In what is being described as an unusual move, a Pennsylvania county is openly blaming pharmacy benefit managers for high prices in the opaque pharmaceutical pricing system, a move that suggests more local officials may start scrutinizing these controversial middlemen.
When Monica Smith was badly hurt in a car accident, she assumed Medicaid would cover the medical bills. Ms. Smith, 45, made sure to show her insurance card after an ambulance took her to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. She spent three days in the hospital and weeks in a neck brace.
Some of the key findings include: Partnerships proliferate: 2021 will be a big year for healthcare deals. Among the CFOs' plans: 31% will acquire physician practices, 28% will merge with another organization and 24% plan to enter a joint venture.
Two-thirds of affected employees will be transferred to third-party partners, while others will be offered retraining. Potential savings: $600 million over five years, Baylor says.