National – President Donald Trump signed an executive order, Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients aims at lowering drug prices in the United States. This order includes a "most-favored nation" policy, which ties the prices of drugs in the U.S. to those paid by other high-income countries. This policy aims to reduce the cost of medications for American patients, who often pay more than their counterparts in other developed nations. The executive order also seeks to improve drug pricing transparency and reduce the influence of middlemen in the pharmaceutical industry. It mandates greater transparency in drug pricing, requiring pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose fees and costs. Additionally, the order expands Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers, aiming to achieve substantial savings for both the program and its beneficiaries. The order supports state programs to import cheaper medications from other countries, which could save states millions in prescription drug costs. It also provides substantial discounts on life-saving medications for low-income patients and the uninsured, including insulin and injectable epinephrine. To read more check out these articles: Wall Street Journal, STAT, AXIOS, NEWSWEEK, CNN and USA TODAY.
The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) will host a webinar on May 21st at 12:30 pm EST to discuss clinical recommendations for the use of cannabis to treat acute, chronic, or postoperative nonmalignant pain. The webinar is free for ACOEM members and $25 for nonmembers. If interesting, click here to learn more.
The Hartford released 2025 Future of Benefits Study, which found the ongoing mental health crisis disproportionately affects Generation Z- the youngest generation in the workplace. According to the study 40% of Gen Z employees report feeling depressed or anxious at least a few times per week, and 46% say stigma prevents them from seeking mental health care. Although these numbers have slightly improved from last year, they remain higher than those of other generations in the workforce. The study also reveals that more than half of working Americans want their employers to provide additional mental health resources, such as flexible work schedules, reward and recognition programs, and mentoring opportunities. To address these needs, The Hartford is partnering with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Active Minds to offer free mental health education and support for employers and employees.
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) donated $25,000 to Kids’ Chance of America, supporting college scholarships for children of injured workers.
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released its 2025 State of the Line Report. According to the report, workers' compensation premiums dropped by 3% and private carriers celebrated their 11th year in a row of underwriting profitability.
Minnesota – HF 3226 passed the House and was sent to the Senate. The bill aims to amend Minnesota's workers' compensation statutes. Specifically, it updates the definition of “employee” to include voluntary uncompensated workers, students in medical programs, and military members. It also changes the daily wage calculation for compensation to be based on the usual wage for similar services and requires employers to provide comprehensive medical treatment for injured employees.
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