Maryland files countersuit in Texas challenge to ACA
As Texas continues its challenge to the Affordable Care Act, Maryland's attorney general filed a lawsuit seeking an order to protect it. Specifically, the state is seeking an injunction requiring the Trump administration to enforce the ACA.
It's set up a fight between Republican-dominated states like Texas and the largely Democratic Maryland as a Texas judge weighs a legal challenge which calls parts of the ACA 'unconstitutional.' (Axios)
Lawmakers cut out money for putting drug prices in ads
As Congress races to finish up spending bills to avoid a government shutdown, House lawmakers made a curious cut on Thursday night.
House Republicans fought to remove a $1 million allocation proposed by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, meant to support the early planning of an idea to require drug companies put prices in their ads. The idea was floated in President Trump's blueprint released in May to reduce high prescription drug costs. (Stat)
Mayo Clinic and Medica announce plans to create insurance products
Mayo Clinic and insurance company Medica are partnering to jointly develop health insurance products for consumers across the country, they announced Thursday.
Officials said the products would draw on Mayo's healthcare delivery experience, while Medica would bring its background in plan administration and consumer engagement. They said the would focus on care coordination, ensuring continued access to local healthcare systems while making Mayo Clinic "a resource" when rare and complex care is required. (Release)