RECENT ANALYSIS
FTC and DOJ Hold Second Listening Session on Ways to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable; Focuses on PBM and Patent Reform
Pursuant to President Trump’s executive order on Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First, today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with the Departments of Justice (DOJ), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Commerce, convened its second of three listing sessions on ways to make prescription drugs more affordable. While the first session (Impact summary) focused primarily on… (Slifer, July 24, 2025) #Drug Pricing, #Food and Drug Administration, #Generic Drugs, #Pharmacy Benefit Managers, #Prescription Drugs
Department Issues NPRM to Restore Firearm Rights for Select Individuals; Comments Due On October 20
The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish a formal process allowing certain individuals, currently prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law, to apply for the restoration of their gun rights (press release). The proposed rule implements the Attorney General’s authority under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), a long-dormant provision that permits relief from federal firearms… (Colocho, July 24, 2025) #Public Health
Ways and Means Health and Oversight Committees Examine Medicare Advantage; Prior Authorization and Upcoding Highlighted
The Ways and Means Health and Oversight Subcommittees held a joint hearing to examine the Medicare Advantage (MA) and potential reforms to the program. Witnesses emphasized that while MA is beneficial for many Medicare beneficiaries, certain actions could be taken to improve the program, including addressing upcoding and prior authorization, along with increased transparency. Members on both side of aisle… (Slifer, July 22, 2025) #Coverage Decisions, #Medicare Advantage, #Program Integrity, #Risk Adjustment, #Transparency