Funding proposal includes gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD); draft legislation aims to address long COVID challenges; efforts are underway to prevent a summer surge.
Medicare Proposes Increased Hospital Funding for Sickle Cell Gene Therapies
CMS has proposed providing hospitals with an additional 75% of estimated costs for new gene therapies for sickle cell disease, surpassing the usual 65% add-on payment, according to Axios. This move aims to incentivize hospitals to offer these costly treatments, particularly benefiting lower-income patients covered by Medicaid. The proposal follows FDA approval of 2 sickle cell therapies in December (exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel) and includes a 2.6% increase in Medicare payments to hospitals for fiscal year 2025.
Sanders Proposes $1 Billion Long COVID Research Initiative
Senator Bernie Sanders (I, Vermont) has unveiled a draft proposal for long COVID moonshot legislation of $1 billion for research over the next decade, according to CIDRAP. Seeking input from stakeholders, the draft legislation also includes provisions for establishing a centralized research entity, clinical trials, databases, and ongoing education and support efforts. Researchers and advocates welcome the initiative as a crucial step toward addressing the challenges posed by long COVID.
Rise in Mpox Cases Sparks Concerns, Calls for Targeted Action
With a significant increase in mpox cases compared with the same period last year, health officials are urging targeted action to address the trend, according to The Hill. Concerns about inequitable access to immunization highlight the need for expanded vaccination efforts, especially within LGBTQ communities. Initiatives like the "Summer of Pride" aim to raise awareness and promote vaccination to prevent further spread of the disease.
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.
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Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: April 27, 2024
April 27th 2024Racial disparities in end-of-life care, the role of wellness and faith in minority health, award-winning research on health disparities, societal factors impacting cardiometabolic health, and rising mental health challenges among US youth are all covered this week in the Center on Health Equity and Access.
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Navigating Health Literacy, Social Determinants, and Discrimination in National Health Plans
February 13th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the February 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on how health plans can screen for health literacy, social determinants of health, and perceived health care discrimination.
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Dr Kathy Zackowski Discusses the Importance of Rehabilitation Research and Trials in MS
April 26th 2024Kathy Zackowski, PhD, National MS Society, expresses the inherent value of quality rehabilitation trials for broadening clinical understandings of multiple sclerosis (MS) and bettering patient outcomes.
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