Health Care Delivery

Systemic barriers beyond just the price of drugs can impact health care costs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive affordability solutions, explained H. John Beardsley, MBA, of CoverMyMeds, and Fauzea Hussain, MPH, of McKesson.

Constance Blunt, MD, medical oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, shares how one mobile health care initiative is addressing critical barriers to medical access for underserved populations.

A quick roundup episode of major health policy developments, from shifting COVID-19 vaccine guidance and scientific publishing controversies to rising cancer care costs and the impact of oncology biosimilars.

According to Merrill H. Stewart, MD, Ochsner Health, the test can more accurately identify high-risk patients while helping others avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.

"Political directives should not prevent individuals from seeking safe and effective care that they desire and deserve," authors from the American College of Physicians (ACP) write.

US workers facing high economic hardship, especially those in lower-wage occupations, were significantly more likely to report fair or poor health, underscoring persistent disparities in worker well-being.

Racial and ethnic disparities in health access persist, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to achieve health equity across various conditions.

Oncology biosimilars significantly reduce financial toxicity in cancer care, as highlighted in 2 abstracts presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

CK Wang, MD, explains that Black women face higher rates of late-stage breast and ovarian cancer diagnoses, demonstrating the need for better screening guidelines and more representative data.

Community oncology faces significant challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) drug pricing changes, risking financial stability and patient access to care.

A recent study reveals that many patients start dialysis at low-quality facilities due to convenience, highlighting significant racial disparities in care access.

Lindsey Leininger, PhD, and Allister Chang, MPA, highlight the potential of laundromats as accessible, community-based settings to support Medicaid outreach, foster trust, and connect families with essential health and social services.

Findings from surveys of women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) include that 20% of health care providers were viewed as dismissive because of the patient’s sex.

Victor Murray, MSW, of the Camden Coalition, delves into the evolving role of social workers, focusing on advocacy, systems change, and addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

Pediatric research explored environmental interventions for bronchiolitis, heart function in children born preterm, and a quality initiative that improved rounding autonomy for pediatric fellows.

As community oncology evolves to deliver chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and bispecific therapies closer to home, support is needed to ensure patient access and precision medicine capabilities, says Nini Wu, MD.

Jonathan Strober, MD, explains the initial presentation of myasthenia gravis in a pediatric patient population and why initial diagnosis for these patients can be challenging.

This week, the Center on Health Equity & Access covered news from the Trump administration and CMS, Cigna's co-pay cap on weight loss drugs, and perspectives on living with HIV.

The Make Our Children Healthy Again assessment from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission warns of a national childhood health crisis and calls for broad federal reforms.

Evernorth has capped antiobesity drug monthly co-pays at $200 in a move to improve access and affordability amid new drug pricing initiatives.

Veterans primarily receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) similarly used dental and vision services under Medicare Advantage (MA) and traditional Medicare, challenging the justification for full MA capitated payments based on supplemental benefits.

Emma Achola-Kothari, PhD, highlights the need to expand Medigap access for Medicare beneficiaries younger than 65 years and calls for future research connecting access barriers to health outcomes.

Emma Achola-Kothari, PhD, explains that younger Medicare beneficiaries without supplemental coverage face high costs, while dual-eligible beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans struggle with provider access.

New global analysis calls for urgent, targeted interventions as aging populations face rising rates of skin cancer.