What We’re Reading: Insurance Challenges to Gender-Affirming Care; Emergency Blood Shortage; Walgreens Settles With Humana

Insurance Hurdles Challenge Access to Gender-Affirming Care

In the aftermath of several states banning gender-affirming care for minors, independent clinics and medical practices have stepped up in adjacent states to fill the void, but they are now facing significant difficulties obtaining malpractice insurance, according to Kaiser Health News. Nearly half the states have implemented restrictions on transgender health care for youth, making clinics more susceptible to litigation. Rising malpractice premiums and coverage denials have become a hidden barrier, hindering the provision of gender-affirming care, even in states with legal protections for such health care.

Critically Low Blood Supply Puts Strain on Hospitals, Prompts Urgent Calls for Donations

The US is grappling with a severe blood shortage, marked by the lowest number of blood donors in 2 decades and a 40% decline in donations through the American Red Cross over the past 20 years, according to CNN. A shortfall of nearly 7000 units occurred between Christmas and New Year's Day, and the shortage is expected to worsen due to a combination of harsh winter conditions and seasonal illnesses. The Red Cross warns of critically low supply levels across the country, leaving hospitals and patients in need, and is urging health care professionals and the public to donate blood as soon as possible to address the crisis.

Walgreens Settles with Humana Over $642 Million Arbitration Award Dispute

Walgreens has reached a settlement with Humana to resolve a lawsuit filed in 2022 in which it sought to overturn a $642 million arbitration award won by the insurer, according to Reuters. Walgreens has now agreed to pay $360 million to Humana to settle this lawsuit. Humana had accused Walgreens of inflating prescription drug prices for over a decade, a claim that Walgreens denied. While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, Walgreens still faces other drug-price overcharge claims, including some from Blue Cross Blue Shield plaintiffs; the company has pledged to "vigorously defend" itself.