Some Immigrants in California Cancel Health Insurance
In California, legal immigrants are not enrolling in Medi-Cal or are canceling coverage in the wake of the Trump administration’s approach to immigrants, reported California Healthline. Legal immigrants are concerned that enrolling in Medi-Cal may put family members who do not have legal status in danger of being deported. In addition, some worry that they may be penalized for using public benefits even though they are legally eligible for these benefits. However, immigration experts note that canceling coverage may not help—their names are already in the system.
ACA Repeal and Replace May Affect Employer-Sponsored Insurance Tax Breaks
As Republicans work on a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they need to find a way to offset the costs of providing tax credits for individuals. One potential plan is to cap how much of employer health benefits can be protected from taxes. The health insurance benefit that employees receive from employers currently isn't taxed, but the new plan could limit how much is tax free. Health plans that exceed the limit on the value of these benefits would be subject to income tax on the amount the difference. Democrats worry that this strategy could mean employers offer less generous plans.
Cigna and Anthem’s Merger Saga Continues
A judge has temporarily blocked Cigna’s attempt to immediately terminate its proposed merger from Anthem, The Wall Street Journal reported. After a judge blocked the merger between Anthem and Cigna, Cigna sought to terminate the merger, plus sued Anthem for $13 billion in damages. Anthem filed its own lawsuit to prevent Cigna from immediately ending the deal, and is trying to appeal the ruling that blocked the merger. The merger has been contentious between the 2 companies, with both accusing the other of violating the deal.
Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: December 9, 2023
December 9th 2023The Center on Health Equity and Access provides information on the latest news, research discoveries, and initiatives dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and improving overall access to high-quality care.
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New TROPiCS-02 Data Back Sacituzumab Govitecan for Older Patients With Breast Cancer
December 9th 2023This phase 3 study investigated sacituzumab govitecan, a Trop-2–directed antibody-drug conjugate, vs treatment of physician’s choice in pretreated patients who have endocrine-resistant hormone receptor–positive/HER2-negative breast cancer, the most common form of breast cancer.
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POSITIVE Trial Update on Patients With Breast Cancer Attempting Pregnancy
December 8th 2023At last year’s San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, POSITIVE trial primary outcome data were presented on breast cancer–free interval, with women who paused endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy having a similarly small rate of recurrence vs external controls from the SOFT and TEXT trials: 8.9% vs 9.2%.
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