Patient Engagement

Several states now require insurers to keep directories updated at least every quarter, among other guidelines.

As of July 1, the FDA had 4,036 generic drug applications awaiting approval; median time it takes for the FDA to approve a generic is now 47 months.

Nearly 20 percent of Medicare patients return to the hospital within 30 days, costing more than $26 billion annually, federal data shows.

Research suggests that "implicit bias" -- doctors and nurses subtly or subconsciously treating some patients differently than others -- or patients' perception of it could have consequences for people's health.

In fact, researchers said shorter stays often came with higher price tags.

Separate study says 45 percent may be a low estimate and number could be closer to 65 percent.

Mylan said Monday it will offer a generic version of the life-saving allergy treatment following weeks of criticism over price hike.

Programs substantially cut the risk of dying from another cardiac problem, improve quality of life and lower costs; less than one-third of patients whose conditions qualify for the rehab actually participate.

Mylan CEO Heather Bresch calls new option "an extraordinary commercial response" following rising backlash from public, lawmakers on price hike.

"Adverse drug events" drive up health care costs annually by about $3.5 billion, add about three days to the average stay, DHHS says.