As part of the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has suggested tacking on new taxes to the sale of e-cigarettes and other vapor products. These taxes are part of the governor’s current effort to discourage the use of these devices, and the revenues are planned to be used to […]
Consumer Tips / Health
ACI Submits Testimony Regarding Maryland’s House Bill-134
Today, ACI filed testimony on a Maryland House bill that proposes severe restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products. In our testimony, we find that HB-134, if enacted, would significantly harm consumer welfare and lead to avoidable negative health outcomes. The provisions in this legislation would be particularly harmful to Maryland’s consumers because […]
Washington State’s Proposed Beverage Tax Will be Harmful to Consumers: Here is Why
In 2018, Seattle imposed a tax on soda and other sweetened beverages sold in the city to reduce the consumption of these drinks. Now, three years later, members of Washington’s legislature are looking to expand the tax across the state. Senate Bill 5371, introduced in the Washington State Senate last week, will adopt the same […]
CMS Final Rule Demonstrates What Healthcare Should Be
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted a major flaw in the delivery of healthcare in the United States. Extensive federal rules and regulations are preventing providers from offering high quality care to their patients in a timely manner. The latest example of this issue was recently alleviated in the process of the development of new medical innovations. Despite […]
Inside Sources: Biden Administration Should Continue Closing PBM Loopholes
Now that the new administration has taken over, a lot of attention surrounds what President Biden plans for the future of health care in America. One especially important issue to consumers is that of prescription drug prices, and what the new President can do to bring them down… To continue reading, visit Inside Sources.
Town Hall — Congress Has Finally Acted on Surprise Medical Billing: It’s a Start
One of the most significant problems facing patients and their access to quality healthcare is the threat of a surprise medical bill or balance billing. Between 2018 and 2020, 41 percent of insured Americans received an unexpected medical bill with two-thirds of Americans worrying they will be unable to afford an unexpected medical expense. Recognizing that […]
The Economic Standard: IPI Model Will Cause Shortage of Life-Saving Drugs
Access to life-saving treatments makes a tremendous difference in the lives of Medicare patients. We cannot expect to copy the price models of other nations without inheriting the grueling flaws that come with these price controls. Hopefully, for the sake of consumers, President Biden’s administration will reverse Trump on this. The entire piece is available […]
Real Clear Health: Make the COVID-19 Telehealth Reforms Permanent
Despite the overwhelming popularity of telehealth among patients and providers, and its overwhelming growth over the past decade, most of the reforms to telehealth are only temporary, with barriers to access once again erected once individual states declare the public health emergency over. To combat this, and ensure patients can continue to access telemedicine, states […]
ACI Files Testimony With the Maryland Senate
In ACI’s filed testimony today, we cite medical studies showing that vaping is 95% safer than combustible products and effective in weening smokers away from harmful combustible tobacco products. Yet, two Senate proposals attempt to restrict its access, classify vaping and tobacco products the same, and ban flavors that have been shown to help smoker […]
The Daily Record: Capping Restaurant Delivery Fees is a Bad Idea
With COVID spiking across the U.S., consumers see food delivery as a way to have safe and convenient restaurant meals. Consumers are demanding it, and it has been a lifeline for the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, some localities have proposed increased regulations on third-party delivery platforms. At a time when these services are the easiest means […]