A Prescription To Reduce Waste In Health Care Spending
A ProPublica series has illuminated the many ways the U.S. health care system leaks money. Here are some ideas for plugging the holes.
Pharmaceuticals
In Election Year, Drug Industry Spent Big To Temper Talk About High Drug Prices
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the brand-name drug industry's main trade group, spent liberally to shift the conversation on prices during the last presidential campaign.
Advocates For Patients With Rare Diseases Defend Tax Credits For Orphan Drugs
The Republican tax plan could reduce or eliminate federal tax credits that reward companies for developing drugs to treat rare diseases. People who benefit from the medicines have objected.
Puerto Rico's Medical Manufacturers Worry Federal Tax Plan Could Kill Storm Recovery
Drug companies and medical device makers in Puerto Rico are still struggling with power and staffing shortages. One device manufacturer says the future of his industry on the island is uncertain.
House Republicans Aim To Eliminate Tax Credits For Orphan Drugs
For more than three decades, pharmaceutical companies have claimed a 50 percent tax credit for the cost of clinical trials of drugs for rare diseases. The credit is now in jeopardy.
Senators Move To Reduce 'Colossal And Completely Preventable Waste' Of Drugs
Senators cited ProPublica reporting that found drug companies have been making patients pay for oversize eyedrops and more liquid cancer medications than they need.
Drug Companies Make Eyedrops Too Big, And You Pay For The Waste
When eyedrops dribble down your face, it's not your fault. Drugmakers have long known that their drops of medicine exceed the capacity of the human eye. Why didn't companies make the drops smaller?
California Governor Signs Law To Make Drug Pricing More Transparent
This is the first step in a long game to develop clearer prescription drug pricing laws around the country, health policy experts say.
California Bill Would Compel Drugmakers To Justify Price Hikes
A bill passed by the California Legislature requires drugmakers to give 60 days' notice before raising a drug's price by 16 percent or more over two years, and to justify the price increase.
FDA's Approval Of A Cheaper Drug For Hepatitis C Will Likely Expand Treatment
Mavyret, recently approved by the Food And Drug Administration, can cure hepatitis C in eight weeks, at a cost of $26,400. Though still expensive, that's well below the price of other options.