Wendy future of retail top

ACA

New Supreme Court makeup could tilt balance on ACA

New Supreme Court makeup could tilt balance on ACA

NEW YORK — Ever since it was signed into the law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act has been under constant attack by Republicans seeking to undermine the former president’s signature legislation. Despite surviving numerous attempts by congressional Republicans to repeal it and its constitutionality being upheld by a majority-conservative

ACA requirements relaxed by CMS

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has shifted more control over the Affordable Care Act marketplaces to the states and given consumers more leeway to avoid participation this year. A new final rule issued recently by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relaxes certain regulations regarding ACA health plans in order to drive competition

Senate tax reform bill may doom ACA’s individual mandate

Senate tax reform bill may doom ACA’s individual mandate

WASHINGTON — The Senate’s repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual mandate as part of its sweeping tax reform bill has likely spelled doom for the provision, which required people who didn’t obtain health insurance to pay a tax penalty. Sen. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.) said the 51-49 vote passing the Senate tax reform

Senate rejects ‘skinny’ repeal of ACA

Senate rejects ‘skinny’ repeal of ACA

WASHINGTON­­ — The Senate dealt a devastating blow to Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act by defeating a GOP “skinny repeal” bill early Friday morning. Sens. John McCain (R., Ariz.), Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska) and Susan Collins (R., Maine) joined with Democrats to oppose the measure, a major loss for President

As critical juncture arrives, NACDS steps up

As critical juncture arrives, NACDS steps up

After many fits and starts, Republicans in the House of Representatives have finally succeeded in passing a bill that would, if the Senate concurs, repeal the Affordable Care Act, the landmark legislation that provides the current framework for the U.S. health care system. Voting mostly along party lines — with 217 Republicans in favor and

NCPA keeps Rx top of mind amid ACA overhaul

NCPA keeps Rx top of mind amid ACA overhaul

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — As the Senate gauges the House of Representatives’ bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the National Community Pharmacists Association has called for the retention of key pharmacy-related elements. NCPA on Thursday said it sent a letter to the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) and a 12-member working group of

With health care back in play, industry steps up

With health care back in play, industry steps up

After many fits and starts, Republicans in the House of Representatives have finally succeeded in passing a bill that would, if the Senate concurs, repeal the Affordable Care Act, the landmark legislation that provides the current framework for the U.S. health care system. Voting mostly along party lines — with 217 Republicans in favor and

Trump tries to galvanize support to repeal, replace ACA

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has called for bipartisan support for an overhaul of the Affordable Care Act, but his own party was divided on the issue. In his first speech to a joint session of Congress, Trump asked Republicans and Democrats “to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare ­disaster.” Reiterating his campaign rhetoric, the

Administration reacts to turmoil in ACA exchanges

Administration reacts to turmoil in ACA exchanges

WASHINGTON — Humana Inc.’s decision to pull out of the health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act threatens to cripple Obama­care before Republican lawmakers bent on its repeal can cobble together a ­replacement. The Humana decision came one day before the Trump administration issued a proposed rule that attempts to offer insurers more

Grim outlook for health insurance exchanges

Grim outlook for health insurance exchanges

WASHINGTON — Humana Inc.’s decision to pull out of the health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act threatens to cripple Obama­care before Republican lawmakers bent on its repeal can cobble together a ­replacement. The Humana decision came one day before the Trump White House issued a proposed rule that attempts to offer insurers

2017 could be pivotal year for pharmacy care

2017 could be pivotal year for pharmacy care

I will spare you the introductory paragraph that attempts eloquence. Let’s get right to the point. In NACDS’ view, 2017 could be one of the most pivotal years in health care policy and in pharmacy patient care. NACDS not only is ready to advocate for pharmacy in this unprecedented environment; that vital work already is

Republicans in Congress set stage for repeal of ACA

Republicans in Congress set stage for repeal of ACA

WASHINGTON — Republicans in the Senate and House of Representatives are aggressively pushing ahead with measures to repeal the Affordable Care Act despite the fact that they have no coherent alternative to replace it. Health care industry analysts and trade associations have warned that repealing or gutting the law without an adequate substitute could create

ACA repeal will usher in period of uncertainty

ACA repeal will usher in period of uncertainty

After stumbling out of the gate early this month with an ill-conceived  bid to hamstring the Office of Congressional Ethics (a plan that roused a chorus of critics, including President-elect Donald Trump, and was quickly withdrawn), Republicans in the House, along with their colleagues in the Senate, regained their footing and set about the business

Trump chooses harsh critic of ACA to head HHS

Trump chooses harsh critic of ACA to head HHS

WASHINGTON — The choices of Tom Price and Seema Verma for top health positions under Donald Trump have reaffirmed the president-elect’s commitment to toppling the Affordable Care Act. Price, a six-term Republican congressman from Georgia and fierce critic of Obamacare, was picked as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), while Verma,

PP_1170x120_10-25-21