Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: August 24, 2024
August 24th 2024Learn more about the negotiated Medicare drug prices and what the FDA's rejection of therapeutic MDMA means for mental health care through expert reactions. Other highlights include pharmacy-based HIV care, gaps in care for gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and the obesity epidemic.
Brooke Kempf: LAIs Provide More Than Just Adherence to Schizophrenia Treatment
August 22nd 2024The growing utilization of long-acting injectable (LAI) medications for treating patients with schizophrenia indicates a positive trend in mental health practice, according to Brooke Kempf, PMHNP, Indiana University Indianapolis.
Following FDA Rejection, Experts Discuss MDMA Therapy, Improving Care for Veterans With PTSD
August 21st 2024The FDA's decision to reject midomafetamine (MDMA) capsules in combination with assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AT) for adults with PTSD reignited the controversial conversation around investigative psychedelic therapy.
Lykos Therapeutics Restructures After FDA Setback, Commits to Progressing MDMA Therapy for PTSD
August 16th 2024Along with the company reorganization, Lykos announced it will be reducing its workforce by approximately 75%, with the remaining team focused on continuing efforts in clinical development, medical affairs, and engagement with the FDA.
New Survey Identifies Health Concerns Motivating Voter Choices in Key Demographic
August 14th 2024As the 2024 election approaches, older adults, who comprise more than half of ballots cast, are highly concerned about health care costs, financial scams, and fraud. Concern varies based on gender and political ideology.
New Strategic Plan From OXIHER Aims to Bridge Health Equity Gaps in Louisiana
August 7th 2024The Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER) is targeting health disparities in Louisiana, focusing on population health management, outcomes research, health careers and equity education, community engagement, and health advocacy and policy.
Bipartisan Letter to President Biden Highlights Promise of MDMA Therapy for PTSD
August 7th 2024Over 60 bipartisan members of Congress wrote a letter to President Joe Biden stating the urgent need to address the suicide epidemic among veterans, advocating for innovative treatments like therapeutic MDMA.
Survey Exposes Pervasive Billing Errors, Aggressive Tactics in US Health Insurance
August 5th 2024Almost half of insured Americans report receiving unexpected medical bills, leading to financial strain and contributing to worsening health outcomes for many patients, The Commonwealth Fund report reveals.
Tiara Green Calls for Comprehensive Support for Rare and Chronic Diseases
July 25th 2024Health care inequity is costing the United States billions of dollars without providing quality outcomes for patients with rare and chronic diseases, Tiara Green, MSEd, president of Accessia Health, tells The American Journal of Managed Care.
Lisa Gomez Explains How EBSA Is Addressing Barriers to Minority Mental Health
July 24th 2024For Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the Employee Benefits Security Agency (EBSA) in the US Department of Labor highlights the critical need to address mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
Understanding Coverage, Financing, and Future Trends of Gene Therapy in Employer Health Plans
July 21st 2024The Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health webinar series provided an in-depth framework for the advantages of including cell and gene therapy coverage in employer health plans, as well as the challenges brought by manufacturing complexities and the need to address accessibility to treatment.
Dr Rachel Dalthorp Details Her Approach to Closing Gaps in Postpartum Mental Health Care
July 21st 2024Screening for postpartum depression while patients are pregnant is a crucial step to ensuring they get access to treatment if they need it postpartum, according to Rachel Dalthorp, MD, of LifeStance Health.
New Report Shows Worsening Health Outcomes for Women in States With Abortion Bans
July 18th 2024The Commonwealth Fund scorecard ranks Mississippi, Texas, Nevada, and Oklahoma among the poorest-performing states overall for women’s health care access, quality, and outcomes, while Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island rank at the top.
New Research Links Cognitive Factors to Daily Functioning in Schizophrenia
July 16th 2024Using the modified Tinkertoy Test (m-TTT), recent findings further the understanding of specific cognitive deficits affecting life skills in individuals with schizophrenia, revealing a critical link between divergent thinking and daily functioning.
2024-2025 Best Hospitals: US News Recognizes Leading Medical Centers for 35th Year
July 16th 2024With 20 hospitals earning the Honor Roll distinction, the report compared hospitals in 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Of these, only 160 earned the "Best Hospitals" ranking, signifying excellence in clinical outcomes, nursing care, and patient safety practices.