Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: April 14, 2025

World Health Day 2025 Focuses on Improving Global Maternal, Infant Health

In recognition of World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization launched a year-long campaign, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focused on improving maternal and newborn health and addressing preventable deaths. While global maternal mortality has declined 40% since 2000, progress has slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cuts in humanitarian funding, especially in conflict-affected regions. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected, accounting for 70% of maternal deaths and 57% of under-5 child deaths. The campaign calls for urgent investment in health systems, midwifery, and maternal care. The United States also faces a maternal health crisis, with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates among high-income countries, worsened by abortion restrictions and deep racial and socioeconomic disparities.

Trump’s New Tariffs Could Drive Up Health Care Costs, Experts Warn

The Trump administration's expansive tariff policy, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing trade deficits, could significantly affect the US health care system by increasing the costs of medical supplies and medications. While finished pharmaceuticals were initially exempt from tariffs, many essential components—like active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices—are not, threatening supply chains heavily reliant on imports from countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada. Industry leaders warn that generic drug manufacturers, already operating under thin margins, may be forced to exit the market, worsening drug shortages and driving up costs for patients, even those covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Hospitals could also face higher expenses due to tariffs on critical imported medical equipment and supplies. Amid these concerns, trade and health care organizations are advocating for medical product exemptions and domestic production incentives, though shifting manufacturing back to the US poses financial and logistical challenges.

Since the publication of this article, President Donald J. Trump announced a 90-day pause on most reciprocal tariffs, but the impact on pharmaceuticals is still unclear. Alongside the announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the pause will not apply to sector-specific tariffs like pharmaceuticals.

Experts Push to Preserve Telehealth, Payment Parity Post Pandemic

Experts interviewed by The American Journal of Managed Care® emphasize that several key health care policy changes from the COVID-19 pandemic—especially the expansion and reimbursement of telehealth—should be preserved long-term. They advocate for continued telehealth payment parity to ensure providers are fairly compensated for virtual visits, which improve access for underserved populations and reduce care costs. The experts also stress the importance of flexibility in care delivery, combining virtual and in-person visits to meet patient needs effectively. Additionally, the pandemic accelerated the shift toward value-based care, highlighting the need to prioritize outcomes over volume and integrate technologies like remote patient monitoring into routine care.

NCCN Data Find Racial, Socioeconomic Disparities in Quality of Care for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

A new study revealed disparities in the quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, highlighting the influence of race and socioeconomic status. Analyzing data from over 14,000 Medicare beneficiaries between 2005 and 2019, researchers found that socially vulnerable and minority patients were significantly less likely to receive recommended treatments such as systemic chemotherapy or palliative care and had worse survival outcomes. Although overall quality of care improved over time, patients from disadvantaged communities were 30% less likely to meet quality care benchmarks, which were strongly associated with improved cancer-specific survival. The authors emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions to address these inequities, including expanding access to palliative care through Medicaid and Medicare and tackling social determinants of health and implicit bias in treatment decisions.

Collaborative Care Model Offers Success in Reducing Suicide Risk, New Report Finds

A new report highlights the effectiveness of the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) in reducing suicide risk by integrating behavioral health into primary care, a critical step given that most individuals who die by suicide see a primary care provider within a year of their death. Supported by several major mental health organizations, the report draws on 3 recent studies demonstrating that CoCM, which involves coordinated care among primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, and care managers, significantly lowers suicide risk and improves mental health outcomes across diverse patient populations. Findings showed reduced suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety, with longer program participation linked to better outcomes. One large study from Kaiser Permanente revealed a 25% reduction in suicide attempts and deaths following CoCM implementation.