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What We’re Reading: VA Health Benefits Denied; Health Worker Industry Optimism; COVAX Redirecting Vaccine Spending
Black veterans continue to encounter benefits disparities; health workers feel capable of handling future surges after the pandemic; the COVAX initiative aims to redirect remaining vaccine spending
Black Veterans Denied Health Benefits More Than White Veterans
A recent data analysis conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shows that Black veterans applying for physical or mental health benefits were granted assistance at a lower rate than White veterans, according to NBC News. The data, spanning fiscal years 2017 to 2023, showed consistent disparities in benefit approval rates between these groups. As a response to these findings, the VA has established an Agency Equity Team to identify and eliminate any disparities in health care and benefits, aiming to provide equitable treatment to all veterans.
Health Workers Growing Optimistic About Their Industry
In a recent poll, health care workers who experienced significant burnout during the pandemic noted they are beginning to feel more optimistic about the medical profession, according to Axios. The poll revealed that nearly 3 in 5 health care workers are optimistic about the future of the medical industry, and a similar proportion reported being able to handle work-related stressors in the past 6 months. However, although challenges such as staffing shortages persist, there is a growing understanding that addressing these issues is crucial to the industry.
COVAX Plans to Redirect Spending Initiatives for COVID-19 Vaccines
The COVAX initiative, aimed at delivering COVID-19 vaccines to the world's poorest, is contemplating redirecting billions of dollars to prepare for future pandemics or to support vaccine manufacturing in Africa, according to Reuters. With around $2.6 billion left in its funds, COVAX is exploring ways to utilize the remaining money as the emergency phase of the pandemic comes to an end. Options include using the funds for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programs, booster shots, and wider pandemic preparedness initiatives, as mwell as boosting vaccine manufacturing in Africa to address vaccine shortages for diseases like cholera and yellow fever.
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.
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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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Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
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Mental Health Diagnoses, Care Challenges Rise Among US Youth, Report Finds
April 26th 2024While behavioral health care utilization has been rising, the treatment landscape has been worsening. New findings show that 20% of youths did not receive any form of treatment within 3 months of their initial behavioral health diagnosis.
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