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And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is relatively
modest. We hope to catch up on some reading, hang with a short person or two, take some long strolls with Mrs. Pharmalot, and catch another installment of our
“Let’s-see-them-before-they-die” concert series. And what about you? This is a lovely time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. You could putter around your castle and tidy up. Perhaps this
is an opportunity to make time for someone special. Or you could answer the help wanted sign at the Federal Reserve; we understand a certain someone in Washington is having trouble finding a
good candidate. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. … MEDICARE SPENDING WOULD CLIMB BY $187 BILLION AND MEDICAID BY $7 BILLION OVER THE NEXT
DECADE IF THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES FINALIZES A RULE TO REPEAL THE SAFE HARBOR FOR PART D REBATES, Modern Healthcare writes, citing an analysis by the Congressional
Budget Office. The Trump administration proposed replacing the safe harbor for rebates from prosecution under the anti-kickback statute with a new one for discounts at the point of sale, by
January 2020. MCKESSON (MCK) HAS AGREED TO PAY $37 MILLION TO RESOLVE CLAIMS BROUGHT BY WEST VIRGINIA OFFICIALS THAT THE COMPANY HELPED FUEL THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC, The Wall Street Journal
writes. The deal resolves one piece of opioid-related liability for the wholesaler but leaves open many more because McKesson is among roughly two dozen companies up and down the drug supply
chain that face a wave of litigation from states and local municipalities over the opioid crisis. The deal settles state allegations, but not similar claims brought by cities and counties
in West Virginia. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in THIS ARTICLE IS EXCLUSIVE TO STAT+ SUBSCRIBERS UNLOCK THIS ARTICLE — PLUS IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS, NEWSLETTERS, PREMIUM
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