SUMMARY: In Cuthbert, Georgia, Adams Family Pharmacy co-owner Nikki Bryant offers coffee and baked goods to supplement income, struggling against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that drive up drug costs and complicate access to medications. Despite hopes for state legislation to align reimbursements with chain pharmacies, Governor Kemp vetoed it, citing significant costs. The FTC recently sued major PBMs for manipulating drug prices, which threatens independent pharmacies. Critics argue that PBMs exploit pricing spread, harming local pharmacies like Bryant’s, which daily faces competition with large chains amidst financial pressures. The situation exemplifies ongoing challenges for independent pharmacies nationwide.

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The post PBM Math: Big Chains Are Paid $23.55 To Fill a Blood Pressure Rx. Small Drugstores? $1.51. appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: In a recent focus group, voters expressed frustration over presidential candidates neglecting health care issues in the 2024 campaign. Participants like Tom Zawierucha, Teresa Morton, and Yessica Gray voiced concerns regarding high medical bills, unaffordable deductibles, and the burden of drug prices. Despite some proposals from Vice President Kamala Harris to address these issues, many voters feel uninformed and doubtful of candidates’ commitments to reducing health care costs. With the economy dominating discussions, participants hope health care will receive more attention, emphasizing the need for assistance and understanding from elected officials to ease their financial burdens when facing medical challenges.

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The post Voters Fret High Medical Bills Are Being Ignored by Presidential Rivals appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Toby Ewing, director of California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, traveled to London this summer, funded by the digital mental health company Kooth, while he advocated against a proposed $360 million budget cut that would affect Kooth’s contract. Ewing lobbied legislative staff to preserve funding amid California’s $45 billion deficit. Despite initial uncertainty, lawmakers ultimately restored the funding during Ewing’s trip. Whistleblower complaints allege Ewing’s actions benefitted a private company, raising ethical concerns. Recently placed on administrative leave, Ewing’s conduct is under investigation while Kooth continues its partnership with California in providing youth mental health services.

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The post A California Official Helped Save a Mental Health Company’s Contract. It Flew Him to London. appeared first on kffhealthnews.org