11 am – 12:15 pm
W187
Break-through products such as biologics and specialty drugs promise extended lives or first-ever cures for individuals. Yet some price tags in this $310 billion U.S. market have shocked those who foot the bill—including state governments, Medicaid, employers, health insurers and patients themselves. States are considering a variety of legislation to rein in costs, assist consumers or shift the burden. Terms such as "medically necessary," "medication adherence," "fail first," "preferred drug lists," "value-based purchasing" and "interchangeable biosimilar substitution" make state capitals sound like pharmacies. Hear state and medical experts sort out the headlines, the noise and the results so far.
12:15-1:30 pm
W185bc
With advances in modern medicine, Americans face more options regarding the care they receive at the end of life. In this lunch session, hear about a range of topics related to end-of-life decisions and empowering individuals.