Scrutiny over Restrictions on Weight-Loss Drugs Reveals Disparities in Obesity Care Coverage
Healthcare organizations and insurers are facing scrutiny over the restrictions placed on weight-loss drugs, shedding light on the disparities in obesity care coverage. The rise of highly effective weight-loss medications has brought attention to the unequal treatment of obesity within health plans, sparking initiatives like the EveryBODY campaign to advocate for comprehensive coverage. The debate surrounding coverage for obesity care has also been influenced by pharmaceutical companies, with some advocating for broader coverage to expand their customer base. Zeke Emanuel, a medical ethicist, highlighted the disparities in obesity care coverage as a reflection of deep-seated societal biases, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach to obesity care coverage.
Study Shows Incarceration History Linked to Worse Access to Health Care
A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum found that individuals with a history of incarceration have worse access to and receipt of health care. The study revealed that these individuals had lower percentages of receiving preventive services, such as physical examinations, blood pressure tests, and cancer screenings. The findings emphasize the need for efforts to improve access to education and health insurance coverage for individuals with a history of incarceration in order to mitigate disparities in care.
Schizophrenia linked to increased risk for subsequent CVD events
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, with the association stronger in women. The researchers observed a significant relationship of schizophrenia with an increased risk for developing composite CVD events in both men and women, with a stronger association seen in women. The study suggests a need for greater support for individuals, particularly women, with schizophrenia, and for psychiatrists, cardiologists, and general physicians to apply these findings to CVD prevention.
Health Care Disparities for Inuit with Lung Cancer in Nunavik
A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal revealed disparities in lung cancer outcomes between Inuit inhabitants of Nunavik and Montreal. The findings suggest systemic issues within the health care system, rather than genetic predisposition, as the cause. The study authors recommended measures to improve survival, including tailored smoking cessation and prevention services, accessible lung cancer screening, and enhanced lung health services in the region.
UnitedHealth Group Inc. Faces Antitrust Investigation Impacting Stock
Insurer Lemonade warns of decreased profits due to increased spending, while UnitedHealth Group Inc. faces an antitrust investigation, causing its stock to fall. The Justice Department is examining the relationships between UnitedHealthcare and its Optum units, focusing on the impact of acquisitions on competitors and consumers. With a significant market presence, UnitedHealth has been under regulatory scrutiny before, and its recent stock drop and ongoing investigation are of interest to investors and industry observers.
Genomic Data in the All of Us Research Program
The All of Us Research Program is making significant strides in mapping the genetic basis of human disease, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. The latest release includes 245,388 clinical-grade genome sequences, with a high percentage of participants from historically under-represented communities and racial and ethnic minorities. The comprehensive dataset has identified over 1 billion genetic variants, with coding consequences for over 3.9 million, and is publicly available for researchers to access. This diverse dataset is expected to advance the promise of genomic medicine for all.
The Constant Threat of Heart Disease in America
Despite medical advancements, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. with someone dying of heart disease every 33 seconds. Many Americans underestimate the threat of heart disease, leading to high costs and mortality rates. The 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study evaluates and benchmarks cardiovascular care across the country, with this year’s top-rated hospitals outperforming their peers on all 23 measures.
RSV Passive Immunization 69% Effective in Protecting Infants
The Eurosurveillance Rapid Communication published a study on January 25, 2024, that concluded Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab) was about 69% effective at preventing pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in infants. This study provides early real-world evidence of nirsevimab immunization protecting infants from severe RSV disease in Luxembourg, with a significant decrease in RSV cases among infants under six months old.
Significant Shift in Healthcare as More Than One-Third of American Adults Embrace Alternative Therapies
Healthcare is undergoing a significant shift as more than one-third of American adults are now incorporating alternative therapies into their medical care. According to a recent study published in JAMA, 37 percent of adult pain patients utilized nontraditional medical care…
Study Links Living in Poor Neighborhoods to Worse Stroke Recovery
Living in poor neighborhoods has been found to be linked to worse stroke recovery, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024. The study revealed that stroke survivors living in areas…