National – The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) released a Data Bulletin analyzing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers. The report shows that construction workers face a higher risk of MSDs than the general workforce due to physically demanding tasks and work environments. More than 33,000 cases resulted in days away from work in 2021–2022. The bulletin also highlights a strong association between MSDs and prescription opioid use, especially among part-time, overtime, and self-employed workers.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a webinar on October 1 at 2 pm to review the workers’ compensation Medicare set-aside (WCMSA) reporting process. The session will cover new reporting requirements introduced in April and offer best practices for compliance. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance to PL110-173SEC111-comments@cms.hhs.gov. Click here to learn more.
Avalere Health and the National Infusion Center Association (NICA) released a study revealing widespread concern among community-based healthcare providers about the impact of Medicare’s upcoming drug price negotiations. According to the survey results, 92% of respondents indicated they are somewhat or very likely to stop stocking drugs subject to Medicare’s negotiated pricing under the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, 79% expect the policy to negatively affect patient access to medications, while 70% anticipate worsened health outcomes. The study collected responses from 304 non-hospital healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and practice administrators across 41 states.
Industry Watch: Healthcare News
Exclusive: Lutnick says Trump will force drugmakers to lower prices
AXIOS (September 12) - President Trump is turning up pressure on drugmakers to lower prices and demanding they commit within weeks to his "most-favored nation" policy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tells Mike Allen in the premiere episode of "The Axios Show.” Read more here.
PBMs Face Pressure to Stay Ahead of Policy Changes | PBMI 2025
Managed Healthcare Executive (September 5) – Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are under increasing pressure to anticipate state and federal policy changes, and proactive planning is quickly becoming the difference between smooth growth and expensive setbacks, according to Joe Boyle, president of ClearFile. At the 2025 PBMI National Conference in Orlando, Boyle shared with Managed Healthcare Executive the methods PBMs should take in responding to fast-moving policy changes that directly affect their business operations. Check out the full article here.
Seniors Get Poor Care For Opioid Misuse
AXIOS (September 4) - More than 60% of Medicare enrollees with opioid use disorder are getting substandard care, according to a new study in Health Affairs. To read the full study, click here.
CMS Intends To Repeal Nursing Home Staffing Rule
McKnight’s Senior Living (September 2) - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has drafted an interim final rule that would repeal the minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities that were adopted in 2024 despite major objections from providers. Check out the full article here.
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