A new study found disparities in access to semaglutide based on insurance plan, job industry, sex, and other factors. Individuals with female identities, preferred provider organization coverage, and antidepressant use were more likely to start taking semaglutide compared to males or those with certain employment industries.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a model that quantifies the impacts of social factors on HIV spread, finding that addressing barriers to treatment and care can reduce national HIV incidence by 29%. The study suggests that investing in prevention and social programs could be more cost-effective than treatment alone.
A cohort study found that insurance plan type and structure play a crucial role in determining access to semaglutide for adults with obesity. The findings suggest that targeted interventions at the insurance level could improve equity in obesity treatment access.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage patients with colorectal cancer are six percentage points less likely to receive a cancer drug compared to those on Traditional Medicare. For non-small cell lung cancer, the pattern was not as clear due to limited low-cost treatment options.
Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) steer Medicare patients to their own pharmacies, with PBM-owned pharmacies capturing over 60% market share in certain drug classes. The study suggests that the 'any willing pharmacy' rules may be preventing PBMs from gaining significant market share in Medicare.
Research reveals that long COVID affects not only job status but also overall well-being, leading to financial instability, emotional distress, and feelings of loss of identity. Patients report struggling to cope with lingering symptoms and facing skepticism from healthcare providers.
A new study reveals that lower-quality public housing units are disproportionately located in areas with high flood risk, putting residents at risk of catastrophic damage. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color and those with limited ability to recover from flooding.
Researchers found a 10.8% price discount in the AEP 100 flood zone and a 4.4% discount in the AEP 500 flood zone, highlighting the financial burden of flood risk on homebuyers. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to safeguard communities and manage real estate markets as climate patterns intensify.
Continuous Medicaid enrollment is associated with a lower rate of late-stage lymphoma diagnosis, but fewer than half of patients are continuously enrolled before diagnosis. The study found that continuous coverage was strongly linked to a lower likelihood of late-stage diagnosis, especially in young adults.
The study reveals that many individuals and households incur significant financial burdens for abortion care, with those traveling from out of state facing the most extreme costs. To address this issue, expansion of insurance coverage to ensure equitable access to abortion care is needed, regardless of a person's state of residence.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that hospice care generates substantial savings for the US Medicare system, with $29,000 in cost savings over five years for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Hospice care provides palliative-type care at a lower cost than elaborate medical procedures, saving lives and reducing suffering.
A study by Ohio State University found that ground ambulance providers raised their prices in response to a New York law aimed at preventing surprise, expensive out-of-network emergency ambulance bills. The law increased prices by 13%, which is likely to hit health consumers' bank accounts through elevated insurance premiums.
A cross-sectional study of 14,000 insured adults found that individual-level social determinants of health are strongly linked to healthcare spending by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. This association can inform health insurers and policymakers to incorporate social determinants into decision-making practices.
A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.
A study led by UMass Amherst found no significant improvement in asthma care for Medicaid-insured children compared to those with private insurance. Despite the launch of primary care-oriented Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts, disparities in quality of care persist, with worsening emergency department/hospital use for children with Medic...
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to have claims for free preventive care denied by insurance plans, leading to unexpected bills or lack of access. Healthcare providers also charge disadvantaged groups a higher amount for preventive services.
A new study reveals the flood insurance program's effects differ greatly among communities, with higher-population and wealthier areas benefiting more from discounts on premiums. Lower-income communities also see benefits, but only in areas with less racial and ethnic diversity, realizing a gain of about $6,000 per household.
A study with 4.8 million Medicaid enrollees found that policies requiring 12-month supply of contraception have not been fully implemented, resulting in no substantial increases in year-long prescription orders. This leaves many patients at an increased risk for unintended pregnancy.
A novel model integrating utility loss aversion explains low demand for cyber-insurance due to optimistic decision-making and reluctance to invest in supplementary strategies. This has broader consequences for corporate risk management, public policy, and systemic cyber risks.
A study found that state-level insulin cost caps do not significantly increase insulin claims for patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Most commercial enrollees were already paying out-of-pocket costs below the mandated caps.
Researchers found that a game-based approach can significantly reduce handheld phone use among drivers, with a 28% reduction in usage. The intervention included earning points for reducing phone use and competing on a leaderboard, leading to lasting improvements in driver behavior.
A new study by New York University researchers found that Medicare Advantage plans with high star ratings are less available in counties with higher poverty and unemployment rates. This limited access may further exacerbate existing health disparities and limit federal funds from reaching regions most in need.
Researchers found that out-of-pocket costs for additional tests, including MRI and biopsies, are common and increasing among privately insured men with high PSA results. The median cost rose substantially between 2010-2020, deterring patients from undergoing recommended screening.
A study found that drivers who received weekly feedback on their phone use and a cash incentive of up to $50 used their phones less than those given no incentive or feedback. The intervention also led to a 21% decrease in handheld phone usage when drivers were told they would lose money if they engaged in phone use while driving.
A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.
St. Jude researchers found that early surveillance after genetic predisposition discovery detects new, treatable tumors in 70% of cases. This approach can avoid chemotherapy and radiation, improving outcomes for children with cancer.
A new study by Michigan Medicine University found that nearly all patients with buprenorphine prescriptions filled them, even when paying more out-of-pocket. The researchers suggest removing barriers to continuous prescribing as the main focus of efforts.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over 1 in 10 FQHC patients experience major social risk factors such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial strain. These challenges are significantly higher among FQHCs serving historically disenfranchised groups.
A study by Washington State University found that treating minor illnesses at pharmacies can be effective and cost-saving, with patients recovering from almost all their ailments after a single visit. The research suggests expanding pharmacists' clinical services could improve healthcare access and reduce costs.
This study analyzed the current ratio of medical assistants to primary care clinicians across a nationally representative sample of adult primary care physician practices. The results show that independent practices, medical group-owned practices, and Federally Qualified Health Centers are more likely to have adequate staffing ratios.
New studies by University of Michigan physicians highlight the need for improved diagnosis coding to target efforts to optimize antibiotic use and reduce risk. Inappropriate prescriptions occur in up to 35% of adults treated in emergency departments, with similar rates seen in clinics serving Medicaid patients.
Neighborhoods of high need offer opportunities to improve health through social care integration, which requires infrastructure development and financial investment. Building and maintaining this infrastructure will cost $1-3 million per year for 5-10 years, according to a case study by Eskenazi Health.
The Academic Payvider model enhances value-based care by fostering improved coordination, reduced insurance hassles, and increased staff attention. This joint approach between payers and providers aims to drive complex care down through innovative reimbursement structures.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University and colleagues finds that private equity firms have expanded to mental health facilities, mirroring growth in other healthcare sectors. The research suggests that these acquisitions may prioritize profits over access for patients.
A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.
A new study suggests that removing barriers to cervical cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnostic procedures can save lives and reduce disparities. If every eligible person gets the full screening and follow-up tests recommended, up to 23% fewer people would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20% fewer would die from it.
Researchers developed a new training tool to help AI programs account for human dishonesty, especially in mortgage and insurance applications. The modified AI was better able to detect inaccurate information from users.
USC researchers found that Medicare Part D plans excluded more compounds from coverage or subjected them to review before patients could access treatments. This resulted in over two-thirds of brand-name-only compounds being subject to utilization restrictions or excluded from coverage altogether.
The American Gastroenterological Association has proposed a 12-point plan to enhance IBD care in the US, focusing on insurer-mandated barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. The plan aims to improve treatment access and quality for over three million Americans living with IBD.
A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.
A study suggests that promoting prosocial preferences in smallholder farming communities can minimize economic losses from extreme weather events. By diversifying risk transfer mechanisms and implementing formal insurance, communities can shield farmers from individual risks while protecting against collective-scale volatility.
A new study found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes can lead to improved health outcomes, particularly among those living in lower-income areas. The study showed a 10.2% decrease in preventable diabetes complications among PDL members from lower-income areas compared to the control group.
New findings from a study on ketamine's efficacy in treating severe depression reveal that 52% of participants achieved remission after just three infusions. The study also found that half of those who had thought often of suicide before receiving ketamine experienced a dramatic drop in suicidal impulses.
A new study finds that NFIP insurance adoption leads to a significant increase in population growth in high-flood-risk areas. The authors estimate that the program contributes to 5% more population per standard deviation increase in historical flood risk, resulting in higher damages from disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Harvey.
A new study found that big data helps insurance companies understand risks better, offer fair prices and keep customers happier. However, there are also concerns about privacy and ethics when using large amounts of data.
A new study led by Oregon Health & Science University found that integrating physical and behavioral health services in Medicaid managed care did not lead to improved access or outcomes for patients. Despite the expectation that such integration would drive positive changes, the research revealed no statistically significant improvemen...
A new poll found that 83% of older adults believe health insurers should cover medications to help people with obesity manage their weight. Nearly as many, 76%, also believe Medicare should cover these drugs, which are currently not covered under law.
Two new studies show that renters living along the East and Gulf coasts experience rent increases, higher eviction rates, and less affordable housing after a hurricane. Renters often lack access to post-disaster government aid and benefits from federal mitigation programs.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that patients from underrepresented groups treated with first-line immunotherapy for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) showed similar survival outcomes as their White counterparts. The study analyzed data from 248 patients and highlighted the need for more diverse patient representation...
A federal policy during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in uninsured rates among adult Medicaid enrollees due to continuous enrollment. However, churning among children remained unchanged. The study suggests that over 300,000 people monthly avoided becoming uninsured as a result of the policy.
A new study presents evidence that children with private insurance are more likely to outgrow food allergies compared to those with public insurance. Milk and egg allergy were the most frequently outgrown allergies in the cohort of 188 children studied, with a mean age at which food was outgrown being 5 years.
Health care spending for Black adults was equal to or less than that of White adults, but only in areas with racial and economic equity and equitable insurance access. The study highlights the need to recognize place as a contributor to race-based differences in health care spending.
A University of Michigan team found that vaccinating people over 65 against COVID-19 will save the US money, while younger adults may not see significant cost savings. The analysis, commissioned by the CDC, focused on costs to insurers and the government.
A recent study led by UNC Greensboro researcher Mathieu Despard found that one-third of frontline healthcare workers experienced food insecurity, with even those earning over $75k facing housing hardship. The study highlights the importance of benefits in mitigating financial insecurity among healthcare workers.
A retrospective cohort study found that Black, lower SES, and publicly insured teens are at higher risk of major complications after scoliosis surgery. These disparities also affect pre-operative care, including rates of brace prescription and second opinions.
SourceNemours·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2023
A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease. The study analyzed data from the shingles vaccine and found a significant increase in vaccination rates after the Affordable Care Act required private insurers to cover vaccinations.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that adults with Down syndrome are more consistently enrolled in Medicaid and utilize more healthcare services than people without developmental disabilities. However, racial disparities exist, with White individuals having greater access to care.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum shows that implementing a five-day limit on opioid prescriptions for surgery patients did not lead to increased pain levels or decreased satisfaction. However, the amount of opioid pills patients received dropped significantly after the limit went into effect.
A study of 4,070 insured adults with diabetes found persistent disparities in poor glycemic control, even after adjusting for social, healthcare, and behavioral factors. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the barriers contributing to these disparities.
Utilization and spending on mental health services for children and youths with commercial insurance significantly increased from January 2019 to August 2022. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder accounted for most visits and spending across all phases of the study.