Leave the gun, take the cannoli. House Energy and Commerce hearing on Medicare price negotiation gets feisty. Not often that the mafia comes up on the House floor but an interesting comparison of price negotiation and an offer they can’t refuse. I doubt Congressman Griffith (R-VA) and I agree on much politically but on this, I find common ground. I’m not saying that our current system is perfect (it is not) but this is also not a negotiation – it is price setting done poorly.

All I do is win win win no matter what. Humira still has the market share, even with biosimilars. Why? Fees based on higher prices and then rebates. It sounds better to come in and say look how much money was saved … https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/humira-abbvie-biosimilar-biologic-savings-pbm-rebates

Nothing to see here: Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (summary) did not make it to the expected House vote this week; it includes pharmacy benefit management (PBM) and hospital transparency.  Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score if you are so inclined. House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) says she is committed to getting it signed by the president by the end of the year.

The (COVID) check is in the mail. COVID tests are available from the federal government starting next week.

Smaller is better? New coalition formed of smaller PBMs.

Waiting Game: ICER delayed itsEliquis and Xarelto special assessment until October 2. I’m curious about the report and how it frames value.

Updated Data: CDC released the latest obesity figures. I appreciate that they include language in how to talk about obesity (adults with obesity, children that have obesity) adults with obesity. The numbers point to a crisis in our healthcare future with most states between 30 and 40% obesity rates and 3 above 40%.

Remote work for the win: Not only is my dog happier but working from home can cut carbon emissions by 54%. And the commute for most in my area has just gotten worse than pre-pandemic.