Get ready for a double dose of health care news! Over the last week, two health care-related announcements took the spotlight: reports surrounding patient satisfaction with Medicare Part D, and the FDA crackdown on illegitimate online pharmacies. Today’s LinkPad highlights some of the reactions to these new developments.
- CNN reports on the new FDA campaign “Be Safe Rx,” aimed at raising awareness about fake Internet pharmacies.
- A video segment from ABC News reported on the FDA warning about counterfeit medicines sold by Internet pharmacies operating out of compliance with U.S. law.
- An article from Reuters examines the actions the FDA has taken over the last week to crack down on fake Internet pharmacies, resulting in the closure of more than 18,000 illegal websites.
- The AARP blog provided recommendations for determining the authenticity of an online pharmacy.
- A survey produced by Medicare Today found that 9 out of 10 seniors are satisfied with their Medicare Part D coverage.
- America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) took to their blog to reinforce the new Part D report, stating “These survey findings are further evidence of the high-quality, affordable coverage Medicare drug plans are providing to millions of seniors and people with disabilities.”
- In an article for Forbes, Chris Conover discusses how the market-based bidding approach of Medicare Part D can serve as a model for providing access and quality care while achieving cost savings.
What are the takeaways from all this news? Policy matters. From mechanisms that provide access to medicines to ensuring the safety and efficacy of those medicines, policymakers must continue to push for legislation that promotes the best health outcomes for patients.
