What we're reading, June 16, 2016: the federal government is encouraging state Medicaid programs to promote long-acting contraceptives; Congress introduces a bill the prevent drug makers from thwarting generic competition; and new recommendation that people can choose the type of colon cancer screening they receive.
The federal government is encouraging state Medicaid programs to increase the number of enrollees using long-acting contraceptives. According to Kaiser Health News, long-acting contraceptives are advantageous because they are cost-effective, highly effective, require little maintenance, and have high patient satisfaction. The government is promoting use of these contraceptives because the United States has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancies among developed nations, and states and the federal government spent a combined $21 billion on unplanned pregnancies.
Congress has again introduced a bill to prevent drug makers from thwarting generic competition. The bipartisan legislation would target companies that make it difficult to for generic companies to obtain samples of brand-name drugs, according to STAT. The bill would make it easier for generic companies to go to court over drug makers that refuse to make samples available. However, 2 previous legislative efforts have failed.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is advising that adults can choose the type of colon cancer screening they feel most comfortable with. In addition to the recommended screening tests, USPSTF is now saying people can be screening using CT colonography, reported Reuters. The recommendation is directed at people ages 50 to 75 years.
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
Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
Listen
Insurance Coverage Limits JAKi Therapy Access for Patients With AA, Especially Non-White Populations
April 25th 2024A survey study showed major barriers to Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy for patients with alopecia areata, especially for non-White patients who face higher rates of being uninsured and struggle more to afford the treatment.
Read More