CMS Doles out $9B After Supreme Court Ruling, FDA Approves Leqembi
Hospitals affected by 340B cuts are pleased with the CMS plan to dole out $9 billion, and the new FDA-approved Leqembi promises to slow disease progression in Alzheimer’s patients.
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By - In healthcare policy news this week, the American Hospital Association (AHA) rejoiced with news that CMS would pay $9 billion to rectify previous 340B payment cuts. Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s patients will soon have access to an FDA-approved treatment that promises to slow the pace of cognitive degeneration.
North Carolina Strengthens its HIE
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) is leveraging federal funds from the American Rescue Plan to provide rural and unserved areas with broadband internet access that will link rural healthcare providers and the state-wide health information exchange (HIE). NC HealthConnex, the state’s HIE, is used by providers to share health information about individuals insured by Medicaid and Medicare, but it requires the ability to upload large packets of data onto the web. By linking providers to broadband service, NCDIT hopes to generate a positive return on investment for the state’s healthcare system and all its citizens. READ MORE.
FDA Approves Leqembi for Alzheimer’s Patients
Last week, the FDA approved Biogen and Eisai’s Alzheimer’s treatment, Leqembi, the first amyloid-plaque-targeting treatment to achieve approval. The monoclonal antibody is designed for individuals in the mild stage of the disease suffering from cognitive impairment and dementia. The use of the drug is said to delay disease progression by 27%.
Leqembi comes with a black-box warning which states that the medication can cause serious and life-threatening events. These include swelling and bleeding of the brain and other side effects. Initially, Medicare will cover most of the $26,500 list price of the drug. READ MORE.
NY Governor Signs Bill Protecting Abortion in Other States
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill last month that protects New York physicians who prescribe abortion medication to patients in states where the practice is banned. In a June 28 press release accompanying the bill’s signing, Hochul said that women’s rights have endured a shameful regression since the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade last year. READ MORE.
CMS Fixes 340b Payment Debacle with $9b Lump Sum
To comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling, CMS proposed a one-time $9 billion payment to hospitals impacted by its 340B Drug Pricing Program cuts. Although CMS eventually raised its rates and reprocessed claims to ameliorate rate cuts that persisted between 2018 and 2022, hospitals and health systems represented by the AHA demanded restitution equivalent to the suspected $10.5 billion that was lost during that period.
“After more than five years of litigation and a unanimous Supreme Court victory, the AHA is extremely pleased that 340B hospitals will finally be paid back what they deserve so they can continue providing care to their patients and communities,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president, and CEO. READ MORE.
VA Studying AI for Prostate Cancer Predictions
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a study into a new algorithm that may help predict high-risk prostate cancer. Using medical images and social determinants of health data, the VA hopes to stratify veterans into risk groups for the disease. If successful, the study is expected to expand to 14 VA sites nationwide. READ MORE.
