Addiction prevention legislation empowers Medicare drug plans to restrict prescriber, pharmacy access to opioids for ‘at risk’ beneficiaries.

Report released as soon-to-be committee chair Ron Wyden, D-OR, assembles plans for drug pricing legislation in the new Democratic-controlled Senate.

Former CMS acting administrator Andy Slavitt says agency’s direction during Biden administration depends on nominee, but trust fund’s looming insolvency will be ‘an issue you can’t avoid.’ The president’s priorities around health equity, racial justice and mental health will make their way into CMS policy and demonstration models, Slavitt suggests.