Financial Inequalities in Antenatal Care: Lessons from the Netherlands and the US
Despite the general availability of maternity care in the Netherlands, financial barriers persist for pregnant women due to high health plans (HDHPs), according to a study published in Health Issues. A study evaluated the impact of a bundled payment system designed to improve coordination of prenatal care and reduce costs, and found modest clinical changes but a 5% reduction in total prenatal care use. . However, the financial burden on women is still worrying, showing findings from a US study where HDHPs can cause significant out-of-pocket costs, especially when the pregnancy is over 2 years old. insurance plan, something called “deductible double jeopardy.” These studies show the need for systemic changes in both countries to protect pregnant women from financial risk, highlighting the broader challenge of addressing cost-sharing practices in maternity care.
Initiatives to Advance Health Equity: The Youth Health Behavior Policy Program
In this episode of the Managed Care Cast podcast series Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity, Chris Barton, LCSW, senior director at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, discusses the Youth Behavioral Health Strategy program. This initiative addresses the growing problems of mental health and drug use among young people in a comprehensive approach based on 5 key pillars: prevention, early identification and intervention, care for all children , parent management and support, and community involvement.
Abortion of Presidential Debate: Trump Defends National Sanctions, Harris Vows on National Security
During the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, moderator Linsey Davis asked Trump about his changing position on abortion, highlighting his support for the abortion ban 6 weeks pregnant in Florida even though she was against it earlier. Trump defended his position by criticizing what he described as the Democrats’ “radical” abortion policies and emphasized his role in the reversal. Roe v Wadewhich he argued allows states to decide on abortion rights. Harris countered by accusing Trump of misleading the public and deliberately appointing Supreme Court justices to impose restrictions on abortion. the debate highlighted the stark differences in their views on reproductive rights, with Harris stressing the importance of protecting women’s autonomy and pledging to give back. Roe v Wade if elected; Trump said he would reject a national abortion ban in favor of interstate independence.
Reducing Global Treatment Gaps in Multiple Myeloma
In the interview, Leland Metheny, MD, lead investigator for the phase 1 BAFF CAR T clinical trial, Seidman University Hospitals Cancer Center, discusses the challenges and goals going forward in treating relapsed/refractory myeloma resistant to CAR T-cell therapy. Although CAR T-cell therapies have increased progression-free survival, they are not curative, and patients eventually relapse. Metheny emphasizes the need for more effective and faster CAR T-cell therapy, as current methods may take longer for some patients. He also highlighted the broader goal of making stem cell treatments universally accessible, including in areas with limited resources, to ensure global equity in cancer care.
US Health Care Center Lasts Overall Among High-Income Countries
The US ranked last among the 11 countries with the most money in the health care system, particularly in terms of equity, access to care and health outcomes, according to a new report by The Commonwealth Fund, entitled “Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing US. Health System.” Despite spending a lot on health care, the US faces significant challenges such as high out-of-pocket costs, 26 million uninsured people, and stark disparities in care. maintenance. The nation ranks low in health outcomes, with high rates of preventable disease and lower than average life expectancy. The report suggests that the US can improve its health care system by reducing financial barriers, simplifying the insurance system, investing in primary care, and addressing public health issues.
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