Trending News Today: FDA Delays Generic Drug Label Decision

Patients receiving health insurance through the Affordable Care Act said they are happy with their coverage, but are concerned about cost increases for monthly premiums and deductibles. Approximately 6 in 10 enrollees said they are satisfied with their premiums, and only half indicated they are satisfied with their deductibles, which is a decline from 2014, according to The Los Angeles Times. In 2016, two-thirds of enrollees said their coverage was “excellent” or “good,” and over three-quarters of people with commercial coverage reported that.

The FDA will put off decisions about generic drug labels until 2017, The New York Times reported. This decision will require generic drug manufacturers to take responsibility and will close a loophole that prevents patients from suing the company due to harm from their product. Brand-name drug manufacturers are the ones responsible for changing drug labels in light of new information. Generic drug manufacturers are required to follow their lead, but are not responsible for initiating the change.

Some physicians in Virginia are offering direct primary care, which is subscription-like service to patients if they pay a fixed monthly fee. According to ABC News, direct primary care can appeal to patients who struggle to pay high deductibles or cannot pay for insurance. One physician’s rates range from $60 to $15 per month, and patients also have unlimited visits.