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What We’re Reading: Diabetes/Obesity Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts; High US Hunger Risk; Low COVID-19, Flu Vaccination
Popular weight loss drugs are not linked to suicidal actions, says the FDA; the White House is calling for urgent support amid economic challenges; rising hospitalizations and deaths prompt calls to increase vaccination coverage.
FDA Finds No Definitive Link Between Diabetes, Obesity Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts
A preliminary review by the FDA did not find a conclusive link between popular drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, such as semaglutide, the medication in Ozempic and Wegovy, and suicidal thoughts or actions, according to The Associated Press. However, the FDA also stated that although no definitive evidence has been uncovered, it cannot definitively rule out a small risk and will continue investigating reports. The review follows a federally funded study that found a lower risk of suicidal thoughts with semaglutide compared with other drugs used for obesity and diabetes, which was prompted by European regulators investigating anecdotal reports of self-harm thoughts among semaglutide users.
Congress Urged to Increase Funding for Vital Nutrition Program
Biden administration officials are calling on a divided Congress to increase spending on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to avert a potential crisis, according to Reuters. The proposed $1 billion in additional funding is crucial for preventing as many as 2 million people from being turned away due to a shortfall caused by rising food costs and increasing program participation. The program, providing vital support to about 6.7 million low-income individuals, faces the risk of reduced services and longer waitlists if Congress does not act promptly.
Low COVID-19, Flu Vaccination Rates Strain Global Health Care
Public health officials are raising concerns about low vaccination rates against the latest versions of COVID-19 and influenza, putting significant pressure on health care systems globally, according to Reuters. Despite recommendations and efforts to communicate the risks, vaccination rates remain "incredibly low," with only 19.4% of US adults receiving the current season's COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly half of US adults getting a flu shot. Furthermore, the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of increasing vaccine coverage to prevent severe illness and mitigate the impact on health care systems.
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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A new federal rule will enable thousands of immigrants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to obtain health care through the Affordable Care Act; a forthcoming CMS rule is expected to lower home-based care wait times and raise caregiver wages; the HHS Office for Civil Rights has finalized 2 rules that strengthen the ACA’s health care discrimination ban.
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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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Initiating BP Medication Linked to Higher Fall, Fracture Risks in Nursing Home Residents
May 2nd 2024Among over 60,000 nursing home residents who initiated antihypertensive medication, rates of excess fractures due to falls per 100 person-years were as high as 5 among certain patient groups, such as those with dementia and high blood pressure (BP).
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