Gov. Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 751 into law, allowing Missourians to access essential medications through the federal government’s 340B program. The program requires drugmakers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to health care organizations caring for uninsured and low-income patients. This law will make it easier for patients to receive crucial medications in their communities, especially benefiting rural and underserved areas.
Despite opposition from lobbyists like Drew Duncan of Pfizer, the bill received strong bipartisan support in the Senate and House. Supporters, such as Joe Perle of the Missouri Primary Care Association, believe this law will have a positive impact on health care access in the state, allowing Missourians to access affordable prescriptions closer to home.
In other health care news, a report from the Center for Improving Value in Health Care found that commercial health insurers in Colorado are paying significantly more than Medicare rates to hospitals. This discrepancy is leading to higher costs for patients and may impact their ability to access care. The Center’s payment comparison tool aims to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care.
In Alabama, hospitals are facing financial challenges, with many transitioning to emergency-only operations due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates. Medicaid expansion is seen as a way to help keep these hospitals afloat and improve health outcomes for residents. Advocates are urging Governor Kay Ivey to use her executive authority to expand Medicaid and ensure coverage for the nearly 300,000 people in the state’s coverage gap.
Meanwhile, nursing home workers in Washington state are fighting for their union contract, facing challenges from their employer Aegis Living. These workers are seeking better pay, staffing, and retention measures to improve the quality of care for residents. Workers recently met with the Biden-Harris administration to discuss their concerns and seek support in their efforts to secure a fair contract.
Source
Photo credit www.publicnewsservice.org