What We're Reading: Gottlieb's Next Move; Alaska Block Grant; CVS Expands Same-Day Delivery

Gottlieb to Return to American Enterprise Institute

As FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, enters his last day at the agency today, he said he will return to conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute to continue his work on drug prices and other health policy issues, including structures in the Medicare program that hold back competition and the issue of blocked generic drug competition. Planning to work as a part-time fellow at the institute, Gottlieb said he was not yet sure what other ventures he will take on, reported The New York Times.

Trump Administration Urging Alaska to Apply for Block Grant

The Trump administration has been pressing Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy to make Alaska the first state to change its Medicaid program funding to a block grant. In a letter to President Trump, the governor said the state is eager to do so, and the administration’s support will “keep the proper focus and speed on this application,” reported The Hill. As the administration continues to work on regulation for block grants, no state has yet applied for the grants.

CVS Expands Same-Day Prescription Delivery

CVS Health is growing its same-day prescription delivery service to cover 36 states and Washington, DC, The Washington Post has reported. According to the drugstore chain, it can deliver medications within a few hours to homes or offices spanning 6000 locations. Through the service, which began in 2017, customers will be able to order same-day delivery through the company’s app or through a text or call to the pharmacy. In addition to medications, customers will also be able to order products like vitamins and baby products.