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What We're Reading: Americans Skeptical About Patient-Centered Care Benefits
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What we're reading, November 9, 2015: Americans worry patient-centered care is a gimmick; insurers raise new concerns over the increasing prices for generic drugs; and President Obama challenges 20 cities to sign up the most uninsured on the exchanges.
Skepticism Remains Barrier to Patient-Centered Care
An article by the Associated Press (AP) is highlighting the benefits of patient-centered care as the culture of America’s health system change from treating symptoms to treating people. The biggest hurdle to overcome remains getting people to buy into the concept: an AP poll found that there is skepticism among Americans age 40 years and older who have not tried this type of care. However, people who have experienced an aspect of patient-centered care have felt the improvement in care.
New Concerns Over the Increasing Prices for Generic Drugs
While most of the concerns regarding soaring drug prices have focused on new specialty treatments, insurers are now seeing huge increases for some commonly used drugs, according to the Boston Globe. While the increases appear modest—one antibiotic climbed 6 cents—the costs can add up quickly because these drugs are used in high volumes.
Obama Administration Challenges Cities to Get the Most People Signed Up for Insurance
President Obama is challenging cities to compete and sign up the most people during the third year of open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. The Healthy Communities Challenge is targeting the 20 cities with the most uninsured people eligible for marketplace coverage and the city with the most sign-ups will get a presidential visit.
