US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asks the FDA to investigate Prime energy drink; Washington state sees hefty fine for failing to provide mental health resources to incarcerated individuals; a new rule would require companies to disclose use of certain “forever” chemicals.
Prime Energy Drink Accused of Being Marketed to Kids
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged FDA regulators to investigate the energy drink Prime, created by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, according to Reuters. Schumer expressed concerns about the beverage’s high caffeine content, which he claimed was being marketed to children. Prime Energy reportedly contains 200 mg of caffeine per 12 oz, equivalent to 6 cans of Coca-Cola or nearly 2 Red Bulls, prompting Schumer to label it a “serious health concern” for children.
Washington Fined for Not Providing Timely Psychiatric Services to Inmates
The state has been found in contempt by a federal judge for failing to provide prompt psychiatric services to individuals with mental illnesses who are being held in jails, according to The Associated Press. The judge ordered the state to pay fines exceeding $100 million for violating the constitutional rights of these individuals since 2015. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed on behalf of people with mental illnesses and disabilities who were awaiting competency evaluations and faced extensive delays due to a lack of funding, staff personnel, and available beds in mental health facilities.
EPA Proposes Rule Requiring Disclosure of Toxic “Forever” Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule that would mandate companies to disclose whether their products contain the toxic “forever” chemicals perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, according to Kaiser Health News. These chemicals, which do not degrade in nature and have been linked to health issues, would need to be reported for products manufactured or imported since 2011. Although the rule has received criticism from some industries due to potential compliance costs, environmental activists argue that the data collection effort is insufficient to address the pervasive presence and potential harm of PFAS.
California Aims for Equity by Redefining Cancer Care
December 8th 2023Authors highlight key aspects of the California Cancer Care Equity Act, including its focus on Medi-Cal beneficiaries, the requirement for managed care plans to contract with specialized cancer centers, and the definition of complex cancers.
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Oncology Onward: A Conversation With Thyme Care CEO and Cofounder Robin Shah
October 2nd 2023Robin Shah, CEO of Thyme Care, which he founded in 2020 with Bobby Green, MD, president and chief medical officer, joins hosts Emeline Aviki, MD, MBA, and Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, to discuss his evolution as an entrepreneur in oncology care innovation and his goal of positively changing how patients experience the cancer system.
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What We’re Reading: RSV Vaccine Demand; Permanent Contraception; Drug Negotiation Impact
December 8th 2023The Biden administration recently met with manufacturers of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunizations to encourage them to increase access to the vaccine; since the Dobbs v Jackson decision, many patients have been seeking more permanent reproductive health care solutions; a Mathematica analysis showed that Medicare prescription drug price negotiations could have cut seniors’ out-of-pocket costs by nearly a quarter had the program been in effect in 2021.
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Insufficient Data, Disparities Plague Lung Cancer Risk Factor Documentation
September 24th 2023On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with the senior author of a study published in the September 2023 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® on the importance of adequate and effective lung cancer risk factor documentation to determine a patient's eligibility for screening.
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New Insights on Breast Cancer Outcomes Among Sexual, Gender Minorities
December 7th 2023Despite there being a great demand for data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity in the cancer space, individuals who identify as a sexual and gender minority remain poorly represented.
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Research Reveals the Role of Structural Racism in Lung Cancer Risk
December 7th 2023Spanning 22 studies, the analysis illuminated housing disparities, occupational hazards, unequal health care access, economic inequality, and discriminatory industry practices and how they collectively contribute to heightened lung cancer risks.
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