The Intersection of Healthcare and Business

The Intersection of Healthcare and Business

The healthcare industry is not only a matter of public health, but also a business that involves various stakeholders. As such, decisions that affect healthcare policies can have significant financial implications for different groups. Two recent news articles highlight the intersection of healthcare and business: the potential continued reprieve of preventive care mandates under 'Obamacare', and the threat to pharmacy benefit managers' profits due to drugmakers restricting 340B pharmacy sales.

Compromise has been proposed in relation to the preventive care mandates under 'Obamacare'. This would allow for continued coverage of preventive care services, such as cancer screenings and vaccinations, but would exempt certain entities, such as religious organizations, from covering contraception. This compromise acknowledges the importance of preventive care while also taking into account the concerns of certain groups. However, it remains to be seen whether this proposal will be accepted and how it will ultimately affect healthcare coverage.

On the other hand, drugmakers restricting 340B pharmacy sales pose a threat to pharmacy benefit managers' (PBMs) profits. 340B is a program that requires drug manufacturers to provide discounts to eligible healthcare organizations, such as community health centers and hospitals that serve low-income patients. By restricting 340B pharmacy sales, drugmakers are able to increase their profits, but this also reduces the discounts that PBMs can receive. This ultimately affects the affordability of healthcare for patients who rely on these discounts.

Despite the different issues at play, these two news articles highlight the importance of compromise and collaboration in the healthcare industry. Whether it is finding a balance between preventive care mandates and religious exemptions or ensuring that drug discounts are available to those who need them, it is necessary for different stakeholders to work together to find solutions. Ultimately, the goal of the healthcare industry should be to provide affordable and accessible care to all patients.

In conclusion, healthcare policies and decisions have significant financial implications for different groups. The potential compromise on preventive care mandates and the threat to PBMs' profits due to drugmakers restricting 340B pharmacy sales highlight the intersection of healthcare and business. It is important for stakeholders to work together to find solutions that balance the needs of different groups while also ensuring that healthcare remains affordable and accessible for all patients.