As the country hits the debt limit spending on Medicare and Medicaid may be at risk; the Agriculture Department targets fraudulent claims in products labeled as organic; first cases of drug-resistant gonorrhea strain found.
Medicare, Medicaid Eyed as a Bargaining Tool as US Hits Debt Ceiling
Republicans are looking for spending cuts, including changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, in exchange for a vote to prevent the government from defaulting on its debts. CNBC reported that the United States hit the debt limit Thursday. The Treasury Department would have to prioritize which bills get paid and which don't, which could lead to fluctuations in some payments. Republicans are also considering means testing for benefits or raising the eligibility age for some programs.
New USDA Rule Targets Products Falsely Labeled as Organic
The Agriculture Department released a new rule, strengthening enforcement of strict definitions of being organic, “which must rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible," according to The Associated Press. The rule requires increases in business and supply chain inspections of certification by the USDA’s National Organic Program for all imported organic foods. This new rule represents the biggest change to organic regulations since the creation of the USDA organic food program, according to The Organic Trade Association, which lobbied for the rule.
US Investigates First Cases of Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea
Two new cases of a new strain of gonorrhea have been identified by health authorities in Massachusetts, according to CBS News. This stain of gonorrhea appears to have developed a resistance to a broad range of antibiotic treatments, causing concern for investigators. Investigators are now working with the CDC to test other samples of gonorrhea collected in the state.
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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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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Patients With RA in Remission Withdrawing From TNF Inhibition Show Flare Increases
December 8th 2023New data presented at ACR 2023 highlighted the differences in rates of flares and Boolean 2.0 remission rates compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis who continued a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi).
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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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