Initiative aims to enhance maternal health and birth outcomes; Wegovy success will help fund a vaccines initiative for respiratory diseases; new tactics aim to remove abortion from the 2024 ballot
CMS Launches Maternal Health Model to Address Maternal Health Crisis
A new model will support state Medicaid agencies in adopting a comprehensive approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for women with Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, according to CMS. Aimed at reducing adverse outcomes and disparities, the model focuses on personalized care, increased access to maternal health providers, and fostering connections to implement evidence-based practices. Each participating state Medicaid agency is eligible for up to $17 million during the 10-year period to address the maternal health crisis and enhance the overall maternity care experience.
Novo Nordisk Foundation Commits $265 Million to Initiative Improving Respiratory Disease Vaccines
The Novo Nordisk Foundation announced a commitment of approximately $265 million to establish the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), according to Reuters. The initiative aims to advance vaccines for deadly respiratory diseases like tuberculosis, influenza, and group A streptococcus, which collectively contribute to over 2.5 million deaths annually. In partnership with the University of Copenhagen, NIVI will focus on generating immunity in the airway, addressing a critical gap in respiratory disease prevention. The funding is fueled by the success of Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug semaglutide (Wegovy), turning the foundation into a significant philanthropist and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investor.
Conservatives Employ New Strategies to Thwart Abortion Ballot Measures
Anti-abortion activists and Republicans are implementing a range of strategies to prevent abortion-related issues from reaching the ballot in various states, according to Politico. These tactics include ad campaigns encouraging people not to sign petitions, legal challenges arguing against the clarity of proposed amendments, and legislative efforts to raise the threshold for ballot measures or alter the initiative process. The actions reflect concerns among anti-abortion groups about their ability to secure victories at the ballot box, particularly in the wake of recent successes by abortion-rights advocates in states like Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
Alopecia Areata Risk Associated With Atopy, Allergies
May 13th 2024A genetic study suggests people with allergies and eczema are more likely to develop alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Researchers believe this link may be due to similar immune system responses.
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Exploring Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Variations
March 26th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the March 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on variations in prior authorization use across Medicare Advantage plans.
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Public Hospitals More Likely to Extend Unprofitable Services After 340B Participation, Study Finds
May 10th 2024Public hospitals were significantly more likely to sustain access to unprofitable services following 340B Drug Pricing Program participation, while nonprofit hospitals were mostly unaffected, according to a recent study.
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Oncology Onward: A Conversation With Dr Debra Patt of Texas Oncology
August 1st 2023Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, joins hosts Emeline Aviki, MD, MBA, and Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, for episode 2 of our newest podcast, "Oncology Onward: Conversations With Innovators and Changemakers in Cancer Care."
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Breast Cancer Treatment Disparities Impact Survival Based on Race, Age, Socioeconomics
May 9th 2024A new study has linked racial and ethnic disparities with factors like age, income, and insurance to breast cancer treatment decline. Patients who received all treatments had better survival, highlighting the need for interventions to improve access and reduce disparities.
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AA Unlikely to Cause Anxiety, Depression but May Be Affected by Mental Illness
May 7th 2024A Mendelian randomization study using genetic analysis found that alopecia areata (AA) increases the risk of anxiety and depression, but not the other way around, providing unique evidence for a causal link while adding to existing evidence.
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