Consumer Driven Health Care

Following lawsuits filed by Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, PhRMA and the US Chamber of Commerce challenging the drug price negotiation plan, the CMS revised its guidance, allowing drug companies to publicly discuss the talks.

The food and beverage company alleges that Aetna, which took more than $1.3 billion from Kraft Heinz since 2012 to pay providers for medical services, treats its expenses with less diligence because its health costs are self-funded.

Ballad Health sued more than 6,700 patients over medical debt in 2018, according to The New York Times. Did they make "reasonable efforts" to collect payment, as the ACA requires?

Given the various proposed legislation for PBM reform, benefits brokers would be well served to be fully aware of the changes, be able to explain how they might affect their clients, and in the best-case scenario, be prepared to offer recommendations for plan changes and employee communication.

The three political appointees share an understanding of what it means to lead the Health and Human Services agency that makes life-or-death decisions every day that affect millions of Americans.

The benefits industry is scrambling to adapt to a rapidly shifting regulatory and economic environment while also looking ahead to an uncertain future.