In announcing these changes, CMS states that it is “facilitating the Part D program’s return to operating under regular market conditions.” Increasingly, however, these regular conditions appear unfavorable to the ongoing stability of the stand-alone prescription drug plan market, further tilting the playing field towards Medicare Advantage. … more

The impact of medical debt on credit scores often has a cascading effect….Adults with health care debt from KFF’s Health Care Debt Survey cited a range of negative outcomes from trouble qualifying for loans to homelessness. … more

It's not known when the court will issue an order on Planned Parenthood’s request for a more extensive preliminary injunction. Meanwhile, most Planned Parenthood clinics will not be able to receive federal Medicaid funding for non-abortion services…provided to Medicaid patients. … more

CMS released guidance for states that would end waivers allowing continuous Medicaid eligibility for children and adults. Ending continuous eligibility will increase disenrollment, but not all who lose coverage are no longer eligible… more … more

Voluntary efforts by drug companies to lower prices on selected medications, such as this new discounted price for Eliquis and previous price reductions on certain insulin products, could expand access to lower-priced drugs for some patients, but are not likely to improve prescription drug affordability in the U.S. on a widespread basis. … more

All states and the District of Columbia will lose more federal Medicaid funding under the Senate-passed bill than under the House-passed bill. In 14 states, the Senate bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by at least $5 billion more than the House bill would have. … more