What We're Reading: Drug Pricing Proposals; Idaho Medicaid Expansion; Business and Biosimilars

2020 Likely Democratic Candidates Floating Drug Pricing Proposals

Exchange Marketplace to See Enrollment Drop From Effect of Medicaid Expansion in Idaho

Employers Have Role To Play in Promoting Biosimilars, Conference Hears

Presumed 2020 presidential candidates are trying to stake a claim to one of healthcare’s main concerns: surging prescription drug prices. Kaiser Health News recapped a half-dozen proposals being discussed, including letting Medicare negotiate drug prices or allowing a public option for generic drugs. None of the proposals are likely to make it to the president’s desk, however.Enrollment in Idaho's health insurance exchange is expected to drop by 20% due to Medicaid expansion, state lawmakers heard this week. About 18,000 of Your Health Idaho's enrollees make between 100% and 138% of the poverty level. Once Medicaid expansion takes effect, which is expected to happen in January 2020, these people will no longer qualify for the tax credits they use to pay for their insurance and will likely move onto Medicaid, the Idaho State Journal reported. Employer groups can help overcome barriers, such as patient fears and misinformation, and create confidence about using biosimilars, speakers said during a panel discussion at the 14th Biosimilars Summit, held this week in Alexandria, Virginia. Representatives of employer groups and others discussed the role that businesses have in driving the discussion about raising awareness and adoption of biosimilars, The Center for Biosimilars® reported.