- Center on Health Equity & Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
What We’re Reading: Medicare Lawsuit Dismissed; COVID Isolation Guidelines; Millions Have Long COVID
A ruling against Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America marks victory for efforts to lower health care costs; new guidelines align with flu and respiratory syncytial virus protocols; children and pregnant individuals are burdened with long-term health symptoms in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Lawsuit Dismissed Against Drug Price Negotiation Program
On Monday, a federal judge in Austin, Texas, dismissed a lawsuit filed by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) challenging Medicare's new drug price negotiation program, according to Reuters. The program aims to save billions annually by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. Despite the setback for PhRMA, other lawsuits by major drugmakers are ongoing, indicating further legal battles as the cases may reach federal appeals courts and potentially the US Supreme Court.
CDC Plans to Loosen COVID Isolation Guidelines
The CDC is set to release updated guidance that will relax COVID-19 isolation recommendations, allowing Americans who test positive to return to work and school sooner, according to The Washington Post. The move, driven by changes in the COVID-19 landscape and immunity levels, aligns with protocols for avoiding transmission of the flu and respiratory syncytial virus. Under the new approach, individuals can end isolation if they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without medication and their symptoms are mild and improving.
Studies Shed Light on Long COVID in Children and Pregnant Individuals
Recent studies provide insights into the occurrence and effects of long COVID among children and pregnant individuals, according to CNN. One study found that around 10% of pregnant people experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness after contracting COVID-19. Another study suggests that up to 6 million children may develop long COVID, with symptoms that include respiratory problems and an increased risk of autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes.
Bridging the Vaccination Gap: Insights on Global Immunization Challenges
July 30th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH, 2024-2025 president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, on the recent report from the World Health Organization and UNICEF on public immunization rates, with national and global health implications.
Listen
Double Trouble: High-Deductible Plans Raise Maternity Care Costs Across 2 Calendar Years
June 27th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the author of a study published in the June 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about how annual high-deductible insurance plans increase maternity care costs when pregnancies cross 2 calendar years.
Listen
Pressure on Congress to Reform Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Prevent Reimbursement Cuts
October 17th 2024A new letter signed by more than 230 members of the House urges Congress to not only block the scheduled 2.8% reimbursement cut, but also reform the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Read More
