- Center on Health Equity and Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
What We’re Reading: Weight Loss Drug May Reduce Heart Risks; COVID-19 Vaccine Opposition; Ohio Abortion Amendment
The weight loss drug semaglutide showed significant cardiovascular benefits; Texas and Florida are restricting the promotion of COVID-19 vaccines; some Ohio legislators are seeking to block courts from interpreting the state’s recently passed constitutional amendment that created a right to abortion.
Weight Loss Drug Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Heart Risks
In an international study, the weight loss drug semaglutide (Wegovy) demonstrated a 20% reduction in serious heart problems among individuals with pre-existing heart disease, challenging the perception of obesity medications as purely cosmetic, according to the Associated Press. The research, spanning 17,500 participants across 41 countries, is the first to show that Wegovy not only aids weight loss but also prevents heart-related issues in individuals without diabetes. These findings may reshape treatment guidelines and increase pressure for health insurers to cover obesity medications.
Political Shifts Silence Public Health Messaging on COVID-19 Vaccines
Several US states, including Texas and Florida, are limiting public health departments' ability to promote COVID-19 vaccines, with rules forbidding advertising or recommending the vaccines, according to Kaiser Health News. This trend follows a political shift, with some Republican politicians reversing their positions on COVID-19 vaccines. As vaccine uptake remains low, public health officials fear dire consequences for health outcomes, emphasizing the impact of language changes and political interference on public health initiatives.
Ohio GOP Lawmakers Seek to Restrict Courts From Reviewing Abortion Amendment
Several Ohio Republican lawmakers are advocating to limit the authority of courts to review cases related to the newly passed Issue 1 abortion amendment, claiming "foreign election interference" without evidence, according to The Hill. Issue 1, which passed with 57% of the vote, establishes a constitutional right to reproductive freedom while allowing restrictions after fetal viability. GOP legislators express concerns about the amendment's ambiguity and potential misuse, vowing to consider modifications through legislative channels rather than judicial interpretation.
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
Insurance Coverage Limits JAKi Therapy Access for Patients With AA, Especially Non-White Populations
April 25th 2024A survey study showed major barriers to Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy for patients with alopecia areata, especially for non-White patients who face higher rates of being uninsured and struggle more to afford the treatment.
Read More
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) vote to ban most employers from issuing and enforcing noncompete clauses could have varying impacts on the health care workforce; federal regulators vastly under-enforced antitrust laws in the hospital sector during the last 2 decades, resulting in increased health costs; the FDA recently found genetic evidence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in pasteurized commercially purchased milk.
Read More
