Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Oct. 30, 2025
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Making Insulin More Affordable
A new RAND study examines a Medicare program designed to lower the cost of insulin. The initiative met its main objectives, lowering Medicare beneficiaries' out-of-pocket costs for insulin and increasing their regular use of the medication. The program also cut costs for the federal government.
But there were some unanticipated results. For instance, Medicare beneficiaries who do not use insulin saw their drug insurance costs rise.
Overall, the findings show that cost-saving efforts can provide meaningful change for some Medicare recipients, especially those taking multiple expensive medications. "Patients reported that having a consistent out-of-pocket cost for insulin allowed them to better manage their expenses," says lead author Erin Taylor. Insights like these may help policymakers develop strategies to reduce the cost of other prescription drugs.
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Americans Think AI Leadership Is Crucial
The White House's AI Action Plan, released in July, positions AI advancement as key to global strategic competition. Does the American public share this view? According to new RAND survey results, the answer is a resounding yes. When asked how important it is for the United States to lead the world in AI development and use, 37 percent rated its importance a 10 out of 10, while 72 percent gave it at least a 6 out of 10.
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Practical Steps to Prevent Mass Shootings
Americans are living through an era where mass shootings are a persistent threat. According to RAND's John Hollywood, there are effective ways to defend against these incidents. The key is a layered security approach at public spaces and events, he says. The first layer is preventing attacks, which is achieved mostly through tips from the public. Additional layers include protecting the perimeter of a site and taking measures to prevent crowds from bottling up outside a facility.
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** RAND Recommends
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- RAND's Melissa Kay Diliberti discusses findings from a recent study she led on cell phone bans in schools.
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- China is a global manufacturing powerhouse, but it underperforms in software and IT services. That may be about to change, say RAND experts.
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- RAND's Wendy Troxel offers tips for better sleep in USA Today.
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** Events
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Is China's Economic Plan Changing?
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (Online)
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The 'Big Shift' from Hospitals to Communities
Thursday, November 6, 2025 (Online)
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The Geopolitics of AGI
Thursday, November 20, 2025 (Online)
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