Bill to Repeal Drug Immunity Law in MI, Flurry of Health System Consolidation Legislation & More

MI Dems Consider Repealing Drug Immunity Law

A bill (SB 410) debated in the Michigan Senate last week would allow residents and state and local governments to sue drug manufacturers and sellers if their products cause injury. In 1995 the state passed the strongest drug immunity law in the nation, shielding drugmakers and sellers almost entirely from such suits. (BRIDGE MICHIGAN)

Health System Consolidation Bills Enacted in Half of States in 2023

This year at least 24 states have enacted legislation dealing with health system consolidation and competition, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Among many other things the measures address the review and approval of health system mergers, reforms of health system contracting and certificate of need review.  (NCSL)

CA Gov Vetoes Insulin Affordability Bill

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill (SB 90) that would have prohibited insurers from charging consumers more than $35 out of pocket for a 30-day supply of insulin. Earlier this year the governor announced the state would be partnering with the nonprofit pharmaceutical company Civica Rx to produce its own insulin, which it plans to sell for $30. (ASSOCIATED PRESS, STATE NET)

Physician Group Claims Insurers Overcharging for Medicare Advantage

American taxpayers are overpaying for Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C—under which insurance companies are paid by the federal government to manage patient care—by at least $88 billion per year and possibly as much as $140 billion per year, according to a report published by Physicians for a National Health Program. “Various elements of MA, either by design or by consequence, result in a much higher level of government spending than is necessary to provide Medicare benefits, with much of this money going toward corporate profits,” the report states. (MEDICAL ECONOMICS)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK