Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A study by Uppsala University finds that childhood overweight is associated with socio-economic disadvantage, particularly in regions with high rates of single parenthood and low education levels. The prevalence of overweight among 4-year-olds has fallen to pre-pandemic levels, but regional disparities persist.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the federal government may be paying for veteran healthcare twice due to high-veteran Medicare Advantage plans. The research found that nearly one in five veterans enrolled in these plans did not incur any Medicare services, highlighting concerns about inefficient s...
A study analyzed health checkup data and found that individuals with mild dyslipidemia were less likely to seek medical follow-up compared to those with severe abnormalities. Nearly 80% of respondents did not follow up with a physician, highlighting the need for improved follow-up attendance at medical consultations.
Research highlights social media's impact on youth mental health, including associations between excessive social media use and suicidal thoughts. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address this growing concern among young people.
A new study published in JNCCN found that Medicaid expansion was associated with longer survival rates and reduced treatment delays for patients with HR-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer. The study used data from the National Cancer Database to review results for women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer between 2010 and 2018.
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 new study by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute suggests that policy interventions tailored to the citizenship status of international medical graduates can help address US primary care physician shortages. The research found significant effects on IMGs' choices of specialties and practice locations, with varying trends depend...
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 study from Lehigh University and Seattle University found that making patients aware of biases in human healthcare decisions increases receptiveness to AI recommendations. By highlighting the limitations of human judgment, healthcare providers can create a more balanced relationship between patients and emerging technologies.
Providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduces alcohol consumption in individuals with moderate to severe drinking problems, as indicated by AUDIT scores ≤7, 8-11, 12-14, and ≥15. However, this approach is not sufficient for those with more severe cases, highlighting the need for a combination of strategies.
A first-of-its-kind study assesses how closely patients' perceptions of network adequacy align with those of insurers. The survey found strong support for definitions related to timely access, specialty care, and mental health care, as well as broader concepts like public transportation access and cultural competency.
The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) will tackle global health issues like antibiotic resistance and conflict zones through keynotes from Lord Ara Darzi and Christos Christou. More than 200 experts will present innovative practices in healthcare.
Researchers argue that AI's impact on public health depends on its development and deployment, warning of potential biases, lack of transparency, and exacerbation of existing harm. However, the authors also highlight AI's potential to improve healthcare systems, access to care, and provide essential services.
A comprehensive review of population-level tobacco control strategies found tax increases, smoke-free legislation, and anti-smoking campaigns to be effective in reducing smoking. These interventions also increased quit rates and led to higher smoking cessation rates.
A new study by NYU researchers reveals that more than 60% of the US population has access to certified community behavioral health clinics, which provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. The clinics are expanding crisis mental health services, including mobile crisis response teams and stabilization.
Researchers found the phrase has broadened to include regional inequalities in state services and poverty, with varying meanings for different people. The study, carried out by Grace Redhead and Rebecca Lynch, highlights the complex causes of regional inequality in health and healthcare.
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.
Brendan G. Carr, MD, MS, receives the Colin C. Rorrie Award for Excellence in Health Policy, recognized for his work on building regional systems for emergency care and advocating for increased collaboration between public and private sectors. Ugo Ezenkwele, MD, MPH, receives the Leon L. Haley Jr. Award for Excellence in Diversity, Inc...
Children worldwide fail to meet WHO guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep, highlighting the need for effective context-specific programs. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding factors influencing these behaviors in young children.
A new study estimates that nonprofit hospitals receive significant tax benefits across states, with high concentrations among a few hospitals. Policy efforts to strengthen accountability are more effective at the local level.
A new JAMA commentary by Boston University School of Public Health researchers warns that Project 2025's conservative blueprint would undermine healthcare and public health. The playbook's proposals, led by The Heritage Foundation, include deregulating healthcare, weakening the ACA, and allowing discrimination within healthcare settings.
A new study finds that rural men can expect to live two years less than their urban counterparts by age 60, and spend fewer years in good health. The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality has nearly tripled over two decades due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.
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 study analyzing data from the Health Survey for England found that people living in areas of high deprivation are likely to have worse health than those in less deprived areas, even when reporting their own health as 'poor'. This could lead to underestimation of health inequalities and inaccurate allocation of resources.
The study found that home discharge rates increased more for Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white patients, highlighting the importance of considering differential outcomes in Medicare payment policies. These findings suggest the need for tailored approaches to address racial and ethnic disparities in joint replacement care.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that the Inflation Reduction Act's limit on Medicare Part D spending leads to significant savings for cancer patients prescribed oral chemotherapy. The average annual cost for these medications decreased from $11,284 in 2023 to $3,927 in 2024, resulting in median cost savings of $7,260.
A UBCO study found that patients face barriers when discussing psychedelics with physicians due to stigma and perceived lack of knowledge. The study analyzed data from 800 adults who use psychedelics, revealing that nearly 60% felt less satisfied with communication about psychedelics compared to previous conversations.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that the Colorado insulin price cap law resulted in a 40% reduction in out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions. The law, which caps monthly costs at $100 for state-regulated health insurance plans, had the largest impact on children and adults aged 18-34, as well as rural patients.
A Northwestern University study reveals that states with severe post-Dobbs abortion restrictions also lack policies to support families, particularly those of low socioeconomic status and marginalized individuals. The authors argue that advocates should leverage child protection arguments to advocate for improved family welfare policies.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that individuals with pre-existing disabilities are more than twice as likely to develop long COVID. The research found that chronic illnesses and mental illness/psychiatric disabilities were the most common types of disabilities among those experiencing long COVID.
The number of NHS general practices in England has shrunk by 20% over the past decade, but patient list sizes have expanded by 40%. The average practice list size increased from 6967 to 9724 patients, while the number of GPs per 1000 patients fell by 15%.
A new study from Tulane University found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates increased vaccine rates among health care workers by 3-4%, with improvements seen in states that required vaccinations without opt-outs. The policy was particularly effective among health care workers between the ages of 25-49 years.
A new US study found that most people who challenged problematic medical bills received financial relief, including 74% of those who reported a billing error and 76% of those who sought financial assistance. However, those who may struggle most with medical debt, such as those without college degrees or lower financial literacy, were l...
A new study by the University of Leeds has found that British Muslims faced significant challenges accessing palliative care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlighted the need for culturally aware healthcare policies and greater inclusion of minority groups in decision-making processes to address these inequities.
A research group at Osaka University proposes two proactive ethics consultation methods: inter-professional ethics rounds and patient note reviews. These methods aim to improve clinical decision-making by addressing ethical issues in a more proactive manner, leading to better medical care and alleviated moral anguish among medical staff.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.
A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.
A new study found a significant sex bias in pain management at emergency departments, with female patients consistently receiving fewer pain medication prescriptions compared to male patients. Female patients also spend more time in the emergency department and have their pain scores less frequently recorded.
A USC study found that prescription fills for semaglutide increased by over 400% between 2021 and 2023, with most prescriptions going to privately insured patients. The study suggests that this may worsen disparities in diabetes and obesity outcomes among Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
A national survey of clinicians providing abortion found elevated moral distress among all practitioners, with those in restrictive states facing twice the stress. The study emphasizes the need for structural changes and policy reform to combat widespread moral distress.
A new study found no racial or ethnic disparities in prior authorization outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients, but Asian patients had higher rates of approvals compared to White patients. The study analyzed data from 18,041 cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new scoring model using prehospital resuscitation data to predict neurological outcomes of patients with OHCA. The R-EDByUS score achieved high precision, enabling healthcare providers to make quick and accurate decisions upon hospital arrival.
A randomized study found that individuals with cash benefits had significantly reduced emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The study suggests that policies addressing poverty through income support may have a positive impact on health and access to care.
Despite improved workplace conditions, nurses face significant challenges, including high planned departure rates and abusive events. The study emphasizes the need for initiatives to support nurse retention and reduce workforce instability.
Medical debt exacerbates the mental health treatment gap among US adults, particularly those with depression and anxiety. The study highlights the need for new policies to protect against this financial barrier and ensure access to mental health care.
A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.
A study published in BMJ Public Health found that children living in deprived areas have a three times higher risk of needing dental extractions under general anaesthesia. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved access to preventive dental services to address socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in oral health.
The study aims to empower underrepresented populations in health research through a novel approach called engagement mapping, which identifies barriers to research partnerships and co-designs strategies to address them. The pilot study will test the feasibility of this approach with community advisory councils at two institutions.
A review article by Uppsala University researchers highlights the global issue of malnutrition in the sick and elderly, affecting up to 50% of hospital patients in Sweden. Simple measures such as counselling, dietitian collaboration, and nutritional drinks can reverse malnutrition and improve quality of life.
A longitudinal cohort study found that telehealth availability has declined since the COVID-19 public health emergency ended, affecting mental health treatment facilities. The decline suggests a need for targeted policies to sustain telehealth access and ensure continued support for mental health care.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that older women over 65 who require complex heart surgery are more likely to be treated at low-quality hospitals, where they also die in greater numbers. The sex disparity in mortality doubled from high-quality to low-quality hospitals.
A cross-sectional study found that LGBTQ+ individuals' health insurance coverage and access to care improve with Medicare eligibility, especially among sexual minorities and states with high disparities. However, the association is not consistently greater than for heterosexual and cisgender individuals.
A Massachusetts statewide standing order policy led to a 32% increase in emergency contraceptive fills at pharmacies. The policy's impact was largely attributed to increased prescription-only ulipristal fill rates, which more than doubled after the policy was implemented.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
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.
A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...