Flat funding for HHS leaves critical health initiatives stagnant; Supreme Court weighs tightening regulations on abortion pill; manufacturing delay sparks access concerns for insulin medication.
Government Funding Deal Stalls Health Agency Raises Amidst Pandemic Preparations
A recent government funding deal fell short on providing significant raises for federal health agencies, including HHS, according to Axios. Although Congress avoided an automatic sequester cut, it essentially maintained the status quo for vital health initiatives, despite discarding policy "riders" that could have brought substantial changes to health care sectors. As the deal awaits approval to prevent a partial government shutdown, attention has been drawn to the stagnant funding levels for critical health programs amidst ongoing pandemic concerns, mental health, biomedical research, and public health efforts.
Supreme Court Case: Clash Over Mifepristone Safety
The US Supreme Court is preparing to hear arguments on restricting access to the abortion pill mifepristone amidst a debate over the interpretation of research data, according to Reuters. Plaintiffs, including conservative medical associations and doctors, cited studies questioning the pill's safety, while researchers argued for its efficacy and safety. A ruling is expected by the end of June, and the outcome of this case will significantly impact the landscape of reproductive rights access in the US.
Eli Lilly's Insulin Shortages Heighten Anxiety for Patients With Diabetes
Eli Lilly has warned of temporary shortages in 2 of its formulations of insulin, which has left the more than 8 million Americans who are reliant on insulin with uncertainty, according to CNN. Additionally, alternatives are not always viable due to insurance coverage complexities and individual reactions. Despite reassurances from Eli Lilly and efforts to mitigate the impact, including price reductions and patient assistance programs, the disruption has underscored broader issues of affordability, supply chain fragility, and the balance between pharmaceutical economics and patient welfare.
CMS' 340B Repayment Proposal May Harm Vulnerable Hospitals, Reward Those With Higher Revenues
April 26th 2024The 340B hospitals not receiving an offsetting lump-sum payment from CMS following 2018-2022 cuts later ruled unlawful are disproportionately rural, publicly owned, and nonacademic, according to a new study.
Read More
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen
Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
Listen
Mental Health Diagnoses, Care Challenges Rise Among US Youth, Report Finds
April 26th 2024While behavioral health care utilization has been rising, the treatment landscape has been worsening. New findings show that 20% of youths did not receive any form of treatment within 3 months of their initial behavioral health diagnosis.
Read More