Canada threatens another medicine – Canada’s recent move to invalidate a medicine by applying the “promise doctrine” is yet another example of what’s harming innovation. Learn why this legal theory fails to protect potential breakthroughs and patients.
Consumer confusion in insurance exchanges – Two studies released this week, one by the Georgetown Center for Health Insurance Reform and another by the National Partnership for Women & Families, reported that consumers still face confusion when shopping on the federally facilitated marketplace and state exchanges. The studies highlight the need for web tools, such as a customized cost estimator, an integrated provider directory and a simple prescription drug directory. Read more about the studies and why consumers need more information about the medicines covered in their health plans.
Cost of mental health – According to a study in Health Affairs, mental health disorders cost $201 billion in 2013 – costing more than any other medical condition in the U.S. health system, including heart conditions, trauma and cancer. These findings underscore the need for new medicines to bring more effective and personalized treatment options to patients with mental health disorders.
Medicare Monday – This Monday, we highlighted how proposed experiments to Medicare Part B payments could hurt patients who are battling mental illnesses. Read how these changes would impact patients like Susan and her course of treatment for schizophrenia.