PBMs face tougher regulations in several states
Pharmacy benefit managers have become the target of state legislation around transparency, with lawmakers attempting to increase regulation and protect patients.
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Ontario makes drug access an issue
The premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, has promised that the provincial Liberal party will make prescription drugs free for residents age 65 and older if it is reelected in June. Pharmacy organizations in Canada hailed the announcement.
Senators target ‘Rx gag clauses’
Three senators last month introduced legislation that they say will bring more transparency to prescription drug pricing. Sens. Susan Collins (R., Maine), Claire McCaskill (D., Mo.) and Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) introduced the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act (S.
Rite Aid finishes store transfers to WBA
Rite Aid Corp. has completed the transfer of 1,932 stores purchased by Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. The transfer of three distribution centers and related inventory is expected to begin after September 1. The majority of the closing conditions of WBA’s $4.
Shareholders approve merger of CVS, Aetna
CVS Health has moved a step closer to completing its acquisition of insurer Aetna Inc. after stockholders of both companies overwhelmingly approved the deal. The combination must still pass the scrutiny of regulators, however.
Report: Amazon will not sell drugs to hospitals
Amazon Business, which sells bulk goods to business customers, has reportedly scrapped plans to distribute prescription drugs to hospitals.
Walmart reportedly in talks to acquire Humana
Walmart is reportedly in talks to acquire health insurer Humana Inc. in a move to keep up with the consolidating health care marketplace and be competitive with Amazon.com.
Trumps unveils war on opioid abuse
Last month, President Trump unveiled his plan to fight the nationwide opioid crisis. The departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice are the two agencies charged with leading the effort and executing the president’s plan.
Albertsons plans digital market
Albertsons Cos. is launching a new digital marketplace for food and wellness products, and the retailer is inviting suppliers of new and niche brands to be a part of it. “At Albertsons Cos.
Genoa hits milestone as 400th store debuts
Behavioral health pharmacy operator Genoa Healthcare has opened its 400th location, in its home state. Last month, Tukwila, Wash.-based Genoa held the grand opening of its newest pharmacy at Comprehensive Life Resources, a nonprofit behavioral health center in Renton.
Rice to head PBM business at CVS Health
Former Eli Lilly and Co. finance chief Derica Rice has been named president of CVS Caremark, the pharmacy benefits management business of CVS Health. He succeeds Jon Roberts, who was promoted last year to the newly created position of chief operating officer of CVS Health.
Seema Verma, CMS administrator, to keynote PQA 2018 Annual Meeting
Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will provide the opening keynote for the Pharmacy Quality Alliance’s 2018 Annual Meeting at the Hilton Baltimore next month.
NACDS endorses drug disposal bill
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has endorsed S. 2645, the Access to Increased Drug Disposal Act of 2018, which is consistent with the spirit of NACDS’ policy recommendations to help address the opioid abuse epidemic. Sen. Joni Ernst (R.
Emergen-C rolling out Probiotics+ powdered drink supplement
Emergen-C is adding to its product lineup this week with the introduction of Probiotics+, a new powdered drink supplement that naturally supports daily immune health and aids in digestion. “We know that a healthy gut plays a large role in our immune health. In fact, the gut is home to 70% of
Garnier, Biofreeze top IRI 2017 H&BA Pacesetters
Garnier Whole Blends, Biofreeze, and Herbal Essences Bio:Renew led last year’s most succesful nonfoods launches, IRI reported today. The three H&BA brands had first-year sales of $122 million, $78 million and $75 million, respectively.
Kevin Hourican named president of CVS Pharmacy
Kevin Hourican has been promoted to president of CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health.