National – Walgreens settled a class action lawsuit claiming Walgreens blocked job opportunities. When conducting background checks, Walgreens was accused of failing to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA). While Walgreens did not admit to this accusation, they did agree to settle the lawsuit. Recipients are set to receive payments up to $918.28.
This week NCCI has its Annual Insights Symposium 2024 in Orlando Florida. Below are a few of the reports shared at the conference:
- NCCI announced the launch of its new Medical Inflation Insights Report. The report will come out quarterly and aim to provide insights into what drives price changes and how these changes could impact workers’ compensation.
- NCCI released its State of the Line Report. The report discusses financial indicators, trends, and broad economic markers within the workers’ compensation system.
Kentucky – On May 20, 2024, The Department of Labor will host a Federal Black Lung Program for former and current coal miners suffering from medical issues related to black lung disease. The event aims to help coal miners and their families file or refile claims for benefits.
Massachusetts – H945 has been gaining attraction in the House. The bill is bipartisan and currently has 28 cosponsors. If passed, the bill aims to implement prescription drug cost transparency and affordability. Specifically, the bill would require Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to disclose their financial agreements and pricing practices.
H934 is currently in the House. H934 aims to provide compensation reform for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). If passed, the bill would require PBMs to disclose their compensation structure and aims to enhance affordability by preventing unfair pricing practices from PBMs.
New York – A 10185 is currently in Assembly. If passed, A 10185 would require insurers to cover the substitution of brand-name prescription drugs, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declares a supply issue with generic drugs.
Ohio – SB 95 was introduced by State Senator Michele Reynolds (R). The bill aims to establish and authorize remote dispensing pharmacies. The bill specifically states that no Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) can prohibit a pharmacy from mailing or delivering medication to a patient.
Texas – Texas Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group released their Access to Care report. The report analyzes data between 2017 and 2022 and measures care availability for first non-emergency medical treatments. Specifically, the report focuses on participation rates, physician retention, access to medical care by geographical area, and timeliness of care.
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