Taking the Pulse, A Health Care and Life Sciences Video Podcast | Episode 244: The Future of Independent Physician Practices with Ray Waldrup of The Leaders Rheum
PODCAST: Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion - Cost, Care and Captives: A Mid-Size Employer’s Guide to Benefit Trends
Taking the Pulse: A Health Care & Life Sciences Video Podcast | Episode 239: Understanding the 340B Pricing Program with Chuck Melendi of Disruptive Dialogue
Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Managers: The PBM Landscape Explained
EpiPen RICO Ruling Opens Door for Private AKS Enforcement
Part Two: The MFN Drug Pricing Rule and the Rebate Rule: Where Do We Go From Here?
Part One: Two new Medicare Drug Pricing Rules in One Day: What are the MFN and the Rebate Drug Pricing Rules?
Drug Pricing Initiatives During the Trump Presidency
On June 11, 2025, Iowa enacted Senate File 383 (the Act), a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) with the stated goals of increasing transparency, supporting independent pharmacies, and...more
Heather Hoopes-Matthews and Matthew Roberts welcome Chuck Melendi, a seasoned healthcare consultant and former executive with decades of experience in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices. Chuck joins us to examine...more
Host, Bridgette Keller is joined by Associate, David Gilboa to break down the highlights from our Spring 2025 PBM Policy and Legislative Update. In just five minutes, we cover the most impactful federal and state developments...more
[embedded content] Host, Bridgette Keller is joined by Associate, David Gilboa to break down the highlights from our Spring 2025 PBM Policy and Legislative Update. In just five minutes, we cover the most impactful federal and...more
In a first-of-its-kind move, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has enacted legislation prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers ("PBMs") from owning or operating pharmacies within the state. The law—Act 624—takes effect...more
THIS WEEK’S DOSE - - Key House Health Committees Advance Reconciliation, Bill Held Up in Budget Committee. The Energy and Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee passed their recommendations for reconciliation out of...more
Reconciliation Text Is Here - Late Sunday night, May 11, 2025, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce released the much-anticipated budget reconciliation bill text ahead of its scheduled markup on May 13, 2025. ...more
Welcome to the fifth issue of Health Headlines, a newsletter created by lawyers in our Healthcare practice....more
Arkansas has become the first state in the nation to enact legislation, effective starting in 2026, prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers (PBM’s) from owning or operating actual pharmacies within the state. We take a look at...more
Last week, the energy changed under the golden dome as legislators gave the first indications they are moving towards ending this year’s legislative session. While ultimately not taken up by either chamber this week, Pharmacy...more
Below is Alston & Bird’s Health Care Week in Review, which provides a synopsis of the latest news in health care regulations, notices, and guidance; federal legislation and congressional committee action; reports, studies,...more
Key points include access to medicines in medicare is reduced as the IRA is implemented; fewer drugs are covered on Medicare Part D formularies in 2025 relative to 2024; medicines for serious conditions with high unmet needs...more
The Georgia House of Representatives achieved the trifecta on Thursday, combining three favorite legislative traditions in one moment on the floor: recognition of a local novelty with an invite resolution, the appearance of a...more
On December 11, 2024, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that, if enacted, would have substantial implications for pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”) and pharmacies across the country. Titled the...more
Each week while Congress is in session, our Policy team delivers a key update to highlight a topical benefits, health, or retirement news item from the Hill, such as a newly introduced bill, a summary of a committee hearing,...more
On August 15, 2024, CMS announced the results of the first round of the negotiated prices between CMS and participating drug manufacturers for the 10 selected drugs under the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Medicare Drug...more
House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Cybersecurity. During the hearing, there was bipartisan concern about UnitedHealth Group’s response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack and consensus around the...more
The Lower Costs More Transparency Act of 2023, passed by the House 320-71 on Monday, December 11, 2023, would institute new transparency and pricing rules on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and hospitals. The bill would...more
Senate Finance Committee Examines Drug Shortages. The hearing addressed concerns and explored potential solutions related to drug shortages in the United States, particularly focusing on essential medications. The hearing...more
August 31, 2023 – When it comes to prescription drug costs, policymakers have set their focus on the consumer: “Let’s lower drug prices for the consumer.” “Let’s give consumers more options in paying their out-of-pocket...more
Congress is taking a closer look at business practices in the health care sector and considering bipartisan reforms in light of increasing consolidation and its perceived affects on patient access and affordability. Various...more
On June 27, 2023, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed into law Public Act 23-171“An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs” (Act), which includes changes to the state’s implementation of the...more
As their 2023 sessions draw to a close, mostly part-time state legislatures have continued their efforts throughout the spring to promote drug price transparency across the prescription drug supply chain. Notable among these...more
Though many recent reforms regarding prescription drug affordability have been focused on manufacturers and health plans, pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”) are also the focus of increased attention from federal policymakers...more
On December 31, 2021, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed landmark legislation to increase the transparency of prescription drug pricing and to establish requirements on pharmacy middlemen. This new law is amongst 100 ...more