What We’re Reading: Free HIV Medication; MA Anticompetitive Regulations; Surge in Syphilis Cases

Free Preventive Medication to Protect Older Americans From HIV

The Biden administration has introduced a proposed federal policy to enhance the prevention of HIV in older Americans by offering free preventive medication, specifically preexposure prophylaxis drugs (PrEP), according to ABC News. Under this plan, Medicare would fully cover the cost of PrEP, including long-acting injectables, for those 65 years and older. With older Americans making up a significant portion of those already living with HIV, this policy shift aims to reduce infections among this age group. However, it also underscores the need for more equitable access to PrEP for those under 65, especially women and people of color, to further combat the HIV epidemic in the United States.

Tighter Regulations to Curb Anticompetitive Practices in Medicare Advantage Market

The Biden administration is introducing stricter regulations to address anticompetitive practices within the Medicare Advantage (MA) market, with a focus on limiting excessive compensation to agents and brokers, according to The Hill. CMS aims to enhance the selection and enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in plans that align with their health care needs, rather than financial incentives for agents and brokers. The proposed rule would eliminate current frameworks allowing separate payments, redefine compensation definitions, and establish a fixed compensation amount of $632 per MA enrollment, promoting better alignment with statutory requirements. If finalized, these rules would come into effect by 2025.

Alarming Surge in Congenital Syphilis Cases Spurs Urgent Prevention Measures

US health officials are deeply concerned about the significant increase in congenital syphilis cases, with more than 3700 babies born with the disease in 2022, marking a 10-fold increase from a decade ago and a 32% rise from 2021, according to the Associated Press. The CDC is urging intensified prevention measures, emphasizing the importance of encouraging women of childbearing age and their partners to undergo syphilis testing. This surge in congenital syphilis is linked to a simultaneous rise in primary and secondary syphilis cases in adults and has been exacerbated by difficulties in accessing the main treatment, benzathine penicillin injections, due to supply shortages. The CDC's data indicate that more than half of the congenital syphilis cases involve mothers who tested positive during pregnancy but did not receive proper treatment, underscoring the need for proactive intervention.