Peter Wehrwein, Managing Editor

In this second part of a video series, Managed Healthcare Executive caught up with CareOregon CEO Eric C. Hunter, who voiced concern about the consequences of rising anti-DEI views and potential federal funding cuts.

Eric C. Hunter, president and CEO of CareOregon, spoke with Managed Healthcare Executive about the state’s innovative programs and the risks posed by uncertain federal funding.

In this final interview of a three-part video series, Jeffrey Casberg, M.S., vice president of clinical pharmacy at IPD Analytics, told MHE, in response to our recent annual Pharmacy Survey results, that FDA drug approval delays due to government cuts are happening but not widespread yet. He added that early signs and staffing challenges suggest the situation could worsen over time.

Jeffrey Casberg, M.S., vice president of clinical pharmacy at IPD Analytics, shared his insights on the results of Managed Healthcare Executive’s annual Pharmacy Survey in this part-two interview of a three-video series. In the interview, he discussed survey respondents’ views on Alzheimer’s disease as a leading driver of rising U.S. drug spending over the next three years. More than 100 healthcare industry experts took part in this year’s survey.

Respondents see the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs as a major advance. They also have concerns about whether insurers can afford to cover them and about wasteful prescriptions.

In this first of a three-part video interview series, Jeffrey Casberg, M.S., vice president of clinical pharmacy at IPD Analytics, shared his input on Managed Healthcare Executive’s annual Pharmacy Survey results. In this interview, he gave his thoughts on respondents’ answers regarding new treatments that are most likely to significantly impact payer budgets this year and early next. Over 100 healthcare industry experts participated in this year’s survey.

Nearly two-thirds expect to see delays related to staffing cuts at the FDA.

A rundown of notable events and developments from May 11-17.

Recently reported results from an open-label extension trial show positive safety and efficacy results after 52 weeks of use of the drug for overactive bladder.

The company called the newspaper reporting ‘deeply irresponsible.’

Witty was the top executive of the country's largest healthcare company during some of its darkest chapters, including the killing of the head of its health insurance business.

The survey was conducted from March 10 through April 9, when the Department of Government Efficiency was in news

High costs and the novelty and complexity of new therapies such as gene therapy present social determinants of health and health literacy challenges, says Tiara Green, president of Accessia Health

Cost is a barrier to care for chronic and rare diseases, so financial assistance is way to lower that barrier and help people manage their health condition, says Green, president of Accessia Health

Payers and providers, often depicted as rivals, are on the same side when it comes to the 340B program that allows some hospitals to buy drugs at steep discounts, according to Milliman experts.

The actor expressed some regret as well as gratitude in talking about the death of his 33-year-old son from a rare form of sarcoma.

Healthcare hasn't been a priority of the second Trump administration so far, panelists at the Asembia agreed. Medicaid may loom large, though, as the administration and congressional Republicans look for ways to slash government spending as a way of offsetting major tax cuts.

The margins are small, and the services they provide must be “high touch.” 340B participation and cost-plus pricing are floated as tactics the pharmacies might use to improve their economics.

The vice president and lead of IQVIA's Market Access Center of Excellence says fewer drugs are hitting the $100 million mark during their first year on the market than in the past.

The vice president and market lead of IQVIA's Market Center of Excellence gives some insight intot the title of his talk today at Asembia meeting.

McElya, senior director, clinical pharmacy at Walgreens, notes that approximately half of the drugs approved by the FDA last year were first-in-class drugs.

Researchers in Taiwan find no difference in fungal disease among patients treated with two different types of GVHD prophylaxis.

Approximately two-thirds of patients responded to teduglutide, which is sold under the brand name Gattex as a treatment for short-bowel syndrome.

On lobbying, hospitals, PBM reform and 340B

On lobbying, the political power of hospitals, PBM reform and 340B

Republicans are aiming for major reductions in federal spending, and Medicaid seems a likely target. But the politics of Medicaid are tricky as the program has expanded and covered more people.