Medicaid prescription drug spending increased by 47% from FY 2017 to FY 2022, rising from $29.8 billion to $43.8 billion, despite drug usage remaining below 2017 levels. Rebates reduced net Medicaid spending to about half, favoring brand over generic drugs. Despite Medicaid enrollment reaching historic levels during the pandemic, prescription drug usage remained low. States continue to take measures to reduce rising prescription drug costs, with over two-thirds implementing new initiatives focused on drug cost containment. However, the potential cancellation of pandemic continuous enrollment provisions could further impact spending and usage trends.
Concerns over the security of electronic personal health information intensifies
Ascension Health warned that the personal data of its patients and staff were compromised during a ransomware attack in May that impacted around 5.6 million
