What Kind Of Leadership Does Our Nation NeedNow Medicare has launched a formal process to determine whether Aduhelm will be covered, after a widespread uproar spurred a Congressional investigation. The final decision isn't expected until next spring, although an initial ruling could come around January. Medicare's coverage process came on the same day that two House committees asked drug maker Biogen to turn over documents on how the drug was developed and priced, and on its dealings with government officials at the US Food and Drug Administration..This week, action on Capitol Hill was slow as Members of Congress remained in their home states and districts to prepare for the upcoming election. Lawmakers are expected to return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, November 13th, to begin the lame-duck session.."What's the Latest on Medicare Drug Price Negotiations?," Kaiser Family Foundation, July 2019. … Continued
Prevent Girls Night InThe Speaker slammed drug companies for the level of stock buybacks and dividends in recent years and argued that cuts to prices will not harm research and development spending given new findings on buybacks..In addition, the legislation froze the income thresholds at which the higher premiums are triggered so more seniors will have to pay the higher premiums as incomes gradually grow over time. TSCL's Legislative Assistant, Mike Watson, estimates that "individual seniors who made between ,000 and ,000 in 2010 could be subjected to the 'means test' in 2019, because of the frozen income thresholds. In addition, if the income thresholds for the 'means test' were allowed to increase, they would rise to about 0,500 to 1,800 in 2019.".TSCL believes Congress will need to make some difficult spending cut decisions, and soon, in order to find the savings needed to address Medicare shortfalls, while ensuring access to doctors and adequate Medicare coverage without reducing benefits. Notch Babies who turn 85 to 94 this year are hit particularly hard because they are at the age when they are more likely to have chronic health conditions that require costly treatment. … Continued