House votes to intervene in ACA lawsuit
The House passed a resolution to defend the Affordable Care Act against a lawsuit challenging the healthcare law on Wednesday. It comes as a standalone package days after another House vote passed a similar measure as part of a larger package.
Last month, a federal judge struck down Obamacare, siding with attorneys general from Republican states who filed suit challenging the constitutionality of the law. But the judge later clarified the law should remain in place as his ruling makes its way through the appeals process.
The latest move by the House is largely seen as a way for Democrats to force Republicans to vote against the law, framing it as a vote against protections for patients with pre-existing conditions. (The Hill)
Eli Lilly posting prices online for drugs advertised on TV
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is now directing consumers to online pricing data in TV ads.
Lilly first aired a TV spot for Trulicity—a popular diabetes drug—this week, and the ad sends patients to website that breaks down pricing data on the product. The website offers pricing data broken down by insurance coverage, in addition to list price.
For example, Lilly says Trulicity’s monthly list price is $730.20, but most Medicaid beneficiaries will pay between $4 and $9 per month out of pocket.
The company says it’s the first drugmaker to do so. The Trump administration announced in October that it plans to force drug companies to include list prices in TV ads. (The Associated Press)
Emory, Kaiser say alliance working
Months after Emory Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente agreed to partner in the Atlanta market, both sides of the agreement say the alliance is garnering positive results.
Case in point: Emory's two "core" hospitals that are part of the agreement have seen a boost in inpatient volumes, Georgia Health News reported this week.
The agreement designated Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital as a place where Kaiser's doctors can work and Kaiser's members can be seen. (Georgia Health News)