News

The report notes that workers with employee-only coverage have seen their annual employer contributions decrease, while those with family coverage have seen their annual employer contributions increase.

Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of orphan diseases.

New combination: Telmisartan/amlodipine (Twynsta) was approved on October 16, 2009, for high blood pressure.

Eslicarbazepine acetate (eslicarbazepine, or ESL) is a new antiepileptic agent awaiting FDA approval.

Recent FDA approvals (through December 2009) related to Zirgan, Welchol, Sculptra Aesthetic, Berinert, Crestor, Agriflu, and Byetta.

Generic drugs approved by FDA (through December 2009): Lansoprazole 15 mg and 30 mg tablets and Perindopril erbumine tablets, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg

New indication: Telmisartan tablets (Micardis) was approved on October 19, 2009, for cardiovascular risk reduction for patients unable to take an ACE inhibitor.

Generics makers have aggressively challenged drug patents before scheduled expiration, while brand-name manufacturers have delayed generic entry through 30-month stays, citizen petitions, and deals to "authorize" generic products that are less threatening to the brand.

Evidence-based recommendations utilize an integrated approach that combines nonpharmacologic approaches (specifically patient education, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy) and pharmacologic approaches in the management of fibromyalgia.

Secondary use of electronic data from claims and clinical sources will drive savings

Tweak them all you want, policies still lack enough action to truly bend the cost curve

More than 4 million annual provider visits, including visits to the ER, can be attributed to adverse drug events

Dig into the minds of members and you'll find that they don't always make logical choices. Behavioral economics can shed light on their thought process

Only 20% of PDPs will offer gap coverage, and even then, most are limited to generics. House and Senate bills aim to help out.

Let no assumption go unchallenged in this new era of healthcare, including the one that says rhinovirus is 'just' the common cold

Commonwealth Fund State Performance Ranking (2009): 48

Healthcare is funded by taxes and subsidies, but privately insured people are encouraged to buy upgrades

New plans are entering the market in spite of the uncertainty

Charles Kennedy, MD, plays a vital role in WellPoint's innovative health record that contains clinical benchmarks

For the 15% to 20% of patients who don't respond to initial treatment, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors can reduce inflammation

Financial incentives and penalties are no longer permitted when genetic information is requested on health risk assessments

An economic impact analysis found that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' (BCBSMA) contributed nearly $1.6 billion to the Commonwealth?s economy.

CVS Caremark research finds $0 copay for generic medications can increase dispensing.

Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) study highlights member satisfaction with major health plans.

Medica releases iPhone app based on MainStreetMedica.com, which helps consumers compare costs of medical procedures.

Discovery of flaw in system leads Rocky Mountain Health Plans to change policy regarding coverage of heavy babies.

Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

New biologic: Ustekinumab (Stelara) was approved on September 25, 2009, for the treatment of adult patients aged 18 years or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.