States channel billions into housing for the homeless using Medicaid funds; AstraZeneca invests $300 million to discover and develop cell therapies; the CDC highlights dangers of menthol cigarette addiction.
Medicaid Money Allocated Into Housing for the Homeless
At least 19 states across the US are funneling Medicaid dollars into housing initiatives aimed at tackling homelessness among the poorest and sickest Americans, according to Kaiser Health News. California leads the charge with a $12 billion investment, followed by efforts in states including Arizona ($550 million), Oregon (more than $1 billion), and Arkansas (approximately $100 million). However, although proponents argue that housing assistance can improve health outcomes and save taxpayer money, skeptics question whether this shift from traditional medical care is the best use of Medicaid funding.
AstraZeneca Invests $300 Million in Cell Therapy Facility
AstraZeneca has announced a $300 million investment in a new facility located in Rockville, Maryland, dedicated to the discovery and development of cell therapies, according to Reuters. This site is part of the latest investment for AstraZeneca, following partnerships with Quell Therapeutics, AbelZeta, and Cellectis, and the acquisition of Neogene Therapeutics, according to a recent press release. The move is expected to create over 150 jobs initially, focusing on manufacturing cell therapies for clinical trials, with potential expansion into other disease areas.
CDC Revives Antismoking Ad Campaign Targeting Menthol Cigarettes
The CDC has relaunched an antismoking advertising campaign with a focus on combatting menthol cigarette use, according to The Hill. Aimed at reducing smoking rates, particularly among minority communities, the campaign highlights the dangers of menthol cigarettes and the higher risk of addiction and health issues associated with them. This initiative underscores ongoing efforts to address tobacco-related disparities and promote public health awareness regarding menthol cigarette consumption.
Patients With Advanced, Recurrent Melanoma May Experience Lasting AEs From ICM Therapy
May 9th 2024A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study found that adverse effects (AEs) can occur even after 1 year of treatment with immune checkpoint modulator (ICM) therapy in patients with melanoma.
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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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CMS Medicare Final Rule: Advancing Benefits, Competition, and Consumer Protection
May 7th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Karen Iapoce, senior director of government products and programs at ZeOmega, about the recent CMS final rule on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage.
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Goal Achievement in T1D Management Boosts Self-Efficacy, Self-Care Among Emerging Adults
May 9th 2024Findings from the FAMS-T1D study demonstrate that structured goal-setting and achievement significantly enhance self-efficacy and self-care in emerging adults who have type 1 diabetes (T1D).
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Medication Adherence Star Ratings Measures, Health Care Resource Utilization, and Cost
May 9th 2024For patients prescribed diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications, nonadherence to CMS Star Ratings quality measures of medication adherence was associated with increased health care resource utilization and costs.
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