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What We’re Reading: Biden’s FY 2024 Proposed Budget; Nasal Spray for Migraine Approved; New FDA Guidelines for Mammogram Providers
Biden’s proposed budget emphasizes expanding health care and lowering drug costs; nasal spray zavegepant (Zavzpret) approved for treating adults with acute migraine; updated guidelines may help more women detect breast cancer early on.
HHS Releases President’s 2024 Proposed Budget
HHS released the president’s budget for the department for fiscal year 2024, detailing plans by the administration to lower costs for families, protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce America's deficit. The proposed budget includes $144.3 billion in discretionary funding and $1.7 trillion in mandatory funding. Key components of this proposal include extending Medicare solvency by at least 25 years and lowering drug costs; expanding access to health care; ensuring nationwide public health preparedness to respond to health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic; mental health support, especially among LGBTQI+ youth and Spanish speakers; improving the well-being of children and seniors; advancing scientific knowledge to improve lives; and expanding the health care workforce.
FDA Approves Pfizer Nasal Spray for Migraine
The FDA approved Pfizer’s new nasal spray for migraine, with or without aura, according to Reuters. Zavegepant (Zavzpret) belongs to the calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitor class and aims to deliver fast-acting pain relief. The price of the drug will be revealed at its launch in July, with prices estimated to be competitive with similar therapies manufactured by other companies, such as AbbVie Inc, Eli Lilly and Co, Amgen Inc, and Teva Pharmaceutical.
FDA Guidelines May Help Women Detect Breast Cancer Earlier
New rules set by the FDA will require mammogram providers to notify patients if they have dense breast tissue and recommend they follow up with a doctor for additional screening, according to NBC News. Although having dense breasts is very common among women, it also increases the risk of getting breast cancer, according to the CDC, with extra tissue and fat making it difficult for providers to detect early stages of breast cancer. The FDA expects the new guidelines will be implemented within the next 18 months as a new standard for mammogram providers nationwide.
CMS' 340B Repayment Proposal May Harm Vulnerable Hospitals, Reward Those With Higher Revenues
April 26th 2024The 340B hospitals not receiving an offsetting lump-sum payment from CMS following 2018-2022 cuts later ruled unlawful are disproportionately rural, publicly owned, and nonacademic, according to a new study.
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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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Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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Mental Health Diagnoses, Care Challenges Rise Among US Youth, Report Finds
April 26th 2024While behavioral health care utilization has been rising, the treatment landscape has been worsening. New findings show that 20% of youths did not receive any form of treatment within 3 months of their initial behavioral health diagnosis.
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