Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: September 14, 2024

Harris Defends ACA While Trump Calls for "Much Better" Health Plan During Debate

This week's presidential debate prompted a discussion about the future of health care, with a focus on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Former President Donald Trump criticized the ACA, claiming it provides subpar care and mentioning his past attempts to repeal it, although he acknowledged having no concrete replacement plan. He expressed a desire to find a more affordable alternative. Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, defended the ACA, emphasizing its importance in expanding access to care and highlighting the Biden-Harris administration's achievements, including capping insulin prices and negotiating drug prices. The debate exhibited the candidates' contrasting visions for US health care policy.

Progress and Momentum to Improve Patient Access to Quality, Timely Cancer Care

At the Patient-Centered Oncology Care® meeting, Alyssa Schatz, MSW, of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), highlighted progress in improving cancer care, particularly in addressing prior authorization (PA) policies and advancing health equity. She expressed optimism about recent changes, such as faster PA decisions and new "gold carding" policies, which reduce administrative burdens for guideline-adherent physicians. Schatz also discussed NCCN’s efforts to promote equity through inclusive guidelines and initiatives like the Health Equity Report Card. However, she raised concerns about ongoing drug shortages and urged continued advocacy to address these challenges and sustain progress in cancer care.

5 Specialty Care Shortages in Rural Communities

Access to health care is a major challenge for the 20% of the US population living in rural areas, exacerbated by physician shortages, geographic isolation, and limited infrastructure. More than 90% of rural counties face primary care physician shortages, and similar gaps exist in mental health, maternal, dental, and trauma care. Rural areas have fewer mental health providers, leading to limited access to care and higher suicide risks. Maternal health is also impacted, with rural residents experiencing higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. Dental health is poor, with higher rates of untreated oral disease linked to other health issues. Additionally, trauma care is hindered by longer wait times and inadequate resources, leaving rural populations vulnerable in critical situations.

Fighting HIV Stigma: Empowering Global Leaders for Change

At the recent International AIDS Conference, Merck hosted a symposium focused on addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, particularly affecting transgender and sexual minority individuals. Experts from around the world discussed the persistent challenges of shame and stigma that hinder access to HIV care despite advancements in treatment. Paul Schaper, MA, MPH, MBA, associate vice president, Global Pharmaceutical Public Policy, Merck, highlighted the company's long-standing contributions to HIV science and its ongoing commitment to empowering future advocates, including supporting the IAS Youth Hub, which promotes youth-led HIV advocacy. Schaper emphasized that stigma continues to shape global health policies, limiting access to care and impacting mental health, and called for continued efforts to combat discrimination to advance the goal of ending the HIV epidemic.

From Policy to Practice: NCCN Summit Explores Equity in the Cancer Workforce

The September 2024 NCCN Policy Summit focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within cancer care and the oncology workforce, exhibiting the urgent need to address disparities in cancer outcomes. Experts discussed the higher mortality rates faced by Black patients and emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Strategies included improving community engagement, diversifying clinical trials, and ensuring workforce representation that reflects patient demographics. Leaders advocated for making DEI a central part of organizational goals, despite legal and political challenges, with a shared commitment to advancing equitable care and improving outcomes for all.