What We’re Reading: Cyber Outage Federal Intervention; OTC Birth Control Pill; Medicare Negotiation Counteroffers

Health Care Providers Call on Federal Intervention to Address Cyber Outages

UnitedHealth Group's handling of the ransomware attack on its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, has drawn sharp criticism from health care providers, prompting calls for urgent government intervention, according to Axios. With payment systems paralyzed, hospitals and medical associations have warned of dangerous cash shortages, demanding immediate action from the Biden administration to alleviate the crisis. As pressure mounts on UnitedHealth Group to address the fallout, stakeholders are urging HHS to step in as well.

Birth Control Pill Opill Set to Hit US Stores This Month

Perrigo has announced the soon-to-be availability of Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the US, according to The Associated Press. With no age restrictions and priced affordably at $20 for a on1e-month supply, Opill will offer a convenient alternative amid ongoing legal battles over reproductive health rights. The launch marks a significant milestone in expanding access to birth control options and comes during a period of broader debate surrounding reproductive rights in the US.

Drug Manufacturers Engage in Medicare Price Negotiations Despite Legal Challenges

President Biden has confirmed that all manufacturers involved in the federal government's Medicare price negotiation program have submitted counteroffers, marking a significant milestone in efforts to lower prescription drug costs, according to The Hill. Despite legal battles from the pharmaceutical industry, negotiations continue for the first 10 selected drugs, with talks set to conclude on August 1. The development underscores ongoing efforts to address rising health care expenses and provide older Americans with more affordable medication options.