This blog was also posted on Health Policy Hub. Drug safety is now as American as apple pie, based on the 96-1 vote the Senate took to reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). Few things pass through Congress with such overwhelming support,

Drug safety is now as American as apple pie, based on the 96-1 vote the Senate took to reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). Few things pass through Congress with such overwhelming support, and we are heartened that Senators came togethe

The Affordable Care Act created some desperately needed means to start controlling ever-rising health care costs. Many — like preventive care or delivery reforms — will take some time to realize savings. In contrast, new anti-fraud efforts look to be payi

The Affordable Care Act created some desperately needed means to start controlling ever-rising health care costs. Many -- like preventive care or delivery reforms -- will take some time to realize savings. In contrast, new anti-fraud efforts look to be pa

The Basic Health Program isn’t the most flashy or popular provision in the Affordable Care Act. But anyone who’s watched a classic – or even a less-than-classic - teen romantic comedy knows that the shy, somewhat awkward wallflowers often have tremendous

Last week Speaker of the House John Boehner delivered a ransom note to the American people. The note said: “Give me tax breaks for the rich and benefit cuts for the elderly, people with disabilities and low and moderate income families or I’ll wreck the g

Last week the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made headlines with the announcement of a proposed rule that would increase payment rates for primary care physicians serving Medicaid patients. The rule would bring Medicaid primary care service

Last week, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) announced the first group of organizations for Health Care Innovation awards. As readers may already know, CMMI was established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to test innovative payment and d

This blog was updated to reflect corrections to the details listed in the House bill. Nearly 15 months ago, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick filed legislation to address the sky rocketing health care costs in the state by shifting away from the state’