Report Links Population Health to Economic Performance
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has released its second annual edition of a Moody’s Analytics report that finds a direct link between population health and economic growth. Moody’s pairs economic data with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index, a county-level measurement of conditions with the greatest effect on those with commercially insured. The report’s most direct connection between health and the economy is that healthier workers are more productive, miss fewer days of work, and are stronger physically and mentally.
Senators Demand Info on Probe of Price’s Stock Trades
Questions about HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, and his stock trades aren’t going away. Kaiser Health News reports that 7 senators—6 Democrats plus independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont—sent a letter Wednesday to Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking what he knows about an investigation into Price’s trades that may have started before former US Attorney Preet Bharara was dismissed from New York’s Southern District. During Price’s confirmation hearings, the former Georgia congressman was questioned about trades in healthcare, medical device, and pharmaceutical stocks he made while serving on the House health committee.
Massachusetts Panel Sets Tight Healthcare Spending Cap
Massachusetts will try to limit healthcare spending increases to 3.1% in 2018, below this year’s target of 3.6%, following a vote Wednesday by its Health Policy Commission. The rate is triggered by a 2012 law designed to keep healthcare spending in line with the rest of the economy. However, WBUR in Boston reports that spending in 2014 and 2015 exceeded caps, and actual 2016 spending figures aren’t in yet. The Massachusetts Medical Society, which represents doctors, thinks the tighter cap is a bad idea. Overall US healthcare spending has been increasing by about 5% a year.
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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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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