CMS finalizes policies to enhance consumer protections, promote competition, and expand access to care for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D; digital therapeutic Rejoyn receives FDA clearance for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD); study reveals minimal symptom reduction from nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid) in high-risk, fully vaccinated patients.
CMS Strengthens Protections, Access for MA, Part D Enrollees
CMS announced the finalization of policies that aim to increase enrollee protections and enhance access to care in Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, according to a press release. Key measures include restrictions on insurance agent compensation, prohibition of personal beneficiary data sharing, and requirements for health equity analysis and behavioral health provider inclusion. Additionally, the rule mandates evidence-based supplemental benefits, promotes biosimilar substitution, and prioritizes access to accurate information for Medicare enrollees.
FDA Approves First Prescription Digital Treatment for Adults With MDD
The FDA has authorized the use of Rejoyn, the first prescription digital treatment for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), according to CNN. Developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Click Therapeutics, Rejoyn utilizes a 6-week program incorporating cognitive-emotional training and cognitive behavioral therapy lessons, designed to complement existing antidepressant medications. While the app's effectiveness was not significantly different from a sham app in clinical trials, it aims to serve as an adjunct therapy for partial responders to antidepressants.
Limited Efficacy of Paxlovid in Fully Vaccinated Individuals
A recent study showed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid) showed little efficacy in reducing symptoms among fully vaccinated individuals with COVID-19 risk factors, according to CIDRAP. In the trial, which included 1296 participants, there was no significant difference in symptom duration between those who received Paxlovid and those who received a placebo. Experts cautioned that the study's findings may not apply to older patients, and further research is needed to evaluate the drug's long-term effectiveness and its potential to prevent long COVID.
Enhancing Outpatient Hemophilia Care May Improve Health Outcomes and Costs
May 18th 2024Prospective data from patients attending a rural practice in West Virginia between 2016 and 2023 show that a quality improvement program that followed guideline recommendations and was tailored to specific patient needs reduced preventable bleeds and lowered costs.
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Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: May 18, 2024
May 18th 2024The US Senate hosted a panel addressing physician and health care shortages and efforts to increase minority representation in the medical field. An expert discussed initiatives to prevent senior homelessness. Advocates called for the repeal of the Comstock Act. Regulatory reforms are called for to improve rural cancer patients' access to pharmacies. Research reveals the impact of denials on patient access to immunology treatments.
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CMS Medicare Final Rule: Advancing Benefits, Competition, and Consumer Protection
May 7th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Karen Iapoce, senior director of government products and programs at ZeOmega, about the recent CMS final rule on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage.
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Congress Urged to Repeal Comstock Act Threatening Reproductive Rights and Public Health
May 16th 2024In a joint letter addressed to Congress, Healthcare Across Borders, Take Back the Court Action Fund, and UltraViolet Action called out the resurgence of the Comstock Act, urging immediate action to repeal this century-old law that threatens reproductive rights and public health in the US.
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After the ACA Expanded Health Care Access, 2024 Elections May See Voters Demand Affordability
May 15th 2024At the spring conference of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, speakers discussed how health policy, affordability, and transparency may play a role in voters’ decisions.
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