Among young adults, 2-year cancer survival increased more in states with expanded Medicaid coverage; some pharmacies implemented purchase limits to help combat children’s medicine supply shortages; an FDA advisory panel will meet next month to discuss the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act is linked to better survival outcomes for young adults with newly diagnosed cancer, The Hill reported. The study also found the 2-year survival benefit was most notable among Hispanic and Black individuals, and individuals with breast cancer or stage IV cancers. Among young adults, 2-year overall survival increased more in states with expanded Medicaid coverage, with survival rising from 90.39% to 91.85% after the expansion in these states. According to the study authors, young Americans have historically not experienced the same survival improvements over time compared with pediatric and older patients, largely due to lack of health insurance.
As flu season began earlier than usual this year, shortages of children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol), amoxicillin, and other OTC medicines have led to purchase limits at some pharmacies, the Associated Press reported. According to experts, these shortages—which vary by location—are largely due to the higher number of children who are sick during this time of year and may continue through the winter season, but should not last as long as recent baby formula and prescription drug shortages. Because these OTC medicine shortages are occurring at the purchasing level and not the manufacturing level, pediatricians advise to look for alternative or generic versions of products and to check other stores.
An FDA advisory panel will meet January 26, 2023, to discuss the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, including whether vaccines need to be further modified to keep up with new variants and other changes, Axios reported. The last meeting of this kind was held in June 2022, when advisers recommended updated COVID-19 boosters targeting the Omicron variant. Following this meeting, the FDA will consider whether to recommend adjusting current vaccine authorizations, as well as the most efficient process to choose strains to include in primary and booster vaccine doses.
Exploring Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Variations
March 26th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the March 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on variations in prior authorization use across Medicare Advantage plans.
Listen
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.
Listen
FDA Approves Ravulizumab-cwvz for Rare Autoimmune Disease
March 28th 2024Ravulizumab-cwvz (Ultomiris) received a label expansion by the FDA for the treatment of adult neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in patients with anti–aquaporin-4 antibodies after trials results showed it could prevent relapses.
Read More
Homelessness Compounds Hospital Stay Challenges: Study Reveals Prolonged Discharge Struggles
March 28th 2024In this investigation, outcomes of interest were morbidity rate and length of hospital stay or a traumatic injury among a homeless population, and whether age and/or injury severity had an influence on that relationship—with implications for improving the discharge process for these patients.
Read More