Expanded health coverage sees an increase in enrollments; Antiabortion activists protest against CVS and Walgreens; $26,500 Alzheimer’s drug limits affordability
Nearly 16 Million People Have Selected Health Coverage in ACA Marketplaces
The Biden-Harris administration announced that nearly 16 million people have signed up for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health plan since the start of the 2023 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period in November, according to the CMS. This record-breaking enrollment period saw an increase of 13% over last year and includes over 3 million new people to the marketplaces. This expansion has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration with the national uninsured rate reaching an all-time low earlier this year.
Antiabortion Activists Confront CVS and Walgreens
Antiabortion activists organized protests outside of CVS and Walgreens in at least 8 states plus Washington, DC, according to POLITICO. These protests are in response to the FDA’s decision to allow retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens to sell abortion pills in states where its legal. These protests are part of a bigger plan to curb abortion access, by targeting big pharmacy chains, including a call-in campaign and a national boycott of chains.
New Alzheimer Drug Will Cost $26,500 A Year
The new drug, lecanemab (Leqembi), is intended to slow the progression of Alzheimer disease and is the second Alzheimer drug to be approved by the FDA in the last 2 years, according to NBC News. However, this drug comes at a high price of $26,500 a year, which would greatly limit the amount of people who could get the drug. Additionally, CMS coverage is restricted for new Alzheimer treatments to only include patients participating in clinical trials.
Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity: Urban Health Outreach
May 9th 2024In the series debut episode of "Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity," Mary Sligh, CRNP, and Chelsea Chappars, of Allegheny Health Network, explain how the Urban Health Outreach program aims to improve health equity for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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Congress Urged to Repeal Comstock Act Threatening Reproductive Rights and Public Health
May 16th 2024In a joint letter addressed to Congress, Healthcare Across Borders, Take Back the Court Action Fund, and UltraViolet Action called out the resurgence of the Comstock Act, urging immediate action to repeal this century-old law that threatens reproductive rights and public health in the US.
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After the ACA Expanded Health Care Access, 2024 Elections May See Voters Demand Affordability
May 15th 2024At the spring conference of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, speakers discussed how health policy, affordability, and transparency may play a role in voters’ decisions.
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