New York City and five other Democratic-led local governments sued the Department of Homeland Security to block a new Trump administration rule they say will drive immigrants and mixed-status families away from public benefits they can legally receive.
Why it matters: The cities warn the rule could drive hundreds of thousands out of health, food and housing programs, worsening public health, increasing homelessness and shifting millions of dollars in costs to local hospitals and governments.
A slew of brand-name biological drugs are due to lose patent protection in the next decade. But lower-cost versions are only in the pipeline for 1 out of 10, according to industry estimates.
Why it matters: That void in biosimilars could result in billions of dollars in unrealized savings for patients and the health system.
California has decided to play hardball with health care costs, adding steep penalties to enforce state-directed caps on per capita spending increases.
Why it matters: The move could prompt other states to follow, but also serve as a warning of the trade-offs that come with forcing providers to make do with less money.
