:30:00 -0400

Over a decade ago, hospital companies began establishing venture capital funds to ride shotgun with institutional VCs, hoping to get a glimpse of health care’s future. Today, under health care reform, VC groups sponsored by providers and payors increasingly find themselves in the driver’s seat, looking for the start-ups that might have solutions to the industry’s biggest problem – cost.

Paging Dr. McClellan: FDA Calls On Brookings For PDUFA Research

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:58:22 -0400

Brookings’ Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform invited to help FDA research REMS and risk-benefit standardization, patient-reported outcomes, and other issues that were mandated in PDUFA V.

MNCs Reaping Market Benefits From Aiding China's Health-Care Reform

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:10:01 -0500

In addition to its residents, multinational drug makers such as Novo Nordisk and Pfizer are reaping the benefits of China's three-year-old move to reform its health-care system.

China’s MOH Reviews 2012 Regional Health Reform Highlights

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:40:04 -0500

In a review by China’s health ministry on regional reform last year to delink hospitals and drug dispensaries, it was found that five Beijing hospitals started testing hospital reforms.

Beijing Class III Hospital Health Reform Results May Not Count Uninsured

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:35:01 -0500

A pharma paper raises questions on whether Beijing authorities reported figures only involving health insurance patients for the city’s reform-piloting Class III hospitals.

Where Are The Biosimilars?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:40:00 -0500

An abbreviated pathway for follow-on biologics was one of the biggest issues for biotech investors in the legislative debate over health care reform. Two years after enactment, FDA is still waiting for the first application.

Sichuan Launches Health Reform Plans For 2011-2015

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:13:13 -0500

Sichuan province recently published its health reform plans for 2011-2015, aiming for personal health expenditure to constitute below 30% of public health spending.

“Status Quo” Election Means Stability in Administration Overseeing Rapid Change in Policy Climate

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The re-election of Barack Obama injects some stability into a period of rapid change in regulatory and health policy. Most key health officials are expected to stay at least until 2014, and that is likely to include FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg.

Health Reform in 2013: The Sprint to the Starting Line

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Affordable Care Act has nearly died at least three times since the final bill took shape in 2010; with the re-election of Barack Obama, it is all systems go. But remember, the race to implement the program by 2014 is only the beginning, not the end, of health care reform.

With President Obama Re-elected, Preparation For ACA Coverage Expansion Accelerates

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The presidential election resolves uncertainty about the future of the health reform law, and the administration is expected to move full steam ahead to implement its central coverage expansion provisions.

With President Obama Re-elected, Preparation For ACA Coverage Expansion Accelerates

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

India's Generic-Drug Industry Can Take Heart With Obama Re-Election

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:23:00 -0500

India drug makers see good news in the U.S. re-election of President Obama as an affirmation of a health-care reform plan that places an emphasis on prescriptions for generic versions of drugs, an Indian specialty.

With President Obama Re-elected, Preparation For ACA Coverage Expansion Accelerates

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:20:10 -0500

Abbott Takes Advantage Of China Health-Reform Effort To Sell Diagnostics

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 06:00:00 -0400

Abbott Laboratories expects to have 33 diagnostics approved for the China market by the end of the year, helping the U.S.-based company gain a foothold in a market where a five-year health-care reform plan relies on more diagnoses.

Pharma Take Note: Commercial Strategy Must Align With Provider Pay Incentives

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:26:14 -0400

A survey by ZS Associates finds that performance incentives for providers are commonly used and conceptually well accepted, but structured too poorly to meet organizational goals. That’s important for pharma as it revamps its commercial strategy and grapples with the best ways to influence physician decision making in an era of health care reform.

IPAB Raised At Debate; Romney Advisor Skeptical Board Will Ever Meet, Even If Obama Wins

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Strict conflict-of-interest restrictions will make it very challenging to get people confirmed to serve on the Independent Payment Advisory Board, established under health reform, according to a top advisor to Mitt Romney. IPAB was a contentious issue in last week’s presidential debate.

IPAB Raised At Debate, But Romney Advisor Skeptical Board Will Meet Even If Obama Wins

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:09:29 -0400

Strict conflict-of-interest restrictions will make it very challenging to get people confirmed to serve on the Independent Payment Advisory Board established under the 2010 health reform law, according to a top health care advisor to Mitt Romney. IPAB was addressed in the Oct. 3 presidential debate.

Shanghai Considers Expanding Private Healthcare Market

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:23:15 -0400

Shanghai’s health reform office is poised to launch policies formulated to foster private healthcare development.

Romney Advisor: IPAB Unlikely To Meet, Even In Obama Second Term

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Strict conflict-of-interest restrictions will make it very challenging to get people confirmed to serve on the Independent Payment Advisory Board established under the 2010 health reform law, according to a top health care advisor to Mitt Romney who spoke at an Oct. 2 session of the AdvaMed 2012 conference in Boston.

Beyond ObamaCare: Big Pharma, Health Reform and the 2012 Elections

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:33:27 -0400

Most everyone can agree that health care costs are spiraling out of control. President Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney each say they have a plan to cut spending.

Shanghai To Expand Med Prepayment System To All Hospitals

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:51:49 -0400

A medical prepayment system instituted in Shanghai public hospitals in 2011 saved RMB 50.96 million in cutting down over-prescribing, duplicative diagnostics and clinical re-visits, according to Shanghai’s health reform chief.

Trends In Colorectal Cancer Screening – The Impact Of Health Care Reform: An Interview With Brian Jacobson, MD

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:02:00 -0400

Medtech Insight recently spoke with Brian Jacobson, MD, associate professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, and the chair of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s Health and Public Policy Committee, about trends in colorectal cancer screening and the potential impact that health care reform will have on the colonoscopy market.

Romney’s Top Policy Strategist Brings Early Interest In Health Care, Part D

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Lanhee Chen’s track record includes multiple national political campaigns and analysis of Part D legislation and health reform during think-tank fellowships.

China Releases Strategic Healthcare Study Report

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 06:00:00 -0400

China’s Ministry of Health has published the “Health China 2020” Strategic Study Report to outline healthcare reform needs.

China’s Healthcare Reform Needs Resource Allocation Shift – Healthcare Officials

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:00:00 -0400

Fundamental shift in resource allocation, physician incentive systems and reforms to public hospitals critical say key healthcare officials.

China’s Healthcare Reform Needs Resource Allocation Shift – Healthcare Officials

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:17:13 -0400

Fundamental shift in resource allocation, physician incentive systems and reforms to public hospitals critical say key healthcare officials.

China Faces Dilemma Of Lower Hospital Drug Prices, Doctor Salaries

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 05:01:44 -0400

China's $125 billion health reform project has not been able to reconcile the need to rein in drug prices. At the same time the population of 1.34 billion needs care for major chronic diseases.

Clarity Over Health Care Reform Boosts Telehealth Prospects

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:00:00 -0400

Accountable care organizations and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation are driving growth in telemedicine.

Clarity Over Health Care Reform Boosts Telehealth Prospects

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Accountable care organizations and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation are driving growth in telemedicine.

Clarity Over Health Care Reform Boosts Telehealth Prospects

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Accountable care organizations and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation are driving growth in telemedicine.

CMS’ Blum Assumes New High-Level Duties As ACA Implementation Proceeds

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

CMS Deputy Administrator Jonathan Blum is taking on some of the responsibilities previously handled by CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner as the agency faces deadlines in implementing key elements of the health reform law.

CMS’ Blum Assumes New High-Level Duties As ACA Implementation Proceeds

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

CMS Deputy Administrator Jonathan Blum is taking on some of the responsibilities previously handled by Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner as the agency faces deadlines in implementing key elements of the health reform law.

Chinese Health Minister Reviews Three-Year Health Reform Efforts

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 06:00:00 -0400

China Health Minister Chen Zhu said the Essential Drug program has cut the nation’s essential drug prices by approximately 30%, reducing both outpatient and inpatient fees.

Bipartisan Support Pushes FDA User Fee Bill One Step From Passage

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Senate is expected to vote this week on the bipartisan compromise of the FDA user fee and reform legislation, which the House overwhelmingly passed in a voice vote June 20. Senate review of the bill will coincide with the Supreme Court’s decision on the health care reform law.

PDUFA Final Legislation: House Pays For Senate’s GAIN

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:55:00 -0400

Resolution of issues in conference committee largely favors the brand industry, and swift passage will allow the legislation to avoid becoming a political football after the Supreme Court’s ruling on health care reform.

Deals Of The Week: Upsher-Smith/Proximagen, Novo Nordisk/JDRF, Newron/NeuroNova

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

With BIO 2012 taking place June 17-21, the entire health care world awaits the Supreme Court’s ruling on health care reform. In the pharma world, companies are strategizing against all the possible outcomes.

House Device Tax Repeal Effort May Raise Profile Of Issue In Election Season

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:03:00 -0400

Legislation to repeal the impending medical device excise tax will be sent to a vote on the House floor, raising the profile of the tax as a congressional election issue even as major impediments to repeal remain in the Senate. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court health care reform ruling looms.

CMS Officials 'Optimistic' Supreme Court Will Uphold Affordable Care Act

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Medicare and Medicaid officials said last week that they are confident the Supreme Court will uphold the health care reform law, and that they will continue to focus on implementing various provisions, such as a program to promote accountable care organizations.

Hearing Targets Health Account OTC Issue As Reform Law Proxy

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:00:00 -0400

Republicans on the Subcommittee on Oversight oppose the provision in health care reform requiring consumers to have a prescription to purchase OTCs with pre-tax savings account funds. Democrats argue the revenue is needed to pay for health care reform and lower costs for everyone.

Hearing Targets Health Account OTC Issue As Reform Law Proxy

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Smaller Players See Opportunity In Large Joints

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:03:00 -0400

The business of selling hip and knee implants is dominated by five principal players whose grips have been impossible to break as surgeons have become comfortable working with these market leaders. But health care reform, the sagging economy and other external interferences are putting pressures on hospitals to save money wherever they can, and these pressures could create openings for smaller players.

China Health Minister Promises More Reforms In Essential Drugs Access

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:48:58 -0400

China’s Health Minister Chen Zhu promised the three-year-old healthcare reform would continue to make progress, including in the area of making essential drugs available, until service equates with expectations of the public.