- Center on Health Equity and Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
What We’re Reading: Mental Hospitals for Addiction; Insulin Price Cap; e-Cigarette Crackdown
Lawmakers contemplate the return of mental health institutions in response to the drug crisis; new measures to rein in insulin prices take effect; FDA intensifies efforts to curb the teen vaping epidemic.
Congress Considers Mental Health Reforms for Drug Users
Congress is deliberating the revival of mental hospitals as a response to the escalating drug crisis, according to Politico. The proposal, while aiming to provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues, has generated significant controversy. Supporters argue for a holistic approach, while critics express concerns about potential stigmatization and the need for more nuanced solutions in addressing the complex intersection of mental health and drug addiction.
Insulin Price Caps Take Effect With New Year
In response to growing concerns over rising insulin prices, major insulin manufacturers, including Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly, have initiated measures added price caps and have made substantial reductions in list prices, which took effect on January 1, according to CNN. Sanofi has instituted a $35 monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for its most widely prescribed insulin in the United States, following Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which placed insulin caps on their products in 2023. The moves should make insulin more affordable for the 8.4 million Americans dependent on the life-saving medication, coming in response to mounting public pressure, changes in Medicaid rebate programs, and the entry of new competitors.
FDA Cracks Down on e-Cigarette Imports
The FDA's recent crackdown on the importation of Elf Bar, a widely popular e-cigarette brand, is indicative of an escalated campaign against teen vaping, although thousands of other flavored e-cigarettes continue to make their way into the nation, according to The Associated Press. As health authorities grapple with the rising rates of youth nicotine addiction, the efforts to seize shipments of e-cigarettes are both applauded for their potential impact on public health and criticized for potential unintended consequences. The move underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing access for adult smokers seeking harm reduction with the imperative to protect younger generations from the dangers of nicotine addiction.
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.
Listen
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.
Read More
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.
Listen
