• The New York Times Upshot column discusses the efficacy of medical care and health policy. The column’s conclusion was well put

An honest assessment of the state of science behind clinical practice and health policy is humbling. Though many things we do and pay for are effective, there is a lot we don’t know. That’s inevitable. What isn’t inevitable — and where the real problems lie — is assuming, without evidence, that something works.

• Govexec.com discusses how a small GSA agency, the Office of Evaluation Sciences, helped the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reduce unnecessary opioid dispensing. 

• Finally the Duluth (MN) News Tribune reports on Blue Cross of Minnesota’s decision last week to zero out cost payments for certain insulins for their insured individual and employer group policies beginning next year.  “Our first responsibility is to do what we can to improve the health and financial stability of our members,” said Dr. Craig Samitt, CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “We felt a responsibility to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin with the options we have available.”