Pharmacy benefit managers sit at the center of the supply chain on drugs, and a national debate on costs. They say they play an integral role in negotiating lower prices. But pharmacists and drug makers contend they are pocketing too much of the savings. That’s led to calls for more transparency and reform of the […]
As states across the country are loosening their laws on marijuana, momentum is growing in Wisconsin to legalize the drug for medical purposes. Assembly Republicans unveiled legislation this month that would allow residents with chronic diseases to access the drug from state-run dispensaries. But Senate Republicans have been less receptive to the concept, and Democrats are pushing […]
Kirsten Johnson has led the Department of Health Services for nearly a year. Before that she was the head of the Milwaukee Health Department and she also oversaw the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department. At a Wisconsin Health News Newsmaker Event in Madison on Feb. 13, Johnson will outline her priorities at DHS, provide an […]
Wisconsin was one of the first states in the country to contract with insurance companies to manage care for Medicaid members, a practice now present in most of the country. While managed care models have increased budget predictability, are they living up to their promise of improved care quality and decreased costs? Also, how is […]
The decision by Hospital Sisters Health System and Prevea Health to exit western Wisconsin — which will result in two hospitals and 19 clinics shutting down — shook the region. Since the announcement, healthcare providers and elected officials have taken action. A virtual Wisconsin Health News panel on March 19 will take a deep dive into the impact of the closures and the work underway […]
As rural hospitals across the country continue to struggle, Aspirus Health has its foot on the gas. Under the leadership of CEO Matt Heywood, the Wausau-based system followed up its 2021 purchase of seven Ascension hospitals with the recent acquisition of Duluth-based St. Luke’s. Aspirus is now a 19-hospital system with 130 outpatient clinics and […]
Patients across Wisconsin rely on innovative drug therapies for their health and well-being. But, the rising cost of prescription drugs is threatening patient access and squeezing healthcare budgets. It’s also prompted finger pointing on who is to blame, preventing consensus on how to move forward. Wisconsin Health News is assembling a virtual panel of experts to examine what more can be done […]
The digital transformation of healthcare has the potential to boost access, improve outcomes and cut costs. But it also opens up healthcare organizations to new risks. The recent attack on Change Healthcare crippled payment processing for hospitals and doctors nationwide. And various attacks in Wisconsin have delayed care and added costs for providers. A Wisconsin […]
Wisconsin is seeking to bolster its biohealth and precision medicine industry. Last fall, the state received a designation as a regional tech hub, opening the door for a competitive application process to receive tens of millions in federal dollars to enhance the sector. A virtual Wisconsin Health News panel on May 29 will take a […]
Mike Totoraitis was appointed commissioner of health for Milwaukee in May 2023, the city’s sixth health chief in the past six years. He wants to bolster the health of Milwaukeans by combating racism and addressing social determinants of health like housing, transportation and food insecurity. The city is also focused on replacing tens of thousands […]
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