Health Care Policy
Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Hormone health climbs the policy agenda as endocrine leaders meet for European Society of Endocrinology’s first Summit of the Presidents
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
Cross Country Healthcare, FAU release 2026 State of Nursing report
The report highlights a driven workforce despite rising pressures, with 83% of nurses citing purpose as a key motivator. Practical considerations like flexibility and job security are increasingly important for nurses evaluating their future.
Minor federal fines offer little deterrence to insurers for Medicare Advantage violations, study finds
Researchers analyzed 13 years of federal data on Medicare Advantage enforcement actions, finding that CMS rarely used severe tools like contract terminations or suspensions. Instead, they relied on small fines, which may do little to change behavior and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Why risk perception matters for quitting smoking
A recent study found that risk perceptions of e-cigarettes rose sharply during and after the EVALI outbreak, lingering even after scientists identified the cause. This shift in perception was more pronounced among non-white participants, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities.
Study finds regional differences in sickle cell disease in New York state
A new study reveals significant variation in sickle cell disease hospitalizations and costs across New York State, with regional differences in access to specialized care and treatment impacting outcomes. Long Island and New York City show high costs and complex cases, while Central New York has the longest average length of stay.
Grant supports efforts to create atlas of Medicaid spending
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health have developed a national Medicaid claims data platform to illuminate spending variation across states, plans, and populations. The project aims to provide actionable data for policymakers to improve care and efficiency.
Medicaid expansion helped enrollees’ long-term financial health, study finds
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion helped enrollees significantly reduce their medical debt in collections by up to 75% within seven years of enrollment. Additionally, the study shows substantial drops in sub-prime credit scores, improving financial stability and long-term health outcomes.
Kratom use is surging in the US, with life-changing consequences
A new study found that kratom exposures reported to US poison centers increased 6,500% between 2010 and 2023, with severe outcomes rising from zero cases to 158. States with kratom bans had lower rates of exposure and healthcare use compared to those with regulations.
Bullying, state policy, and mental health symptoms in gender-diverse youths
A cohort study found that bullying and restrictive legislation were associated with higher rates of psychotic-like experiences in gender-diverse youths. The study suggests that supportive environments and policies can help alleviate mental health concerns among this population.
Millions suffering needlessly with curable hepatitis C, new analysis reveals
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
UNITE Project announces its first digital health winners as remote care and data-sharing push gains ground
The UNITE project has selected three joint interregional projects to tackle health data sharing and personalized remote care. The selected projects will focus on heart failure, neonatal intensive care, and radiation exposure in medical imaging.
Korean women with CVD face gaps in risk factor control
A study analyzing Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data reveals higher awareness and treatment of major risk factors among Korean women with CVD, but lower control rates. Sex differences were observed in most management indicators, with men having more risk factors on average.
Despite FDA rule change, few retail pharmacies dispense mifepristone
A new USC study found that in-store pharmacies filled less than 2% of mifepristone prescriptions since the FDA eased dispensing requirements, with mail-order pharmacies accounting for most fills. The study suggests significant access gaps in states with stronger legal protections for abortion.
Kids most in need of dental care least likely to benefit from school programs
A study found that children who need dental care the most are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs, which can lead to significant savings for state Medicaid programs. Improving participation among high-risk children could save up to $2.4 million annually.
New AI technology to speed drug development
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
Trends and disparities in the use of next-generation sequencing in patients with cancer in the US
Advanced or metastatic cancers often go without tumor genomic testing, with those from low-income backgrounds facing longer wait times. JAMA Network Open highlights the need for targeted healthcare policies to bridge these gaps.
Who should pay for older adults' care? Caregivers answer differently
People aged 50 and over who serve as unpaid family caregivers are more likely to support government-funded care, while non-caregivers prefer family or older adult payment. Concerns about long-term care costs and access persist among caregivers versus non-caregivers.
NCCN announces first fellows for new advocacy academy to help drive effective cancer policy
The NCCN Advocacy Academy connects oncology professionals with policymakers to drive evidence-based cancer policy. The program aims to cultivate policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers.
Out-of-pocket spending for insulin by Medicare beneficiaries after monthly caps
A $35 monthly insulin out-of-pocket cap is associated with significantly lower insulin costs, increased access to insulin, and decreased blood glucose levels among Medicare beneficiaries. This finding suggests that federal cost-sharing policies could improve access to essential medications in diabetes.
Inuit recommendations to address high rates of tuberculosis in Nunavik, Quebec
Inuit communities in Nunavik, Quebec, are facing a devastating tuberculosis epidemic, with rates 1000 times higher than non-Inuit populations. The study's findings highlight the need for increased healthcare resourcing and community-led initiatives to address this crisis.
“Better design instead of blanket bans”
The report proposes new strategies for digital safety, including AI-powered tools to detect and intervene in harmful situations. Experts also recommend involving children and youths in the design process, particularly schools, to promote agency and well-being.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance explores emerging regulatory frontiers in Latin America. The program features speakers from leading international institutions and offers a range of activities, including flash talks, poster presentations, and paper development workshops.
University Hospitals receives 2026 Innovation in Regulatory & Compliance Award at RLDatix Connected Healthcare Summit
University Hospitals has been recognized by RLDatix for its streamlined policy management and integrated compliance systems, transforming how regulatory information is managed. This recognition highlights the organization's commitment to safety, care quality, and better outcomes for every patient.
Placing fruit and veg near store entrances can improve sales and diet quality
Researchers discovered that placing fruit and vegetable sections near supermarket entrances increases purchased portions by 2,525 per week. This led to improved women's diets and potential long-term health benefits.
Study: An Oregon policy required hospitals to offer more financial assistance. Medical debt plummeted
A new study by Tulane University found that Oregon's hospital financial assistance policy significantly reduced medical debt in collections. The policy was associated with 872-1,180 fewer people per county having medical debt in collections, and increased charity care spending.
Preparing Canada’s health system for military conflicts
Canada's health system would bear the burden of medical care in major armed conflicts, and lacks a coordinated command structure and surge capacity. A national framework with three pillars – sustained clinical readiness, dual-use capacity, and formal coordination – is proposed to address this vulnerability.
Home testing kits could bridge the cervical screening gap for Disabled women, new study finds
A new UK study suggests that home testing kits could be a game-changer for reducing health inequalities among physically Disabled women. Over 50% of the surveyed women prefer self-testing over traditional clinic visits due to barriers such as discomfort and embarrassment. The proposed scheme will offer DIY test kits to under-screened o...
Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but more than 100 countries still fall short of the global maternal mortality target as progress slows worldwide
Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but progress has slowed in recent years and remains uneven across countries. Improvements in access to quality care could substantially reduce mortality, particularly in high-burden regions.
Rethinking dementia: New book argues attention — not memory — may be the earliest warning sign
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
Transportation noise: An overlooked risk to heart health
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
Excessive screen time signals health risk for young adults
A study found that high screen time and low physical activity are strongly linked with cardiovascular risk among young adults. Screen time was independently associated with markers of cardiovascular risk, even after accounting for differences in daily physical activity.
Medicare plan switching and hospice care among decedents with advanced cancer
A cohort study found that decedents with advanced cancer who switched from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare were more likely to receive hospice care in nursing homes. In contrast, continuous Medicare Advantage enrollees were more likely to receive hospice care at home.
Fewer seniors with heart disease report skipping meds after Medicare reforms
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries with heart disease reported less cost-related medication non-adherence after new provisions limited out-of-pocket drug costs. This decrease was particularly notable among low-income seniors, who saw a significant reduction in skipped or delayed doses.
JMIR Publications analyzes the gap between AI law and patient reality in health care
The article analyzes the legal and ethical complexities of explaining AI decisions to patients, highlighting significant hurdles such as interpretability trade-off, automation bias, and literacy barrier. It calls for co-design partnerships, institutional support, and standards for comprehension to bridge this gap.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Microplastics
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Microplastics is an intensive course designed to help students tackle plastic pollution. The program covers four frameworks: inside, on, around, and regulatory aspects of microplastics.
Diabetes outcomes worsen after insurance loss, OHSU study finds
Researchers analyzed electronic health records from over 39,000 adults with diabetes, finding that those who lost insurance had poorer blood sugar control and needed more intensive medications. The study suggests that coverage gaps pose a direct threat to health, particularly for low-income patients.
Thoughts don’t kill people, but study suggests options for keeping guns from doing so
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.
Bilingual forms improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English
A new study found that bilingual consent forms significantly improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English, with understanding rising from 35% to 60%. The study, published in Supportive Care in Cancer, examined the impact of different translation approaches on cancer treatment understanding among Bengali- and...
Salad packs a healthy punch to meet a growing Vitamin B12 need
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
VAD law experts talk dementia and critical issues at QUT conference
Experts will address critical issues in voluntary assisted dying and dementia, including community attitudes, Indigenous perspectives, and organ donation. The conference, open to the media and public, features over 130 presentations on VAD and its intersection with dementia.
New survey highlights the role of Clinical Practice Guidelines to improve care for patients with rare cancers
A recent survey highlights the importance of Clinical Practice Guidelines in managing rare cancers, with strong overall uptake but inconsistent use for diagnosis and research purposes. High guideline adherence is linked to tangible survival benefits, such as reduced mortality and improved outcomes in various rare tumour types.
Do abortion bans affect birth rates and food-assistance costs?
States with full abortion bans experienced a 1.6% increased birth rate in 2023, as well as a 4.3% increase in WIC participation among postpartum women and a 2.1% increase in formula-fed infants. This led to a $6.9 million increase in WIC food-assistance costs in 2023.
Cosmetic procedures need tighter regulation to reduce harm, argue experts
The global cosmetic procedure market is projected to exceed $180bn by 2033, with invasive procedures becoming increasingly invasive and harms on the rise. Experts call for consistent regulation, public education, and advertising controls to protect patients and reduce cosmetic tourism.
From chatbots to assembly lines: the impact of AI on workplace safety
A study examines the occupational health and safety implications of AI tools, revealing psychosocial, ethical, and privacy risks. The rapid integration of AI into the workplace has often outpaced the adaptation of regulatory and ethical frameworks, highlighting the need for a people-centered approach.
How AI is integrated into clinical workflow lowers medical liability perception
A study found that radiologists who reviewed imaging tests twice after AI flagged them as abnormal were 53% less likely to be held liable in court compared to those who reviewed once. This suggests that changes to radiologist workflow could reduce legal risk, but may also come with increased costs.
Digital media use and child health and development
A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent associations between digital media use and risks to child health and development, particularly social media use. The study highlights the need for multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.
Seeking abortion care across state lines after the Dobbs decision
People in states with abortion bans face limitations to obtaining care out of state, emphasizing the need for policy change, visible information, and resources. The study suggests supporting individuals through social support systems to address these limitations.
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights new and open colorectal cancer trials in March
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Specialist palliative care can save the NHS up to £8,000 per person and improves quality of life
A new study by King's College London found that specialist palliative care can reduce NHS costs by up to £8,000 per person and improve quality of life. Home-based specialist palliative care was associated with reduced costs, while hospital-based care also showed cost savings.
New study maps 74 years of China’s medical education policy: A shift from segmentation to integration
China's education-healthcare collaboration has undergone a gradual transformation from administratively segmented governance to integrated system coordination. The study finds an imbalance in policy tools, with regulatory frameworks dominating over workforce incentives and institutional motivation mechanisms.
THRIVE: Transforming health: Reclaiming intrinsic vitality for everyone
The THRIVE team is developing a PROSPR Intrinsic Capacity score to predict 20-year health outcomes, using wearable data, blood-based biomarkers, and health surveys. The score aims to enable accessible, scalable monitoring of aging and improve interventions.
Have abortion-related laws affected broader access to maternal health care?
A study found that Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws significantly reduced the supply of obstetricians and gynecologists, particularly older and newly trained doctors. This led to a decline in more than 2 obstetrician-gynecologists per 100,000 females aged 15–44 years.
ESE and ESPE launch joint transition of care guidance to improve outcomes for young people moving from child to adult endocrine care
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
National analysis maps hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions
A German nationwide study uses a new simulation approach to map hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions. 75 hospitals across Germany are identified at risk of patient surges beyond their regular capacity due to an increase in demand by more than 30 percent.
Medicare patients get different stroke care depending on plan, analysis reveals
A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.
Experience with patients needing trauma care—not years on the job—saves lives in EMS care
Research by University of Pittsburgh surgeon-scientists reveals that EMS clinicians who treat a high number of trauma patients have improved survival rates. The study found a 10% decrease in mortality for every five additional trauma patients treated annually, with no association between years on the job and patient outcomes.
Neighborhood factors related to financial stress are linked to worse breast cancer outcomes
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that neighborhoods with high housing costs and crowded households are associated with shorter breast cancer survival among women. The research team identified four specific variables that drive this relationship, including financial toxicity and stress.
Shorter may be sweeter: Study finds 15-second health ads can curb junk food cravings
A new Edith Cowan University study found that advertisements encouraging healthy choices can reduce cravings and intentions to consume unhealthy foods. In some cases, a 15-second message may be more effective than traditional 30-second commercials, especially for those with higher BMI categories.
Barriers to mental health care leave many children behind, new data cautions
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.