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Democrats laud FDA move to lift estrogen therapy warning
1 month ago•Source: The Hill
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27.59 min•1 month ago
Texas sets ACA enrollment record as open enrollment nears its deadline
Texas opened 2026 with a record 4.11 million Texans selecting ACA plans as of Jan. 3—about 6.5% more than 2025—marking a new state record, though the data are preliminary and may not reflect who will maintain coverage after payments. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15 amid the expiration of enhanced subsidies and ongoing federal negotiations on a subsidy extension. Experts caution that auto-renewals and income levels will influence the final coverage numbers.
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Europe Advances Access to Safe and Legal Abortions
politico.eu•2 months ago
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Hochul Considers Signing Medical Aid in Dying Bill
City & State New York•2 months ago
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Trump Admin Unveils New Medicaid Drug Pricing Initiatives
The Trump administration's CMS is launching a five-year pilot in 2026 to link Medicaid drug prices to lower international prices through a 'Most Favored Nation' model, allowing participating states to negotiate lower prices for certain drugs, amid ongoing debates about its impact on drug costs and rebates.
CDC Acting Director Advocates for Splitting MMR Vaccine into Three Shots
Acting CDC director Jim O’Neill suggested separating the MMR vaccine into three individual shots, a move unsupported by research and opposed by experts, citing potential decreases in vaccination adherence and increased disease risk. The proposal echoes past discredited claims linking vaccines to autism and raises concerns about complicating vaccine schedules and manufacturing.
Scientists Uncover New Method to Prevent Cancer
Scientists are discovering new powerful methods to prevent cancer, focusing on understanding and intervening in the DNA mutations that lead to tumor development.
Missouri and Ohio See Drop in Childhood Vaccinations, Raising Outbreak Concerns
Missouri's kindergarten vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, dropping to 90%, which raises concerns about potential measles outbreaks and public health risks, especially amid rising exemptions and misinformation.
CDC to Resume Overdose Prevention Funding Amidst Political Delays
The CDC is restoring full funding for its Overdose Data to Action program, which had faced delays and partial funding under the previous administration, aiming to better track and reduce drug overdoses including fentanyl, with concerns raised about transparency and impact on communities.
Medicare and Hospitals Clash Over Outpatient Care and Payment Policies
The Trump administration's CMS proposed expanding a policy to require Medicare to pay the same rate for outpatient services regardless of delivery location, targeting hospital reimbursement practices and aiming to save billions, though hospitals oppose the move citing patient care complexities.
RFK Jr. Challenges CDC's COVID Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Pregnant Women
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stopped recommending routine Covid-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, sparking controversy and concerns about increased health risks and reduced vaccine access, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and infants. Experts warn that this decision could undermine public health efforts and complicate vaccine coverage and affordability.
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Backlash
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed a controversial policy that would have limited anesthesia coverage during surgeries, following backlash from physicians, lawmakers, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The policy, which was set to affect plans in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, would have denied claims for anesthesia exceeding estimated procedure times. Critics, including Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, argued it would burden patients with unexpected medical debt. Anthem clarified that the policy was intended to align with clinical guidelines and not to deny necessary anesthesia services.
Trump's Second Term: Implications for Healthcare and Public Health
The Trump administration's impact on the health care industry remains uncertain as different factions within the Republican Party vie for influence. The pro-business wing favors deregulation and lower taxes, while the populist wing is critical of large corporations, including pharmaceutical companies. Potential policy changes could affect insurers if Affordable Care Act subsidies expire and hospitals if Medicaid cuts lead to more uninsured patients.
"Physician Burnout and Pay Disparities Highlighted in 2023 Study"
A new survey reveals a burnout crisis among U.S. doctors due to low pay, high workloads, and a labor shortage, threatening the health care system. Around 81% of physicians feel overworked, with many considering early retirement. Administrative burdens and a significant gender pay gap exacerbate the issue. Solutions like increased education funding, loan forgiveness, virtual visits, and AI tools for administrative tasks are suggested to alleviate the crisis.