SPOTLIGHT -
Most Consumer Health Care Decisions Being Affected by Inflation
As inflation rises, consumers are beginning to lose confidence in their ability to cover health care expenses.
More Americans Lack a Consistent Source of Health Care
Health disparities in care were made worse by the pandemic.
Almost 1 in 3 Americans Feel Unprepared for 2023 Health Care Costs
Inflation is the top reason that nearly one-third of Americans are concerned about covering unexpected health care needs
Vaccine Confidence Decreased Significantly During Pandemic
Confidence in vaccines is lower post-pandemic across all demographic groups
Undiagnosed Diabetes May Not Be as Common as Thought
Overall numbers may be lower, but the obese, racial/ethnic minorities, and those without health care access have higher numbers of undiagnosed diabetes
Nearly 40% of Americans Say Inflation Has Impacted Health Care
Patients are either skipping care completely, cutting costs elsewhere, or borrowing money to pay for health care
What Drives Link Between Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder
Patients with central sensitization struggle more with pain and quitting opioids
Medicare Advantage Plans Not So Advantageous for Patients
Diabetes patients with a Medicare Advantage plan had poorer health than those on fee-for-service plans
Before Getting Better, the Opioid Crisis Will Get Worse
500,000 lives expected to be lost to opioids over the next 10 years
Prescription Drug Insurance Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
Lower household income and requiring multiple medications play large roles
Impact of Racism in Health Care on Vaccine Hesitancy in Minority Groups
Study shows that 10% of minorities refused COVID-19 vaccines because of past racial discrimination experiences
Evaluating the LInk Between Health Care Provider Stress, Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing
Handing out antibiotics for illnesses they weren’t meant for adds to the distress that health care providers feel.
Increase In Prescription Spending Reported in 2021
COVID-19 vaccines and therapies were the main drivers of the increase.
HHS: $90 Million Commitment to Reduce Health Disparities Through Data
The funds will help identify and reduce health disparities.
Challenges for States as Public Health Emergency Ends
There are no easy solutions for people who gained insurance coverage through Medicaid.
Report: Racial Prejudice Hurts Health Outcomes
Study shows that people who live in communities with higher levels of racial prejudice have higher rates of heart disease and mental health problems.
Increasing Vaccination Divide Between Rural, Urban Communities
Rural areas lag well behind their urban counterparts when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations
Financial Struggle Anticipated Among Medicare Patients in 2022
Many will be forced to forgo care or return to the workforce to pay health care bills
Half of Health Care Workers Burned Out, Says Survey
Almost one-quarter of workers are thinking about leaving health care after 2 years of the pandemic.
Massive Surge in Illness, Injury Among Health Care Workers
Health care and social workers combined for more injuries and illnesses than any other industry in the nation.
Robert Califf Confirmed as New Head of FDA
Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC, was approved in a 50-46 vote by the senate.
New Antibacterial Drugs Lagging in Development, Investment
Industry and investors are focusing on other segments despite the need for new therapeutics
Supreme Court Ruling Blocks COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Employers
Employee mandate would have impacted 84 million workers. Healthcare mandate affects every facility that receives federal funding.
Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Tests to be Covered by Group Plans, Insurance Companies
Free coverage starts January 15
Patients at Higher Risk During the Holidays
Women and those in their 50s and early 60s reported the most stress about COVID-19
Hepatitis B Vaccine FDA-Approved for Adults
PreHevbrio is the only 3-antigen vaccine for Hepatitis B approved for adults
