Tag: Rep. Debbie Dingell

No More Secrets: Congress Bans Pharmacist  ‘Gag Orders’  On Drug Prices

Update:  After this article was posted Oct. 10th, the President signed the legislation into law later that day.

By Susan Jaffe  | Kaiser Health News | October 10, 2018  | This KHN story also ran on 

For years, most pharmacists couldn’t give customers even a clue about an easy way to save money on prescription drugs. But the restraints are coming off.

When the cash price for a prescription is less than what you would pay using your insurance plan, pharmacists will no longer have to keep that a secret.

…But there’s a catch: Under the new legislation, pharmacists will not be required to tell patients about the lower cost option. If they don’t, it’s up to the customer to ask.  [Continued at Kaiser Health News and at NBC News]

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Obama rejects Zika funding approved during Democrats’ sit-in

Susan Jaffe | Washington Correspondent for The Lancet | 27th June 2016

Four months after President Barack Obama requested $1.9 billion to respond to the Zikathe-lancet-usa-blog-logo1 virus, the U.S House of Representatives approved $1.1 billion last week. Just days later, the Senate rejected legislation on June 28 that would have provided the same amount. That’s not the only obstacle blocking funding. [Continued here]  …

Can you hear me now?

The President’s science advisors say innovative technology can provide low-cost alternatives to pricey hearing aids.
Susan Jaffe  |  Washington Correspondent for The Lancet  |  11th November 2015
Almost The Lancet USA blog logo30 million Americans over 60 years old have difficulty hearing, but less than a third can afford hearing aids, according to a report to President Barack Obama by his Council of Advisors on Science and Technology two weeks ago. Even though hearing loss is often part of the natural aging process, the council did not recommend that Medicare, pay for hearing aids, which can cost an average of $5,000 to $6,000 for a pair. [Continued here]
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