Lawmakers are under pressure to decide the fate of COVID-era telehealth payment changes; the CDC reports an alarming increase in sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases among Americans 55 years and older; new regulations aim to reduce harmful exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.”
Congressional Debate on Telehealth Services Intensifies as Deadline Looms
As the year-end deadline approaches for telehealth-related COVID-era payment changes, federal lawmakers are grappling with crucial decisions regarding the future of these services, including coverage under Medicare and other insurance plans, according to Kaiser Health News. The outcome of these deliberations will have a significant impact on access to virtual health care, particularly for rural and underserved communities. Despite bipartisan support for telehealth, the looming presidential election and legislative deadlines add complexity to the process, raising concerns about potential delays in finalizing critical policies.
Surprising Rise in STD Rates Among Older Americans Sparks Concern
Recent data from the CDC reveal a startling trend: Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are on the rise among Americans 55 years and older, according to Fox News. Chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, and gonorrhea are among the diseases affecting this age group at an alarming rate. The statistics, spanning from 2012 to 2022, highlight a significant surge in reported cases vs previous years. Experts attribute the rise in cases to factors such as inadequate sex education during the individuals’ youth, potentially leaving them ill-equipped to protect themselves later in life.
Biden Administration Introduces Landmark National PFAS Limit for Safe Drinking Water
The Biden administration has finalized the first national standard to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in drinking water, according to CNN. These chemicals, linked to various health issues, have been found in nearly half of the water supply in the US. The new rule mandates that water utilities filter 5 specific types of PFAS, setting legally enforceable limits to mitigate health risks. However, critics raise concerns about the financial burden on water systems and question the underlying science behind the standards.
Tackling Health Inequality: The Power of Education and Experience
April 30th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our final episode of this limited series and our conversation with Janine Jelks-Seale, MSPPM, director of health equity at UPMC Health Plan.
Listen
Makers of medical tests will have about 4 years to show the FDA that their new offerings deliver accurate results; after previously decreasing for 27 years, US tuberculosis (TB) cases increased every year since 2020; a US district judge rejected a challenge by Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson to the Medicare drug price negotiation program.
Read More
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen
Just as it is important for retail analysts to understand the choices their customers make and why they may choose not to purchase a specific item, so is it important for the specialty pharmacy industry to understand the actions of prescribers and how the often inefficient prior authorization process affects patient outcomes.
Read More