Sunday, March 31, 2024 | The Latest Research, Commentary, and News from Health Affairs
Dear John,
Volume 2, Issue 3, of Health Affairs Scholar explores oncologic drug repository programs, health care financing, racial disparities in medical crowdfunding, the economic impact of recent legislation on ICU care, and more.
The authors highlight Iowa’s statewide, mail order oral anticancer drug program as a “…uniquely effective and efficient program that should be replicated across the country.”
Through their analysis the authors offer recommendations across several domains to enhance and expand state programs, underscoring their pivotal role in providing accessible and affordable cancer care.
Two studies examine the role of payment in treatment outcomes for opioid use disorders.
They found that patients with in-network benefits were 50 percent more likely to be retained in care compared to those who paid cash. Importantly, this difference persisted when restricting the analysis to insured patients and comparing those with in-network and out-of-network coverage.
Their findings highlight the importance of insurance coverage and suggest that Medicaid disenrollment following the phase-out of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and insurance plans’ reluctance to work with telehealth providers may impede efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis.
Through a policy analysis and interviews with payment policy experts, the authors found that Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid generally cover various MOUD formulations, while private insurance coverage varies, often excluding methadone.
Experts cautioned against rigid reimbursement models and advocated for value-based payment models and increasing payment for MOUD provided in office settings and opioid treatment programs. The authors conclude that implementing a value-based payment model would rely on validating performance metrics and building providers' capacity to track and report performance data.
Also included in the issue:
A commentary by Rita Hamad underscores the significant contributions immigrants make to society and urges policy makers to support safety-net policies and investments that provide essential services to aid their successful transition.
A brief report by Sneha Kannan and Zirui Song examines the economic implications of the No Surprises Act, which prohibits balance billing by ICU specialists for emergency and most non-emergency care, and the potential impact it may have on the care patients receive.
Amanda Chen on New CMS Nursing Home Ownership Data
Health Affairs' Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil interviews Amanda Chen of Harvard University on her recent paper that identifies major gaps and discrepancies in new CMS nursing home ownership data.
The insights provided by Chen highlight the need for transparent ownership data in order to understand the adequacy of public payments to provide patient care, enable policy makers to make timely decisions, and evaluate nursing home quality.
We are still accepting applications for our upcoming summer internship program! But keep in mind, this is your last day to apply.
Our summer internships for college students and high school graduates will run from mid-June through early August.
Available jobs are listed on our website and applications are due today, March 31, 2024.
Health Affairs is committed to providing a robust intern experience, including special projects, access to Health Affairs staff, and inclusion in various team and all-staff meetings.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
The April 2024 issue of Health Affairs focuses on the topic: “Perinatal Mental Health & Well-Being.”
Building on the success of our October 2021 issue on perinatal mental health, the new issue expands the focus on equity, justice, and well-being.
You are invited to join us on Wednesday, April 3, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern), for a virtual forum at which authors will present their work, engage in discussions, and answer questions on important issues.
Health Affairs is the leading peer-reviewed journal at the intersection of health, health care, and policy. Published monthly by Project HOPE, the journal is available in print and online.
Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian relief organization that places power in the hands of local health care workers to save lives across the globe. Project HOPE has published Health Affairs since 1981.
