Insurance

ViiV Healthcare is developing a self-injectable HIV drug similar to Cabenuva; HHS met with insurance companies to resolve COVID-19 vaccine coverage issues; the FDA has greenlit drugmaker Novo Nordisk to add reports of ileus, or intestinal blockage, to its Ozempic label.

A survey of gastroenterologists, dermatologists, and rheumatologists found Amjevita had the most recognition, followed by Cyltezo, the only interchangeable biosimilar on the US market.

Medicare Advantage enrollment was higher among immigrants compared with US-born residents, but the highest enrollment was found among immigrants with limited English proficiency.

While regional variations were identified in rates of breast reconstruction, complications, and cost for patients with breast cancer, these differences did not seem to be associated with any implicit bias.

The frequency with which 7 of the largest Medicare Advantage plans impose step therapy protocols in their Part B drug coverage decisions varies substantially.

Enrollment in managed care among Medicaid enrollees presents challenges to classifying Medicaid coverage in cancer registries.

The playbook includes resources for purchasers to help in their dealings with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), including best practice checklists, sample questionnaires for choosing consultants, and recommendations for contracting language.

The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) generated its second highest annual savings since the program began more than a decade ago.

Physicians have been facing increasing workloads making it difficult to practice medicine as they were trained, but an accountable care organization might provide an opportunity for real change to deliver high-value, compassionate care.

Patients and physicians are publicly shaming insurance companies on social media for the troublesome prior authorization process; HHS has awarded $1.4 billion in grants for the creation of new technologies and tools to prevent COVID-19 infection; Novo Nordisk has increased lobbying efforts to allow Medicare coverage of weight loss drugs.

Clinicians and nurses who treat patients with hemophilia with a gene therapy identified important factors and considerations needed in a potential shared decision making tool.

A new CMS proposal would authorize Medicare payments to cover family caregiver training; US list prices for popular weight loss drugs are higher than those of other wealthy nations; Midwestern cities declare themselves sanctuary cities despite anti-LGBT state laws passed.

Data on 10 social determinants of health (SDOH) were analyzed to determine their distribution among low-income patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) at a safety-net hospital.

The program, which scales an accountable care organization (ACO) model across all major payers in Vermont, reduced Medicare spending and hospitalizations while improving patient care.

Novo Nordisk continues to limit starter doses of popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in the US; veterans and survivors received an error message when submitting PACT Act claims shortly before the deadline; insurance companies are failing to inform patients of their eligibility for free preventative services.

The Red Cross’s inclusive assessment will determine blood donation eligibility; Wegovy reduces the risk of cardiovascular events; the first postpartum depression pill sparks pricing questions.

A record low of 7.7% of Americans had no health insurance at the start of 2023; the American Academy of Pediatrics renewed its backing of gender care for children while requesting a research review; 2 lots of an oral contraceptive were recalled for possible reduction in effectiveness.

There is a right way and a wrong way to inform a patient about a switch from the reference product to a biosimilar, explained Laura Wingate, executive vice president, Education, Support, & Advocacy, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, joins hosts Emeline Aviki, MD, MBA, and Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, for episode 2 of our newest podcast, "Oncology Onward: Conversations With Innovators and Changemakers in Cancer Care."

Some of the many barriers patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) face include accessing knowledgeable providers, insurance coverage of treatment, and the way the health care system is set up, said Haley Naik, MD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

The proposed fee schedule for 2024 would reduce payments by 3.4%. Most responses were swift and negative.

Residence in a more disadvantaged neighborhood was associated with higher likelihood of being a high-cost utilizer among older adults and lower likelihood among younger adults.

Off-marketplace plans are widely available, and individuals with higher incomes can obtain silver plans with low premiums off-marketplace.

An online survey identified that documentation requirements and communication issues with health plans are associated with providers modifying clinical decisions to avoid medication prior authorization.

Medication formulary policies represent a key determinant of access to medication and can be leveraged to advance pharmacoequity and health equity writ large.